a sweet autumn engagement session with erin and jeff

Erin and Jeff's Autumn Engagement Photo Session in Shevlin Park: A Romantic Walk Through Fall Color

When Erin and Jeff decided on a location for their engagement photos, they knew the crown jewel of Bend, Oregon parks would be the perfect place. Their session took place on a gorgeous October day, the kind where the aspens are bursting with shades of gold and amber.

Erin and Jeff’s connection is effortlessly beautiful and throughout the session, their smiles, laughter, and playfulness made for a sweet and fun session for all of us!

A lovely Park Setting

Shevlin Park is truly a gem on the outskirts of Bend, with its groves of aspens, winding trails, and beautiful Tumalo Creek running through the middle of it all. We had a beautiful sunny afternoon to work with and the sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor, adding a magical atmosphere to each frame.

As Erin and Jeff explored the park with me, it really felt as though the world around them disappeared, leaving only their laughter and the beauty of the changing season. It didn’t take much prompting for them to stop to share a kiss or warm embrace.

outfits perfect for a fall photo session

Erin and Jeff’s outfits were perfectly suited for the autumn setting—cozy yet stylish, with a mix of colors and textures that harmonized beautifully with the natural surroundings. Erin wore two outfits, a beautiful green, floral patterned dress that flowed around her as she and Jeff walked the trails, and adorable burnt orange courdory pants and a dark sweater that complimented the deep gold hues of the leaves.

Jeff wore a classic button-up chambray shirt under a cozy vest—perfect for the fall season. Paired with dark jeans and rugged boots, his outfit was both comfortable and charming. Their coordinated yet relaxed looks complemented each other, with the earth-toned color palette mirroring the autumn landscape around them.

Their outfits were practical too, as they allowed for plenty of movement while still looking chic. Whether they were laughing, walking hand-in-hand, or sitting together on a blanket, Erin and Jeff were at ease in their clothing, and it showed in the photos.

Intimate Moments Among the Trees

The engagement session kicked off with Erin and Jeff walking hand-in-hand down a leaf-strewn trail, their eyes soft with affection as they shared a quiet conversation. There was something about being surrounded by the stillness of the forest that made their connection feel even more intimate. As they strolled beneath the canopy of golden leaves, their love for each other seemed to echo through the trees.

One of the most touching moments of the shoot happened when Erin and Jeff stopped in front of a particularly stunning tree, its branches draped in golden foliage. Jeff gently pulled Erin into his arms, and they shared a sweet kiss under the tree's vibrant canopy. I was able to catch the moment just as the light was filtering through the leaves and it was a perfect snapshot of their love—a blend of warmth and loving tenderness.

Playful, Whimsical Shots in the Forest

Of course, no autumn engagement shoot is complete without a little bit of fun. Erin and Jeff embraced the playfulness of the season with a few lighthearted moments. Both avid runners, we decided we should incorporate a little race into the session. I worked to capture them in motion, Erin’s hair flying, their feet floating off the ground. (Erin won, of course ;)) One of the last shots was a classic “jumping for joy” shot, and their excitement and happiness comes shining through in the photo.

Golden Hour Magic: Sunset in the Forest

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we stopped in a little clearing and Erin and Jeff sat down among the trees. The last rays of the day were still peeking through the tall ponderosa pines and cast an ethereal glow over the scene. These final moments were relaxed, peaceful, and sweet, a wonderful way to wrap up a joyous and fun-loving engagement session.

The Little Details

I always try to capture the small, in-between moments during a session and there were plenty of sweet looks, gentle touches, and tender glances to be had. I could tell that Erin and Jeff shared such a special connection by observing the easy way they laughed together and effortless, loving gestures that came so naturally. And I couldn’t get over Erin’s ring! Jeff had a local jewelry designer custom create a ring for Erin, and it was truly one of the most unique and beautiful rings I’d seen. I made sure to capture a few close ups of this special piece - you can find more of these custom pieces at Union Studio Metals in Bend.

A Perfect Fall Day to Remember

We wrapped up the engagement session just as the sun started to sink below the horizon, all of us laughing and feeling the love. Erin and Jeff felt their engagement photos would definitely capture this incredible time in their lives, full of excitement and joy. The photos captured not just their connection but the essence of their relationship—grounded in love, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

For Erin and Jeff, this autumn engagement session was more than just a photo shoot. It was a celebration of the season, of their journey together, and of the memories they would continue to create as they moved toward the next chapter of their lives. It felt like a perfect kick-off to this brand new life they were creating together.