A Sentimental Engagement Session at Michaela’s Family Home
Michaela and Chase’s at home engagement photos in Pendleton, SC was nothing short of springtime perfection. The rolling hills, lush green grass, and warm sunshine created the dreamiest backdrop for such a meaningful session. Choosing Michaela’s childhood home made these photos feel even more special — a place filled with memories, now marking the beginning of a brand new chapter together.
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Including Their Sweet Pup, Goose
Including your dog in your engagement session is one of the easiest ways to make your photos feel more personal and true to your everyday life—and Goose was the perfect example of that. He brought such a fun, playful energy to the entire session and naturally pulled out genuine smiles and interaction between Michaela and Chase.
If you’re thinking about bringing your pup along, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose a familiar location
Places your dog already knows (like a family home or property) help them feel more relaxed and comfortable. - Bring an extra set of hands
Having a friend or family member there allows us to include your pup when we want—and then easily have someone take over when we transition into other photos. - Don’t worry about perfect behavior
Your dog doesn’t need to sit still the whole time. Some of the sweetest moments come from the in-between—snuggles, movement, and a little bit of chaos. - Let it feel natural
Interact with your dog the same way you normally would—those genuine moments always photograph best.
Sessions like this are such a beautiful reminder that engagement photos don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. When you include the things (and little companions) that are already part of your story, your photos instantly feel more natural, relaxed, and completely your own.
Why They Chose Michaela’s Childhood Home
One of the most special parts of this session was the location itself—Michaela’s childhood home. It wasn’t just a pretty backdrop, it was a place filled with memories, history, and meaning for them both.
When it comes to engagement photos, choosing a location like this makes such a difference—not just in how your photos look, but in how they feel years from now.
If you’re deciding where to have your session, here’s something I always encourage my couples to think about:
- Choose a place that feels like you
Whether that’s your family home, a favorite weekend spot, or somewhere tied to your story—those locations naturally create more connection in your photos. - Think beyond what’s “pretty”
A beautiful location is great, but a meaningful one will always matter more in the long run. - Consider how it will feel years from now
When you look back at your photos, you want to immediately remember why you chose that place—not wonder if it was just trending at the time. - Comfort creates authenticity
Being in a familiar space helps you relax, which leads to more natural, genuine moments (and better photos without even trying).
There’s something really special about documenting a season of your life in a place that already holds so much of your story. It adds a layer of depth that you simply can’t recreate anywhere else.
Making Your Session Feel Like You
Your engagement session doesn’t have to be complicated or overly styled to be meaningful. When you choose a place you love, bring along the things (and people—or pups 🐾) that matter most, and simply show up as yourselves, everything else falls into place.
Those are the moments that last.
If this session is any glimpse into what’s ahead, their wedding day is going to be filled with the same kind of joy, ease, and genuine connection that made this afternoon so special.
And I already know it’s going to be such a beautiful continuation of their story.
Check out Arran Farms for your wedding day!
