COUPLE SESSION

Capturing Love: Nicole Stewart & Brayden Zaliauskas' Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite ways to get to know a couple before their big day, and the recent session with Nicole and Brayden was nothing short of funl. Their story, full of love, laughter, and shared adventures, was a joy to capture through my lens. Here’s a glimpse into their journey and the unforgettable moments from their engagement session.

How They Met & The Proposal Story

Nicole and Brayden's love story began through mutual friends. From the moment they met, Brayden was smitten. In fact, he couldn't let the night end without getting Nicole's number—he literally ran after her as she was leaving to ensure they stayed connected. That initial spark quickly grew into a deep bond, full of shared moments and memories.

Fast forward to the proposal, and it’s a story that perfectly captures their playful yet romantic nature. They were fishing, one of their favorite activities together. As Nicole reeled in Brayden's fishing pole, she was surprised to find a ring instead of a fish. When she turned around, Brayden was on one knee, asking her to be his “greatest catch.” It was a sweet, unexpected moment that encapsulated their relationship perfectly.

A Fun and Loving Relationship

Nicole and Brayden are a couple who know how to have a good time together. Whether they’re joking around or Brayden is going out of his way to cheer Nicole up—like making her a "pizza" when she needs a pick-me-up—there’s never a dull moment between them. Over their three years together, they’ve built a life full of shared hobbies and adventures, from walking their beloved dogs to boating, hiking, and vacationing.

A Special Place, A Special Shoot

For their engagement session, we chose locations that hold special meaning to them. Corning, Iowa, served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate their love and hobbies they share together. The town’s charm and significance in their relationship brought a personal touch to the photos.

Nicole and Brayden wanted their engagement photos to reflect their natural, loving, and fun relationship. We started our session at Lake Icaria, capturing the serene beauty of the water and surrounding landscape, then worked our way around Corning, exploring a variety of settings. Each location was chosen to highlight the words they selected to describe their session: peaceful, warm, and romantic.

A Perfect Late Afternoon Session

Timing is everything, and Nicole and Brayden opted for a late afternoon session, right before sunset. The golden hour light added a magical glow to their photos, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscapes and the love between them.

They were dressed in a simple yet classic palette of white, brown, and blue, which complemented the outdoor settings beautifully. Nicole and Brayden wanted a mix of traditional poses and a few fun, unique shots that truly reflected their personalities. We made sure to capture a variety of images that showcased their love, connection, and the joy they bring into each other’s lives.

Looking Ahead

Nicole and Brayden plan to use their engagement photos for a variety of purposes—from save-the-date cards to wall portraits and wedding website images. Their session was a wonderful way to create memories that they can cherish forever and share with their loved ones.

It was so much fun to meet Nicole and Brayden before their wedding day! Capturing the love and connection between two people is such a privilege, and I can’t wait to see them continue to build their life together.

Thank you, Nicole and Brayden, for allowing me to be a part of your journey. Your love story is one for the books, and I’m honored to have captured this special chapter for you. Here’s to many more adventures together!