Gaby and Paul’s engagement session in Petawawa, Ontario was everything we love about capturing couples in nature—cozy, candid, and deeply personal. These two won their engagement session at the Exclusively Bridal wedding show at the Best Western in Pembroke, and we’re SO glad they did!
Their love story, their vibe, and even their camper van made this session one for the books.
Forest Engagement Photos in Petawawa, Ontario
When it came time to choose a location, we knew we wanted something woodsy, peaceful, and natural. The Petawawa Research Forest, located between Petawawa and Chalk River, gave us the perfect mix of towering trees and golden light—an ideal setting for their adventurous and sentimental energy.
Gaby and Paul are high school sweethearts (which made my heart melt because that’s exactly what Josh and I are too!). Their connection is relaxed, warm, and full of inside jokes—you can just feel how comfortable they are with each other.
“We’re So Awkward in Front of the Camera” – Said Every Couple Ever
Like so many couples, Gaby and Paul showed up saying they felt awkward and unsure about having their photos taken. They’d never had professional portraits done before and were nervous about how it would go.
Spoiler alert: they crushed it.
We love when couples say this because it usually means they’re about to be blown away by how natural and beautiful their photos turn out. (And judging by the smiles, laughter, and cozy moments we captured, I think it’s safe to say the camera loved them.)
A Personal Touch: Their Camper Van, Vanessa 🚐
Toward the end of the session, I asked if there was anything else they wanted to include—and Gaby suggested their camper van, which immediately made me light up. “Vanessa” (yes, she has a name) has been a big part of their life together. They camp in her, adventure in her, and have made so many memories on the road.
Incorporating the van into their engagement photos added such a personal and storytelling element—and honestly, those turned out to be some of my favourite images from the session. It was the perfect way to wrap things up.
Whether you’re planning a woodsy engagement shoot in Ontario, or you’re a little camera shy and need someone to make it easy, this session is proof that you don’t need to be a model or an extrovert to get gorgeous, meaningful engagement photos.
Thanks again Gaby & Paul for such a fun afternoon! Scroll down to see some of their beautiful images in the forest (and with Vanessa, of course!).
👉 Want engagement photos that feel like YOU? Let’s chat here!
