Tianna & Cayde
There’s something magical about photographing an engagement session during golden hour, and I recently had the joy of doing just that with Tianna and Cayde in a beautiful open field in Chilliwack. The snow-capped mountains in the distance, the surrounding trees, and the crisp March air made for a serene, breathtaking backdrop.
Preparation Is Everything
For this session, preparation was key. I woke up at 6:15 a.m., packed spare batteries, an extra camera body, and my trusty 24-70mm lens. I filled up on gas to make sure I had enough to reach the location, and, of course, made a quick stop at Tim Hortons for some much-needed caffeine.
Since we were aiming for golden hour, I carefully planned the timing. Sunrise was at 7:22 a.m., but with the mountains in the background, the sun would take a bit longer to peek out. I scheduled our session to start at 7:45 a.m. to account for that. Arriving promptly allowed me to set up, scout angles, and ensure everything was ready for the moment the light hit just right.
Client Prep Makes a Difference
Before the session, I shared guidance with Tianna and Cayde to help them feel confident and prepared. I suggested a cohesive, off-white color scheme and encouraged them not to match exactly but to coordinate their outfits for a natural, timeless look. I also reminded them that cell service might be lost as we got closer to the field, so they could plan accordingly.
Capturing Genuine Moments
When we arrived, the field was quiet and still, with a crisp winter chill in the air. The early light created soft shadows and illuminated the mountains beautifully as the sun slowly emerged. After giving them a few minutes to sit together in the field, I asked Tianna and Cayde to share what they love most about one another and what they’re most excited about for their marriage. These small, intimate moments always make for the most authentic and meaningful photographs.
The session was a perfect balance of guidance and freedom. While I suggested poses and adjusted for the light, most of the magic came from letting them interact naturally. Their laughter, gentle touches, and quiet moments of reflection made the photos feel alive and full of emotion.
Golden Hour Magic
As the sun rose higher, the warm morning light poured across the field, highlighting the textures of the grass and the glow of their faces. The clear sky and crisp air added a vibrancy to every frame. Even though it was cold, braving the winter morning was absolutely worth it - the results were stunning.
Final Thoughts
Engagement sessions are about more than just photos - they’re about capturing the love, connection, and anticipation of a couple as they prepare for their life together. With thoughtful preparation, client guidance, and an eye for authentic moments, golden hour in Chilliwack became the perfect setting for
Tianna and Cayde’s story.
Every session I photograph is a collaboration, a blend of planning and spontaneity, and this one was no exception. When clients show up ready to embrace the experience, the results speak for themselves.
Are you planning your engagement session and want to capture golden hour magic like this?
Reach out today to start planning a session that’s authentic, timeless, and uniquely yours.