A Fall Engagement Session at Lake Macbride With the Sweetest Couple (+ Their Pup!)


There’s something about fall in Iowa that just feels magical — the crisp air, the explosion of color, and golden sunsets that make everything glow. And when you pair that with a couple like Mackenzie and Dalton, it becomes pure photo session perfection.

We met up at Lake Macbride State Park in Solon, Iowa — one of my absolute favorite hidden gems for engagement photos. Mackenzie and Dalton brought along their pup, Ace, who was a total rockstar and the most handsome little addition to their session. 🐾


We Started with a Champagne Pop (Because Why Not?!)

These two kicked off their session with a fun champagne pop that set the tone for the entire evening: joyful, carefree, and full of laughter. Mackenzie’s laugh is infectious, and the way Dalton looks at her like she’s the only person on Earth? Heart-melting!

We explored around the spillway, climbed all the way to the top of the bluff (worth it — just wait until you see that view!), and were rewarded with a stunning October sunset that cast the entire landscape in warm, golden light.


The Colors, The Connection, The Vibe

Fall showed off for us in all the best ways — rich orange and gold leaves, crisp air, and those perfect golden-hour tones. Mackenzie and Dalton were totally in their element. They laughed the entire time, snuggled up without needing much direction, and made my job SO easy.


The Countdown to “I Do” is On!

I cannot WAIT for their wedding this October at Bella Sala Event Center. If their engagement session is any sign of what’s to come, it’s going to be one for the books — full of love, laughter, and a whole lot of happy tears.

Mackenzie and Dalton, thank you for trusting me to capture this season of your lives. You two were an absolute dream, and I’m counting down the days to your big "I do"!


Location:

Lake Macbride State Park — Solon, IA


(P.S. If you’re looking for the perfect fall photo location in Eastern Iowa, this is one to add to your list!)

Scenic autumn landscape with trees and water along a rocky shoreline at sunset.
Couple poses with their golden retriever on fallen autumn leaves under trees.
Golden retriever joins couple for outdoor autumn photoshoot among fallen leaves.
Happy couple cuddles with their golden retriever during fall photo session.
Playful moments with a golden retriever during autumn couple's photoshoot.
Casual couple photoshoot in rustic autumn setting with warm golden light.
Romantic autumn couple portraits with golden sunlight filtering through trees.
Couple shares intimate moment during fall photoshoot with golden leaves.
Black and white portrait of couple sharing tender moment outdoors.
Close-up of a couple holding hands against an autumn backdrop.
Black and white photo of a couple laughing while sitting outdoors.
Couple celebrating with champagne in a fall forest setting.
Playful moment with champagne spray in an autumn park.
Couple popping champagne together in a golden-lit forest.
Close-up of broken glass fragments on a textured gray fabric.