{A Fall Engagement Session in Northern Iowa}

I was a little nervous scheduling an engagement session at the end of October because, usually by then, majority of the fall color has already fallen to the ground and the weather is always hit or miss. I’m not sure why the nerves creep in. I have photographed numerous engagement sessions around this time of year and they have always turned out wonderful! Thankfully Lauren and Kirk’s session was another example of why I shouldn’t worry so much. They came out to our pasture for the session, and fall was still showing off! We had plenty of beautiful color left on the trees, which made for the perfect backdrop as we wandered around our property.

But even better than the scenery was getting to hear more of their story! Lauren and Kirk met through mutual friends just as Lauren was getting ready to move to Rochester for school. They spent their entire first year together navigating a long-distance relationship, which I’m sure wasn’t always easy! Eventually, Lauren realized that everything she had been looking for was right where Kirk was. And honestly, as a hopeless romantic, I love a good romance story where the girl realizes she’s already found her person.

The two have been engaged since June 30, 2024, and Lauren shared the sweetest story about how Kirk proposed. At the time, she was living back in northwest Iowa, so Kirk planned a day trip to Rochester. They spent the day doing some of their favorite things, including a hike to a waterfall and dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant. They ended the evening at Four Daughters Winery in Spring Valley, Minnesota, where Kirk proposed among the grapevines as the sun was setting. I mean, does it get much more romantic than that?

I absolutely loved spending the evening with these two! They are both so kind and easy to talk to, and I had the best time getting to know them better! They have such a natural connection, and being in front of the camera seemed to come pretty effortlessly. We even joked that Lauren must have learned all her modeling skills from watching America’s Next Top Model growing up. 😂 Whatever the case, she definitely knew what she was doing!

One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is getting to see a couple together before their wedding day. You get a little glimpse into their relationship, and with Lauren and Kirk, it was easy to see just how much they enjoy one another! I already know next spring is going to be so much fun, and I cannot wait to celebrate these two again! Lauren and Kirk, thank you for coming out to our pasture. I’m so glad I get to be part of your story!