Vanessa + Wesley’s South Prairie Engagement: A Change of Plans That Turned Into Pure Magic

Some of the best things in life happen when you don’t stick to the plan—like when your engagement session turns into an impromptu adventure with golden light, belly laughs, and a hand-crafted firefly gift that now lives on my desk. That’s the kind of magic we experienced with Vanessa and Wesley during their South Prairie engagement session this April.

We’d originally mapped out a completely different shoot in Carbonado, a secret picnic spot these two love—a place tied to their second date and full of sweet, quiet memories. But sometimes the universe has other ideas, and we’re not mad about it one bit.

Let me take you along for the ride…

When Your Secret Spot Isn’t the Spot Anymore

Picture this: the sun is out (rare for April in the PNW), we’re meeting up at Veterans Park in South Prairie, and everyone’s buzzing with excitement. Jake and I have the gear, Vanessa and Wesley have the snacks, and we’re ready to head out to their dreamy Carbonado location. But the minute we start chatting logistics, the realization hits us like a confetti cannon—we’re smack in the path of the Daffodil Parade traffic in Orting, and we’ve got about 45-60 minutes of winding backroads ahead.

Vanessa, in true calm-creative energy, takes a beat and says, “You know what? This park is really beautiful… why don’t we just stay here?”

And let me tell you, that pivot was chef’s kiss perfection.

We wandered along the trails, respecting the land with a firm “leave no trace” mindset, and stumbled on little hidden nooks that felt like they were made just for these two. A little moss here, a winding path there—nature really did us a solid. And as much as we’d dreamed of Carbonado, South Prairie showed up for us in a big way. So if you’re planning your own South Prairie engagement shoot? Don’t sleep on this spot, friend.

Picnic Vibes and Fireflies (Literally)

Vanessa and Wesley had packed a picnic—which, let’s be real, is couple goals. Nothing says we’re in this for the long haul like plopping your rears on a bench, surrounded by snacks, and laughing over inside jokes after your South Prairie engagement session. Our last few engagements have ended with fun, long conversations and we’ve decided this needs to be a thing.

But the part that hit me right in the feels? Vanessa handed me a gift—a little firefly sculpture she made out of what most folks would call “junk.” (Not this crew. We see beauty in the misfits.) She’s got this amazing eye for turning scraps into art, and this firefly? It’s now perched beside Falkor, the handmade dragon I picked up from another artist years ago. It’s not just decor—it’s a reminder of the people who trust us to tell their love story.

And that’s the thing about photographing and filming people like Vanessa and Wesley—it’s not just about snapping photos. It’s about documenting who they are, in all their layered, creative, sweet-as-pie glory.

Looking Ahead to Forever (AKA Backyard Weddings are the New Black)

This South Prairie engagement was just the start of their wedding story, and we already know their June wedding is going to be chef’s kiss x 2. They’re getting married in their backyard, the place they feel most at home. And after spending time with them, we know it’s going to be heartfelt, intentional, and full of all the joyful chaos we live for.

Vanessa and Wesley, thank you for trusting us with this season of your story. For the firefly. For the laughter. For reminding us that sometimes the backup plan is better than the first one. We can’t wait to celebrate your wedding day and continue capturing every hug, laugh, and little look that says “you’re my person.”

Planning Your Own South Prairie Engagement Session? Let’s Chat!

If you’re dreaming of a South Prairie engagement session that feels like you—whether that’s hiking to your favorite spot or cozying up with a picnic at a local park—we’re here for it. The best photos come from real moments, not stiff poses. So bring your quirks, your snacks, your favorite spot, and let’s create some magic together.