A Late Summer Engagement Session at Valley Forge National Park | Jackie + Ian | September 15, 2025
I can shoot exactly in the same spot, do all the same things with my couples and families, and it still won’t matter. The photos will have their own creative spirit. Many factors influence the final artistic result: weather, temperature, time of year, sun angle, and most importantly, the clients themselves. Each group or couple will interpret and follow my instructions in their own way, have preferences, wear different clothes, and have heights that enable or restrict certain poses. They also bring a mix of personalities that make each shoot unique and inspire my creative flow every time I go out to shoot. That’s what makes my work art, not just “taking pictures.” Knowing how to use the big camera and lenses helps, but they aren’t what create the real magic. It’s a combination of many factors coming together that produces the final result.
Jackie and Ian reminded me of this on Monday during their Valley Forge National Park engagement session. I have visited this location four times in the past five weeks. It’s odd because five weeks ago was the first time I shot at The National Memorial Arch in my decade-long career as a professional photographer. While waiting for Jackie to arrive, Ian shared that he proposed to Jackie at this spot. The weather had been rainy and wet for weeks earlier this year, and finally, he grew tired of waiting for the perfect day and just went for it. I love that. So many times, we wait and wait for everything to be just right, but the truth is we create our own “perfect” through our attitudes and perspectives.
He said there was no one around... just the two of them. It was a stark contrast to the sunny, warm day filled with hikers, bikers, and visitors to the historic area in front of us on Monday. Since no one was there to take a picture that day, a few months ago, they said they only took a selfie to mark the occasion. So, it was an obvious choice to hold their engagement session at the spot where their forever began.
Luckily, I had been there before too, so we got right to the fun stuff, and I quickly saw that these two are as silly as they are sweet together. Ian took the chance to twirl and kiss Jackie as much as he wanted. For every joke and silly smile from Ian, there was a matching deep look into Jackie’s eyes and real joy on his face. Jackie was all in for it! I had the best time with them.
This beautiful couple will marry at The Gardens at Applecross in May 2026. I cannot wait to meet all their favorite people on their best day ever. If their friends and family are anything like them, we're going to have a fantastic day! I’m already counting down the days until I get to photograph them again. See a peek into their golden Valley Forge National Memorial Arch engagement session below. Enjoy!
Jackie and Ian, thank you for bringing laughter and fun to your shoot. You made Monday the best day of the week for me, and I’m so glad you chose me as your wedding photographer after seeing Hannah + Justin and Cyndie + Kyle’s photos. I hope you love this little selection of photos from your engagement shoot. Many more are on the way! But because I know how hard it is to wait, don’t forget to check your email later today for a surprise!
Hugs,
Megan
