Rattray Marsh Engagement Photos

Some sessions just feel right from the second they start — and this one with Amelia and Andy at Rattray Marsh in Mississauga? One of those.

From the moment I met them in the parking lot, I could feel the calm, grounded energy between them. It was one of those golden evenings where the light just kept getting softer and warmer as we walked, and I immediately knew we were in for something special.

Their wedding is coming up this fall at Ganaraska Forest Centre, and after spending the evening together, I can already picture how beautiful it’s going to be. These two have such a deep connection to nature, and this location couldn’t have been a better match for their vibe — quiet, wild, and full of variety.

Natural Connection, Real Laughs

We started out slow, walking the wooden boardwalk trails surrounded by tall trees and that perfect late-day sun filtering in. It’s always a little nerve-wracking in the beginning — most people aren’t used to being in front of the camera — but Amelia and Andy relaxed into it so fast. Before long, they were laughing together, whispering little jokes, and honestly, just having a good time.

There was one moment where they burst into laughter and couldn’t stop — and those are the moments I live for. That’s the good stuff. The real, unfiltered, this-is-us kind of magic I always hope to capture.

An older couple walks barefoot along a stone path at Rattray Marsh in Mississauga, sharing a quiet, intimate moment under a dramatic sky filled with soft, billowing clouds.

Dancing Through the Rain 🌧️

Just when we thought we had hit golden hour perfection, the weather decided to switch things up. A few soft drops turned into a light drizzle — and instead of stressing or calling it quits, Amelia and Andy just… embraced it.

I always say: rain doesn’t ruin a shoot — it elevates it. The textures get deeper, the colors get richer, and the vibe? Mood for days. Amelia and Andy leaned into that moody magic, laughing under the trees, brushing rain from each other’s hair, and just going with it like total champs.

That Golden Hour Glow ✨

The highlight moment? A little hidden patch of tall grasses right at golden hour. The sun flared perfectly behind them as they walked through, hand-in-hand, and the breeze picked up just enough to catch Amelia’s hair and create that magic. You’ll see what I mean in the photos — it was unreal.

We wrapped up the session by the water. It gave those final photos a soft, nostalgic feel that was the perfect way to close out our shoot.

And by that point, they weren’t thinking about photos anymore — they were just enjoying a peaceful moment together. That’s always my goal with every engagement session. Not to stage or pose too much — just to create an experience that feels like a memory in the making.

Unexpected Magic: A Key, a Flair, and Spring Vibes

One of my favorite parts of any shoot is when we get to play. After the sun started dipping lower and we were wrapping up by the water, I had this wild idea to use Andy’s key — from his pocket — to create an intentional flare. I positioned it just right to catch the last bit of golden light, and it shot through the frame like this glowing beam, wrapping around them in the most surreal, dreamy way.

Those images ended up being some of my favorites. It was one of those moments where everything just lined up — the couple, the light, the vibe, and the creativity flowing at the right time. It’s also just such a perfect example of how little things can turn into big magic when you lean into the moment.

And speaking of little things — can we talk about those tiny yellow spring flowers scattered across the grass? They added this beautiful texture to the final part of our session. In color, they brought out that warmth and earthiness. But when I converted some shots to black and white, something even cooler happened — the petals turned into these delicate little specks of contrast, almost like confetti, dancing around their shadows.

Counting Down to Ganaraska 🍂

I seriously can’t wait to photograph Amelia and Andy’s wedding this November at Ganaraska Forest Centre. If this engagement shoot is any sign of what’s to come, it’s going to be one of those weddings full of meaning, emotion, laughter, and (fingers crossed!) another killer sunset.

Thank you both for trusting me, for being yourselves, and for making this one of those evenings that reminds me why I love doing what I do. 💛