There’s something incredibly special about photographing a couple whose story feels straight out of a timeless romance. Hailey and John Mark are one of those couples rooted in friendship, faith, and the little moments that turn into lifelong memories. For their sunset engagement session, we met at Seven Islands State Birding Park, in Kodak, TN, a stunning stretch of protected land east of Knoxville along the French Broad River.

Known for its diverse grasslands, peaceful trails, and more than 180 species of birds, this park is the perfect blend of calm nature views and wide-open skies. Exactly what Hailey envisioned when she shared her dream of a sunset session framed by the mountains!

Why Every Couple Gets a Questionnaire Before Their Session

One of the ways I serve my couples is through a guided questionnaire. Helping me understand each couple’s story, personalities, and vision it’s part of my education-driven approach to photography. Whether for an engagement session, wedding, or family photos, giving you exactly what you envision is important to me. 

With Hailey and John Mark, their answers gave me a clear picture of who they are: joyful, loyal, deeply connected, and excited to build a future together. They first met at Northstar Church during a youth service, later spending time together at Dollywood, where their connection truly began. Three years later, they found themselves in the exact spot where their story really took off. Right by the big Christmas tree in Market Square at Dollywood, surrounded by both of their families, John Mark proposed to Hailey.

Stories like theirs help shape the way I photograph a session. Questionnaires aren’t just to give me facts. They helped me understand how couples see each other, how they show affection, and what makes them feel most authentically themselves. That insight allows me to plan locations, lighting, pacing, and poses that feel natural rather than forced.

A Session Tailored to Them

After talking through their vision and reviewing their questionnaire, we ultimately chose Seven Islands State Birding Park for its mountain views and golden light. We nailed the perfect timing for a sunset engagement session. This space gave us the perfect blend of scenic backdrops and soft movement in the landscape. Breathtaking views are ideal for letting moments unfold organically.

During the engagement session, I used a mix of gentle direction and candid prompts to help them relax and simply enjoy each other. My goal is always to strike that balance between beautifully composed portraits and the spontaneous in-between moments that couples treasure most. Because I already had a sense of how they connect and what feels natural to them, photographing their session felt effortless and true to who they are.

Why An Engagement Session Prepares for the Wedding Day

These engagement sessions—paired with the questionnaire—are more than a chance to capture pretty pictures. They give my couples a chance to experience what it’s like to be guided, posed, and photographed by me before their wedding day arrives.

By the time their wedding comes, Hailey and John Mark will already know my approach: calm, intentional, gently directive, and always with an eye for candid moments happening organically. And I’ll have a deeper understanding of how to photograph their connection in a way that feels honest.