Photographing couples in nature landscapes will always have my heart. Wide open spaces, tall trees, and golden light create such a natural setting that allows love to shine in its most authentic form. Tarushi and Kunal’s story came full circle during this engagement session, since they first met while studying at UC Davis. Returning to the Davis Arboretum, a place so closely tied to their college years, made their engagement photos even more meaningful. Surrounded by redwoods, flowering gardens, and winding trails, the arboretum gave us the perfect backdrop to capture their connection in a heartfelt way.

Tarushi and Kunal embraced every part of their photoshoot. From soft, intimate moments beneath the trees to playful laughter as they walked hand in hand, their connection was so genuine. One of my favorite parts of this session was when they popped a bottle of bubbly to celebrate their engagement. A toast is a joyful way to mark the occasion, and the laughter and clinking glasses made for such sweet photos.

As with every session, my goal is to create an atmosphere where couples can simply be themselves. I guide my clients with gentle prompts and direction so they feel comfortable, but I also leave space for natural interactions to unfold. That’s where the magic really happens – the quiet smiles, the soft embraces, the bursts of authentic laughter. With Tarushi and Kunal, it was easy to see how deeply they care for one another, and documenting that was such a privilege.

There’s something special about engagement sessions – an opportunity to pause, celebrate, and document this chapter before stepping into the next. Tarushi and Kunal, thank you for trusting me with these memories. I can’t wait to see where your love story takes you next!

I always recommend that my couples bring a sparkling beverage to their engagement photoshoot to celebrate! Holding a champagne glass also shows off your beautiful engagement ring.

Dreaming of engagement photos in a natural landscape? Let’s chat more about the vision for your photoshoot!

Kind Words from Tarushi + Kunal:

“We did our engagement photoshoot with Shannon at the Davis Arboretum. Shannon provided us with clear information on the location, pricing, and editing options. Shannon was very kind and supportive during our shoot, almost as if we’ve been friends for a long time! She walked us through our poses and positioning to capture the best possible angles. As someone who is shy in front of the camera, Shannon made me feel very comfortable and the whole process felt smooth. If you are looking for a professional, friendly, and talented photographer, Shannon is the one! We can’t stop looking at our pictures and I’m so excited at the thought of our families and future kids looking at these photos someday.”