Some sessions just feel like pure joy from start to finish, and Lisa and Peter’s Calgary engagement session was exactly that. We started the evening at Nose Hill Park with their pup, Scout, running circles around us — full of energy, zoomies, and all the love you’d expect from a dog who adores their people. Watching Lisa and Peter laugh and play with Scout made the whole session feel so natural, the kind of lived-in moments I always want to capture.
After Scout had his fun (and plenty of photos, of course), we tucked into something a little quieter. We headed over to Reader Rock Garden for the second half of their session, where it was just the two of them. Between the winding pathways, hidden corners, and golden light filtering through the trees, it was the perfect backdrop for slowing down and leaning into those softer, more intimate moments.
Why Calgary is Perfect for Engagement Photos
Calgary is such a dream location for engagement sessions because you don’t have to choose between nature and the city — you can have both. Nose Hill Park gives you sweeping views, wide-open skies, and space to just be together (and bring your dog, of course!). Then, spots like Reader Rock Garden let you tuck into something romantic and nostalgic, almost like you’ve stumbled into your own secret world.
As an Alberta wedding photographer, these are the kinds of locations that remind me why I love photographing couples here. Calgary holds that balance of energy and calm — the everyday and the editorial. It’s such a beautiful reflection of the different ways love shows up.
Tips for Planning Your Calgary Engagement Session
If you’re planning your own engagement photos in Calgary, here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:
- Bring your pup. Dogs always make engagement sessions more fun (and heartfelt). They’re part of your story, so it only makes sense to include them.
- Mix it up with locations. Start somewhere open and playful like Nose Hill Park, then head somewhere romantic like Reader Rock Garden for a balance of energy and intimacy.
- Golden hour magic. Calgary’s wide skies create some of the dreamiest sunsets — soft, warm light that makes everything feel cinematic.
More than anything, these sessions aren’t about stiff posing. They’re about connection — the way you laugh together, the way your partner looks at you when the world falls away, the tiny in-between moments that you’ll want to remember years from now.
Looking Ahead to Their Wedding
I’ll get to celebrate with Lisa and Peter again next year when they say “I do” in Vancouver, and I couldn’t be more excited. Getting to photograph both their engagement and their wedding feels like such a privilege — it means I get to tell their story in full, from the playful energy of Scout’s zoomies at Nose Hill Park to the tender, quiet moments tucked away in Reader Rock Garden.
Let’s Tell Your Story
If you’re planning a wedding in Alberta (or beyond), an engagement session is the perfect way to capture this season of your life. Not only does it give you photos you’ll cherish forever, but it’s also the best way to feel comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.
As an Alberta wedding photographer, my focus is always on capturing love as it really is — honest, imperfect, and wildly beautiful. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect.
Inquire about your Alberta wedding or engagement session here →
