From the Photographers

There's something about a farm engagement session that just feels alive — the wide open skies, the white fence rows, the smell of fresh grass, and animals going about their day completely unbothered by the love story unfolding nearby. When photographer Shannon met up with Garrett and Madison at The Lands at Hillside Farms, it was exactly that kind of session. Easy. Genuine. Full of laughter. And made even better by the debut appearance of their black lab mix, Eloise — who wore her "Maid of Honor" sash like the star she absolutely is.

From the Couple

Garrett and Madison's story started the way a lot of great love stories do — at work. They first crossed paths in 2018, but it wasn't until they ended up at the same company a few years later that a real friendship took root. Both were coming out of tough breakups and had practically sworn off dating entirely. Their coworkers, apparently, had other plans — pointing out what everyone around them could already see: undeniable chemistry. Nearly four years later, Madison and Garrett are both very glad they listened.


The proposal came on December 19th, 2025, wrapped in just the right amount of holiday magic and genuine surprise. Garrett enlisted Madison's help with the Christmas decorations — a perfectly ordinary request that set the stage for anything but an ordinary moment. While tidying up, Madison noticed an ornament tucked under the tree, still wrapped in plastic. She assumed she'd simply forgotten to hang it. When she picked it up and saw it was a personalized engagement ring ornament reading Garrett and Madison, 2025, the pieces started to click — and when she turned around, Garrett was already on one knee, ring in hand. The disbelief, she says, lasted about a week. They kept the news close until Christmas Day, when they finally shared it with their families. It was the kind of proposal that's hard to top — and the kind of secret that's even harder to keep.

One of their favorite parts of being engaged? Getting to call each other fiancé and fiancée. As Madison put it, it feels like the best kind of promotion — just one step short of husband and wife.


When it comes to advice for couples just beginning to plan their wedding, Garrett and Madison have a perspective worth saving: spend your money on what matters most to you, and don't spend a single moment trying to please everyone else. For them, photography was the priority — because when the night is over, the pictures and memories are what remain. No one will remember the linens, the cake, or the floral arrangements, but you will. Their advice is refreshingly simple: pick what you want, invite who you want, and make every decision as a couple — not for your guest list.


We couldn't agree more. Garrett and Madison, thank you for bringing Eloise, your sunglasses, and your whole selves to this session. We are so excited for your wedding day. 🖤

A smiling couple poses outdoors with a black Cane Corso dog, surrounded by lush green trees.
Couple walking a black Labrador on a tree-lined gravel path in a lush green park.
A couple shares a romantic kiss by a white fence, the woman in a floral dress with tattoos smiling joyfully outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple admiring a horse grazing behind a white fence surrounded by trees.
Couple walking hand in hand by white fence at a farm with a white barn in the background.
Couple sharing a kiss near white fence at a farm with a barn in the background on a cloudy day.
Couple sharing a romantic dip kiss outside a white barn with green doors at a rustic farm wedding venue.
Couple holding hands walking near white fence at farm with barn in background on cloudy day.
Black and white photo of a tattooed woman in a floral dress holding shoes, walking hand in hand with a man by a white fence.
A couple walks hand-in-hand on grass, woman in floral backless dress with tattoos, man in casual attire, near green trees.
Couple sharing a romantic dip kiss while standing on rocks in a forest creek surrounded by lush green ferns.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on rocks by a forest stream, woman in floral dress, lush green woodland backdrop.
Couple holding hands near a rocky creek, woman in floral dress with tattoos, man in gray shirt and dark pants.
A couple walks hand in hand through a lush green woodland path, smiling at each other during an outdoor photoshoot.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss embrace in front of a rustic white wooden building with peeling paint and green trim.
A couple shares a tender moment, man kissing woman's cheek as she laughs joyfully on rustic steps.
A couple posing together, woman wearing decorative heart-shaped sunglasses and floral dress, man in beige polo with dark sunglasses.
Two people in sunglasses reaching toward camera with clawed hands, posing dramatically outdoors near a white building.
Couple petting their brown dog wearing a white bandana that reads My Parents Are Getting Married during engagement photos.
Smiling couple sitting on grass with their black Labrador wearing a bandana outside a white house.
A playful couple laughs while eating ice cream cones together outdoors on a sunny day.
Black and white photo of a woman and young boy sitting together on rocks near an iron fence outdoors.

Leave a Comment

0 / 1000
Loading comments…