Maine + NH Wedding Photographer | Maggie + Mike’s Engagement Session at Pleasant Hill Preserve in Scarborough, Maine

You know those couples that just get it? That was Maggie and Mike from the second we met up for their engagement session at Pleasant Hill Preserve in Scarborough, Maine. They rolled in at golden hour with their dogs (Alfie and Bubbles), a bag full of outfits, a blanket, and a couple of books—basically, everything that makes their relationship them. My kind of people.

But first—their proposal story deserves a moment.

These two planned a cozy winter getaway to the Paw House Inn (yep, the dog-friendly kind, because of course). The plan? Alfie was supposed to bring Maggie the ring on their walk through the woods. The reality? Alfie decided his paw was cold and went on strike mid-hike. So Mike had to improvise and go old school with the classic down-on-one-knee move. Honestly, it’s the kind of story you can’t make up—and it’s so them.

Fast forward to their engagement session. We started on the trails at Pleasant Hill Preserve right as that warm, buttery light started pouring through the trees. The dogs were having the time of their lives while Maggie and Mike walked, laughed, and soaked it all in. There’s something about golden hour that makes everything feel a little softer, a little slower—and it fit them perfectly.

After a quick outfit change (and a snack break for the dogs), we wandered out to this old barn in the middle of the trail. It’s got that rustic, worn-in look that makes my dark and moody heart happy. The tones of the barn worked perfectly with their outfits—earthy, subtle, and full of texture.

Then they spread out their blanket, cracked open their books, and got lost in their own little world. Those are the moments I live for—the quiet, in-between shots that feel real. No forced smiles, no stiff posing. Just two people being completely themselves.

As the sun dipped below the trees, we pulled out some lights to catch the last bit of pink in the sky. It only lasted a few minutes, but damn—it was worth it.

I left this session smiling like an idiot because it reminded me exactly why I love what I do. Maggie and Mike (and their dogs, obviously) were such a blast to photograph. Their fall wedding next year is going to be full of the same laid-back, genuine energy—and I seriously can’t wait.