Home can be a confusing word for me. It can mean “home” as in where I live, or it can also be referring to Indiana. Most of my childhood was spent in Indiana and it’s where my parents currently live. It truly feels like home when I visit, so of course I love when I have clients in Indiana! This photo session was one such occasion.
Joy and Tim wanted their engagement photos to be taken on the Indiana University campus. Joy and I brainstormed tons of ideas over e-mail months before the photo shoot. I love when my clients bring new ideas to the table!
Joy was a leasing tenant when she and Tim first met. They flirted back and forth for months, sometimes for nearly an hour while he was paying his rent! One afternoon Joy went for a stroll in the park and they crossed paths. Kismet!
We spent the evening much like that “meet cute,” strolling around Indiana University’s campus looking for little nooks to create the perfect, romantic story through their engagement photos. I just love the way their outfits complimented one another’s!
I think every one of my photo sessions I find a way to get my clients super close to trees. In this location we were both next to the tree, and then later inside of the tree! It sure makes for some beautiful photos.

We stopped here briefly because I loved the way the light was looking here!
Before Joy changed dresses, we took a few photos in the creeks. If I have couples willing to get in a creek, you better believe I’m going to find a way to make it happen! Luckily IU’s campus has very easily accessible waterways.
Both Joy and Tim were wearing brand new shoes for this photo session! I had to get a photo of them – so cute!
Tim and Joy’s first date was at an outdoor concert at IU’s art museum. Joy had the creative idea to incorporate the light totem outside of the museum in their engagement photos. The installation casts beautiful, moving colors against the limestone museum building. It is almost reminiscent of the Northern Lights!
We also used the dramatic, curving red sculpture for a nice pop of color for some photos outside of the museum. Who doesn’t love a dramatic, leaning kiss?
You can truly see their love in the way they look at each other. I imagine a love like theirs his hard to hide! It radiates from them!
We ended the evening in a cozy corner with some copper string lights. I took some inspiration from photographer Brandon Woelfel who is known for his use of light strands in photos, but with my own spin. I fashioned a heart out of the wire string and, well, you can see the results! I’m so glad Tim and Joy were on board with this idea, as I’m sure it looked a little crazy from their point of view!
I’m very excited for Joy and Tim’s December wedding this year! I can’t wait to see what photo magic we create for their love story.
Such a great location! You two look beautiful together, beautiful shot.