Arnold Arboretum Same-Sex Engagement Session with Fall Foliage & Bookstore

Arnold Arboretum Same-Sex Engagement Session in the Fall

If you’re looking for fall engagement photo ideas in Boston, the Arnold Arboretum should be on your radar, especially if you want something outdoorsy, peaceful, and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Gretchenrae and Molly had their engagement session here in early November. The leaves were still hanging on, the colors were golden, and the weather was surprisingly warm. Total win.

Why the Arnold Arboretum Is Great for LGBTQ+ Engagement Photos

This place just works. It’s got open paths, quiet corners, and a natural calm that makes it easy to relax and just be yourselves. I recommend it a lot for couples who want things to feel more like a walk in the park than a formal shoot. It also happens to look incredible in the fall without needing to do much; nature does most of the work for us.

A Relaxed, Candid Lesbian Couple Session in Boston

Gretchenrae and Molly made my job easy. They’re one of those couples that shows up fully themselves, no pretending, no awkward energy, just genuine connection.

Capturing Real Moments Without Over-Posing

We kept things simple: walked around, followed the light, and let things unfold naturally. No complicated prompts or stiff posing. They made each other laugh a lot, which made the whole session feel easy and personal. That’s the sweet spot – photos that feel like them, not like a version of them for the camera.

Adding a Personal Touch: Brookline Booksmith Engagement Photos

After the Arboretum, we stopped by Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner. It’s where they spent a lot of time early in their relationship, so they wanted to include it.

Including Meaningful Locations in Your Session

This was my first time inside, and it totally lived up to the hype. It’s got a cozy, indie bookstore vibe with a little gift shop twist, and lots of personality in one place. We took a few quiet shots among the shelves, soaking up the space that meant something to them. It was a great contrast to the outdoor photos and made the whole session feel more like a story than a shoot.

Combining Nature and Nostalgia in One Engagement Session

Gretchenrae and Molly’s session is a good reminder that engagement photos don’t have to be overthought. The Arnold Arboretum gave us all the space and quiet we needed to slow down and let things unfold, while the bookstore at Brookline Booksmith added a personal touch that made it feel even more like them. Together, those two places told a story: one part open and full of color, the other familiar and close to home.

Tips for Keeping It Personal and Low-Stress

Pick a place that matters to you. Whether it’s a park, a bookstore, your neighborhood coffee shop, or your couch. If it’s part of your story, it deserves a spot in your session.

If you want help figuring that out or are curious what a session could look like for you, shoot me a message. I’d love to hear your ideas.