Emily and Hayley | LGBTQ Couples Photos at Airfield Falls

A Session Years in the Making

Valentine’s Day always makes me think about the little, everyday moments that make love feel special. Emily and Hayley’s session at Airfield Falls is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

These two first reached out to me years ago about anniversary portraits, but life just kept getting in the way. We stayed in touch, and this fall everything finally lined up. From the moment we had our consultation call, I could feel how excited they were to finally make this happen. I knew it would be a good session — but I didn’t expect just how magical it would feel.

The Butterfly Moment

The very first photos I captured set the tone for the entire session.

Emily reached up toward a butterfly resting in the willow tree… and somehow it stayed perfectly still. Not for a second, but for almost a full minute. Long enough for me to photograph the moment while Hayley watched, smiling. I’ve honestly never experienced anything like that during a session.

It felt like one of those rare moments where everything slows down. From that point on, I had this feeling that the rest of the evening was going to unfold in a really special way.

Picnic Under the Willow Tree

We moved into their picnic setup beneath the willow tree, where soft light filtered through the leaves and everything felt calm and intimate. Emily and Hayley brought their own picnic details, and I added roses to the scene, but the real magic came from how naturally they settled into the moment.

There was no rushing, no over-posing. Just conversation, laughter, and those quiet gestures couples share when they’re completely comfortable together. It honestly felt less like directing a session and more like documenting time they were already enjoying.

Splashing at the Waterfall

After the picnic, we wandered over to the waterfall and things got playful fast. Shoes came off, water splashed everywhere, and the energy shifted into pure fun.

At that point it didn’t feel like a photoshoot at all. It felt like I was tagging along on a really good date… the kind where you forget the camera is even there. Those are always my favorite moments to photograph, because they’re honest and full of personality.

Why Sessions Like This Matter

What I love most about couples sessions like Emily and Hayley’s is how personal they feel. There’s no pressure to look perfect or perform, the focus is simply on being together.

When couples lean into what feels natural to them, the photos reflect that authenticity. Whether it’s a picnic under a willow tree, splashing in a creek, or something completely different, those real moments are what make the images meaningful.

A Valentine’s Reminder

With Valentine’s Day here, this session feels like the perfect reminder that your photos don’t have to look like anyone else’s. Your session can reflect your story — your favorite place, your energy, the things you love doing together.

Emily and Hayley’s evening was playful, tender, and completely true to who they are. That’s what makes these images feel alive.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a couples session that feels relaxed, personal, and genuinely fun, this is your sign. Let’s create something that looks and feels like your relationship.