The weather was absolutely perfect, setting the tone for an intimate celebration with just family and close friends. Alyssa and Christopher opted for a small, heartfelt gathering that felt incredibly personal and meaningful.

Couples photography is all about capturing the journey of love, from engagement to wedding day. It’s about freezing those special moments in time and telling a beautiful story.

As a photographer, finding the perfect location for an engagement session is always a delightful adventure. Springfield, MO, offers a plethora of beautiful spots, each with its own unique charm. Today, I’m excited to share my top five favorite engagement session locations in this wonderful city.

Once again, we had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful location, but this time, I got to try out a new spot near the river that I hadn’t used before. A big thank you to Olivia and Spencer for being adventurous and going "off road" with me for a few. The results were absolutely worth it, and I’ll definitely be incorporating that spot into future sessions!

The Visser Family were absolute champs, braving the heat with smiles and laughter.

It was HOT – 95 degrees at 6:45 pm kind of hot, with a heat advisory in place all week. We almost had to reschedule the session due to some personal health issues on my end, but thankfully everything resolved just in time. I am so glad we didn’t move the session because Macy and Noah were absolute troopers despite the sweltering heat.

Family photos were incredibly important to Amelia and Sam, so we made sure to set aside plenty of time to capture these cherished memories. The love and connection between their families were evident in every shot, creating beautiful keepsakes for years to come.

Emily and Kyle's wedding was an intimate affair with about 40 of their closest family and friends. It was my first time shooting at Weathered Wisdom Barn, and while the extreme heat and humidity forced us to move the ceremony indoors, the rustic charm of the barn added a cozy and romantic atmosphere to the day.

Greg and Kelly are such a sweet couple, their marriage deeply rooted in their faith and commitment to each other. Their ceremony was set on a foundation of love and trust in the Lord, which shone brightly throughout our time together.

The session had to be scheduled super early to ensure we had the venue to ourselves before Big Whiskey's opened for the day. We started at the serene and picturesque All Saints Anglican Church, capturing the timeless beauty of the church's architecture as a backdrop to their love story.

Next, we moved to Big Whiskey's, where Andrea and Greg's romance unfolded. Andrea looked stunning in an elegant all-black ensemble, perfectly complemented by Greg in a stylish black suit. It was clear that their love and connection radiated through every frame.

One of the highlights of the day was the unique and adorable ring bearer, Effie – Kaley's beloved cat. Effie was an absolute star, performing her duties with more grace and composure than some human ring bearers I’ve seen over the years, thanks to a few well-timed cat treats.

Their wedding theme focused on simplistic natural beauty, which perfectly reflected in both their decor and the timeless elegance of their photos. From the intimate moments of their first look to the joyous celebrations at the reception, you could see the pure love radiating between them.

Rob and his wife, Indy, along with their three kids, their spouses, and their adorable grandchildren, were all gathered for a special family celebration. They wanted a few quick family photos, emphasizing the "quick" part, while they enjoyed their stay at Big Cedar.

We had to do a bit of walking to reach our desired spots, but the lush greenery and serene atmosphere were well worth the trek. The natural beauty of Valley Water Mill provided a perfect backdrop for Rachel and Caiden’s love story. I especially loved the shots of them walking down the hill – the greenery and gentle slopes created some of my favorite images from the session.

The bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning in their shades of terracotta, which beautifully complemented the lush green surroundings. The color palette was perfect for a late spring wedding.

Samantha and Khailon chose to celebrate their big day with 30 of their closest friends and family, all of whom traveled from Louisiana. I was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming everyone was. They made me feel like a part of their family, and it was an absolute honor to capture their special moments.

Originally set for March, their wedding was postponed due to an emergency surgery just a week before the big day. But Jordan and Ben’s strength and love saw them through, and everyone was healthy and ready for their second chance at saying “I do.”

Marissa's dedication and hard work truly shone through every detail of their wedding. Months ago, she mentioned wanting to grow some of her own flowers for the big day. Well, after many months of careful tending, she succeeded beyond expectations. Her stunning floral arrangements adorned every ledge in the chapel, creating a vibrant, natural beauty that took everyone's breath away. I must admit, I did disassemble a few for detail shots – but rest assured, I put them back together perfectly!

Our journey took us through winding paths, adorned with vibrant flora and tranquil ponds, providing the perfect canvas for moments of intimacy amidst nature's grandeur. Amidst our wanderings, conversations flowed effortlessly, weaving between shared passions for entertainment and literary indulgences.

However, our idyllic setting wasn't without its surprises. Amidst the serenity, we found ourselves amidst the bustle of prom-goers, each vying for their own slice of perfection amidst the verdant landscape.