Kelly & Taylor | Ligonier Farm Engagement Session

When I tell you the minute Kelly told me there were going to be donkeys at their Ligonier farm engagement session and asked if I minded because Taylor really wanted them included, I definitely did a happy dance in my mind.

Mind?! Did I mind that these four-legged babies were going to bring some fun to our session? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

While the donkeys definitely delivered on the entertainment factor, what I remember most about this evening was just how easy it was to spend time with Kelly and Taylor.

From the moment we met up at Taylor’s family property in Ligonier, everything felt relaxed. Every suggestion was met with a smile and some version of, “Oh, we’re easy!” They trusted the process, laughed through the prompts, and seemed genuinely happy to simply spend an evening together.

As a photographer, those are the sessions I love most.

Not because every pose is perfect or every detail goes exactly as planned, but because the couple is fully present with each other. Kelly and Taylor made that incredibly easy.

One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is getting a glimpse into a couple’s world before the wedding day arrives. This property is where Kelly and Taylor will exchange vows next October surrounded by their closest family, making it the perfect place to celebrate this season of their story.

The property itself offered no shortage of beautiful backdrops. Between the pond, open fields, winding paths, and curious donkeys, every turn seemed to reveal another spot worth stopping for photos.

What made it even better was having Taylor as my unofficial location guide for the evening.

As the owner of Wild Berry Gardens, Taylor spends a lot of his time growing flowers and paying attention to the way light moves across a landscape. It became very clear very quickly that he knew exactly where the best light lived on the property. He had areas freshly mowed, knew all the hidden gems, and even had a tractor ready to go because he thought it would make for some fun photos.

Spoiler alert: he was absolutely right.

As we explored the grounds, I found myself smiling behind the camera more than once watching the two of them interact. There is a quiet ease between Kelly and Taylor that doesn’t need much direction. Whether they were walking hand in hand through the fields, sharing a laugh by the pond, or sneaking little glances at each other between photos, their connection felt natural and genuine.

And then there were the donkeys.

The stars of the show.

They happily joined us for photos, investigated the camera, and made sure they received plenty of attention throughout the evening. Honestly, I would expect nothing less.

Just when I thought the session couldn’t get any more entertaining, Pepper made her appearance.

Pepper was ready to participate on her own terms. If I had to guess what was going through her mind, it was probably something along the lines of, “I’ll pose for a few photos, but you’re going to need a fast shutter speed because I have important puppy business to attend to.”

Thankfully, we managed to capture a few moments before she was off exploring again.

By the end of the evening, I was already looking forward to seeing these two again on their wedding day. If their engagement session was any indication, their celebration will be filled with laughter, meaningful moments, family, and the kind of love that feels effortless.

Kelly and Taylor, thank you for trusting me to capture this season for you. I cannot wait to celebrate alongside you next October and see these same grounds transformed into the place where you begin your next chapter together.

To all the 2027 couples beginning this exciting season of planning…My books are officially open! If you’re looking for a photographer who will help you feel comfortable, celebrated, and completely yourselves in front of the camera, I’d love to connect. Contact me here to get started. 🤍