It has been a HOT minute since I’ve had a chance to post on the blog. And by hot minute, I mean since October (facepalm). Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s (plus all the events in between) have passed along with tons of incredible shoots I’m dying to share. But I’m here now, and I can’t think of a better way to kick things off than by sharing Shannon and Ben’s sweet love story. I shot their downtown Phoenixville engagement session in September, and to say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Get ready for all the heart eyes!

Shannon and Ben made things official in July 2017, but their love story dates back several months, when Shannon approached Ben in the “baseball corner” of Marita’s Cantina in Stroudsburg (IYKYK). Let’s just say the rest is history.

PA Fall Engagement Session Vision

Shannon and Ben are getting married in September of 2023 at Terrain Gardens at DelVal in Doylestown, PA. When Shannon first reached out to me for engagement session photos, she couldn’t decide between an urban city-chic or a whimsical outdoor setting, which would match their garden-inspired venue.

If you’ve worked with me, you know that (1) I am a sucker for BOTH an outdoorsy shoot location and a street-chic vibe and (2) I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. So, duh, we did both!

Downtown Phoenixville is in the Philly metropolitan area, about 28 miles north of the city. The area is full of charm and endless photo ops, which we took full advantage of during this fall session.

Phoenixville is well known for its iconic, 1900s-era Colonial Theater at 227 Bridge Street. With Colonial Theater as our primary backdrop, plus a few other color pop moments along the streets of downtown, this shoot was album-cover worthy. 

Also, in case you thought we randomly teleported to the Arc De Triomphe in Paris for these next few shots, let me set the record straight. We stumbled upon the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge Park and obviously had to pause for a celebratory champagne pop. I mean, COME ON. 

Read More: Your Guide to Fall Engagement Photos

Engagement Session Photos with A Dog

Shannon and Ben’s engagement session wouldn’t have been complete without a field of wildflowers, an outfit change, and their sweet pup, Luna. The Stines were totally in their element in this simple denim/basics look; their love did all the talking. 

Shannon shared this with our team after the session:

“Having Luna our dog there for our engagement session made us so excited and happy for her to be a part of our amazing photos. Lauren captured such raw and once in a lifetime pictures of us as a family. After leaving, I was scared about the pictures taken with Luna because she is a puppy and was all over the place, but somehow Lauren captured the most perfect pictures of her. My jaw was truly on the floor when I saw them because of how beautiful they turned out. We are obsessed!!!”

I think it goes without saying that I am beyond excited to capture the next chapter of Ben and Shannon’s love story on September 22—their wedding day.

Check out some of my favorite photos from their downtown Phoenixville engagement session and save this post for your wedding inspiration!

Read More: The Ultimate Engagement Photo Outfit Guide for Couples

Hiring a PA Engagement Photographer

If you’re on the hunt for a wedding photography team, Lauren Bliss Photography would be honored to tell your love story. Whether you’re a Philly bride, booking a destination wedding, or eloping in private, my team and I will be with you every step of the way to capture the moments you’ll cherish forever.

So what are you waiting for?! Let’s pop that bottle and do this thing!