Elegant Engagement Session at Castle Hill on The Crane Estate

I photographed Dorothy and Adam’s engagement session at Castle Hill on The Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts in early September. I was excited to meet Dorothy and Adam for the first time for their dreamy engagement session, and to get to know them ahead of photographing their upcoming wedding.

It’s hard to express how much I enjoyed capturing their love in this stunning location. They appeared relaxed and comfortable as we moved throughout the grounds over the course of their engagement session at Castle Hill. There’s so much to see on the property with portrait locations around every turn. I love the brilliant and airy feel of the gardens, the pastel tones, and how lovely Dorothy and Adam are as a couple.

We started the session at 9 am, and the day was already full of sunshine! Castle Hill’s lush greenery, period architecture, and charming Italian gardens made for an elegant location which Dorothy and Adam worked really hard for to reserve for their session. We were granted a 90 minute block of time for a fee, and chose a to come in the morning to avoid shooting in the harsh afternoon light..

The sweeping lawn that rolls down towards the sea provided an ideal spot for their first portraits. I asked them to walk hand-in-hand, admiring each other and the view. The natural beauty and grand feeling of the landscape was something so special to capture in these portraits for them.

As we explored the estate, I wanted to incorporate as much of its architecture and gardens into their photos. I positioned them under archways, on staircases, and captured wide environmental shots so they could have images of themselves integrated into the beautiful landscape that surrounded them. The estate’s European architecture and neutral facade created a timeless and bright aesthetic that carries across in every photo.

We moved around the estate throughout the day, taking advantage of different locations and backdrops to create a variety of images for their gallery. From charming gardens to rustic paths, there was no shortage of stunning settings to choose from.

One of my favorite moments of the photo session came toward the end when we visited the tower. The contrast of the doorway frames them well, and the texture of the stone gives an old world vibe. Dorothy’s laughter in the last image could brighten the darkest of days!

Throughout the entire session, I felt their personalities shine as we made these sweet memories. They were a pleasure to work with, and their love and joy is genuine and tender.

This engagement session at Castle Hill will live in a special place in my heart. I look forward to their wedding day!