The secret to a fun and playful engagement session

Stefanie & Patrick// Pittsburgh, PA


Why settle for posed and stiff when you can have moments that feel like a dance? The secret to a fun, playful engagement session? Movement and play. Let your inner kid out and just have fun! Movement breathes life into photos, transforming static snapshots into dynamic stories brimming with emotion and energy.

Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on stairs at Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple play and run on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple play and run on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and run in a clrcle on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and run in a clrcle on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and run in a clrcle on University of Pittsburgh quad

First and foremost, choose a location that lends itself to spontaneity and play. Think of a park, a sandy beach, or even your old college stomping grounds! Places like these are perfect for capturing candid moments. Imagine the two of you twirling around in a field of wildflowers, running hand-in-hand along the shoreline, or playing tag on the quad. These settings naturally encourage you to move and interact with each other, creating genuine, heartfelt photos.


Incorporate activities that you both love and that bring out your playful sides. If you’re both avid hikers, why not take a trail and capture those moments of triumph as you reach the summit? Or maybe you both love to dance – find a quiet spot and have an impromptu dance-off! 


Lastly, let your emotions guide you. I use a series of prompts that encourage you to be silly, to jump, to spin, and to embrace each other with abandon. Your engagement session is a celebration of your love story, so let your happiness and excitement fill each frame. When you look back at these photos, you’ll not only see the beautiful images but you'll also feel the vibrant energy and love that filled those moments. So, get moving, have fun, and let your playful spirits soar!


Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and walk towards the camera in front of Phipps Bontaic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and walk towards the camera in front of Phipps Bontaic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and walk towards the camera in front of Phipps Bontaic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple run and are playful in front of Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple run and are playful in front of Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple run and are playful in front of Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple reach out longingly towards each other as they pass each at Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple briefly touch hands tenderly as they pass each at Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on front steps of Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on front steps of Mellon Institute
engagement ring in hydrangea bush
Pittsburgh engaged couple kiss in front of the Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh engaged couple leans against Carnegie Library front door
close up of Pittsburgh engaged couple embraing hands
Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on front steps of Heinz Chapel
close up of purple flower with Pittsburgh engaged couple blurred in the background
Pittsburgh engaged couple embrace in Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple embrace in Phipps Botanic Gardens