I met Emily almost five years ago, right at the beginning of COVID. She had posted her handmade candles in a women’s Facebook group, and I immediately knew I needed one. When she mentioned her love for all things spooky, I pitched a witchy photo shoot—complete with a cemetery location. Without hesitation, she said yes, and that’s when I knew we’d be friends.
Her roommate joined us for the shoot, and the three of us wandered through the cemetery, capturing the exact vision I had in mind: fun, eerie, and magical. We stayed in touch through social media after that, and when I saw Emily’s engagement post last November, I was so excited for her.
Even better? She entered (and won!) my giveaway for a free engagement session. When I reached out with some moody, romantic location ideas, we were completely on the same wavelength. I couldn’t wait to see her again—and this time, meet her fiancé, Jake.
One of the new things I’ve started doing for engagement sessions is making my couples’ favorite cocktails before we shoot. It helps everyone ease into the session a little more naturally (posing in front of a camera can be nerve-wracking!) I asked them both for their go-to drinks: Emily picked an espresso martini, and Jake went with an old fashioned.
Fun fact: I actually went to bartending school once upon a time. While I didn’t bartend long, I loved learning how to craft cocktails. This was the first time in a while I got to dust off those skills—and I had so much fun doing it.
As we sat together in the dining room of our location, Emily and Jake told me how they met. Like many modern love stories, theirs started on a dating app—and clearly, it worked out. Their connection was instant, and it hasn’t faded since.
Once we wrapped up cocktail hour and they gave the drinks their stamp of approval, we headed into the shoot. From the very first pose, their chemistry was undeniable. I hardly had to guide them—they just clicked. The emotion, intimacy, and comfort they share with each other poured into every frame.
We were going for a dark romance vibe, and I think we nailed it. One of the standout moments was when I had them dance in front of a stunning gallery wall. I often play music to help couples relax and move naturally, and Emily asked for Hozier (a perfect choice, if you ask me.) As “Move Me” played through my phone, the entire mood of the shoot locked into place. That song now lives rent-free in my brain every time I think of their session.
Watching these two together was nothing short of magical. Their energy, their love, and the way they simply are with one another—it was a joy to witness and even more of a joy to capture.
Emily and Jake, thank you for letting me document such a special season in your lives. I couldn’t be happier for you both.
– Isabelle Nichole
P.S. If you have a unique or creative idea for your next session, send me a message and let’s chat!
