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. 🖤

Smiling couple crouching with their black Labrador dog in a lush green park setting.
Couple walking a dark brown dog on a tree-lined path, woman in floral dress, man in casual attire, lush green surroundings.
A happy black Labrador wearing an orange harness and pink leash pants on a garden path.
Couple holding hands walking through a rustic horse stable barn aisle during an engagement photo session.
A smiling couple shares a kiss by a white fence, woman with floral tattoos in a green dress.
Black and white photo of a couple admiring a horse grazing behind a white fence on a lush farm.
Couple sharing a romantic dip kiss in front of a white barn with green doors at a farm venue.
Couple holding hands walking near white fence at a farm with barn and horses in background.
Black and white photo of couple holding hands, woman in floral maxi dress carrying sandals.
Engaged couple holding hands walking through lush green forest, woman in floral maxi dress looking back smiling.
Couple standing barefoot on rocky creek bed, woman in floral green dress lifting hem, man in jeans and boat shoes beside her.
Couple sharing a romantic dip kiss while standing on rocks in a forest creek surrounded by lush green ferns.
Couple sharing a romantic embrace in a lush forest setting beside a stream, surrounded by ferns and tall trees.
Couple holding hands near a rocky creek, woman in floral dress with tattoos, man in white shirt and dark pants.
Couple holding hands on rocks by a forest creek, woman in floral dress, man in white shirt and navy pants.
Couple walking hand in hand on a woodland path surrounded by lush green trees and logs.
Close-up of engaged woman's hands with diamond ring and gold bracelets embracing partner's back outdoors.
A joyful couple dances and twirls together on a lush green lawn near a garden shed.
Black and white photo of a couple holding hands while crossing a road near a building surrounded by trees.
Couple holding hands smiling in front of a rustic white building with peeling paint and green window trim.
A couple sharing a joyful embrace outside a rustic white building, the man hugging the laughing woman warmly.
Black and white photo of two people wearing decorative sunglasses posing together outdoors against a wooden wall.
Fun engaged couple wearing sunglasses reaching toward camera in playful engagement photo pose outdoors.
Engaged couple petting their dog wearing a My Parents Are Getting Married bandana during engagement session.
Smiling couple sitting on grass with their black Labrador dog in front of a historic stone building.
Couple playfully sharing ice cream cones outdoors, laughing and leaning toward each other.
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…