Fall Engagement Session at the Arnold Arboretum

Written By Annalee Durland-Jones

There’s something special about the Arnold Arboretum in the fall, the way the colors shift from warm golds to deep rusts, the winding trails, the soft evening light that makes everything feel magical. It was the perfect backdrop for Geneva and Dan, who wanted their engagement photos to feel relaxed, candid, and true to who they are. Nothing overly posed or formal.

Geneva and Dan are getting married in Oregon in 2027, but they wanted to document this season of life here in Boston. From our first conversation, they were clear about the vibe, photos that felt honest, natural, and film-inspired. Images that showed them laughing and just being together. Less “traditional engagement session,” more “this is us.”

Geneva and Dan leaned into a chic, Parisian simplicity with Sézane-inspired textures and tones. Geneva’s white blouse gave a subtle nod to bridal style without ever overpowering the natural, candid feel they wanted. Together, their outfits felt cohesive, stylish, and completely true to them.

A candid moment during a fall engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum, captured with film-inspired tones and surrounded by autumn colors.
A candid moment during a fall engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum, captured with film-inspired tones and surrounded by autumn colors.
A candid moment during a fall engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum, captured with film-inspired tones and surrounded by autumn colors.
Editorial-style engagement portrait at the Arnold Arboretum with warm fall leaves and natural, relaxed posing.
Editorial-style engagement portrait at the Arnold Arboretum with warm fall leaves and natural, relaxed posing.
Editorial-style engagement portrait at the Arnold Arboretum with warm fall leaves and natural, relaxed posing.
A couple walks through the Arnold Arboretum’s foliage paths in clean, modern outfits during their fall engagement session.
A couple walks through the Arnold Arboretum’s foliage paths in clean, modern outfits during their fall engagement session.
A couple walks through the Arnold Arboretum’s foliage paths in clean, modern outfits during their fall engagement session.

Candid, Date-Night Energy

Instead of starting with big poses or formal direction, we wandered. The Arboretum’s fall paths were full of color, and we let that lead us, walking trails layered in leaves, pockets of golden trees, and quiet spots where the light softened.

So many of my favorite frames were in-between moments: the way Geneva tucked into Dan’s shoulder mid-walk, the way they cracked up about something only the two of them heard, the way their hands found each other without thinking. It all felt real and warm and wonderfully them.

A quiet moment between the couple under vibrant autumn trees at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
A quiet moment between the couple under vibrant autumn trees at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
Soft, film-inspired portrait of the couple standing among golden foliage during their Arnold Arboretum engagement session.
Soft, film-inspired portrait of the couple standing among golden foliage during their Arnold Arboretum engagement session.
Soft, film-inspired portrait of the couple standing among golden foliage during their Arnold Arboretum engagement session.
Soft, film-inspired portrait of the couple standing among golden foliage during their Arnold Arboretum engagement session.
Soft, film-inspired portrait of the couple standing among golden foliage during their Arnold Arboretum engagement session.
The couple walking through the Arboretum’s tree-lined paths, captured in a candid, date-night style with rich fall colors.
The couple walking through the Arboretum’s tree-lined paths, captured in a candid, date-night style with rich fall colors.
The couple walking through the Arboretum’s tree-lined paths, captured in a candid, date-night style with rich fall colors.
A movement-driven shot of the couple exploring the Arnold Arboretum at sunset, wearing modern, casual outfits.
A movement-driven shot of the couple exploring the Arnold Arboretum at sunset, wearing modern, casual outfits.
A movement-driven shot of the couple exploring the Arnold Arboretum at sunset, wearing modern, casual outfits.

Fall Colors & Film-Inspired Tones

The Arboretum was at peak fall, which gave us the prettiest palette to play with, rich oranges, deep reds, and soft golden highlights filtering through the trees. We leaned into those autumn textures and let the colors shape the mood of each image. The film-inspired edits made everything feel even softer and more nostalgic, the way the best fall days always feel.

Film-inspired candid of the couple strolling through the Arboretum’s fall foliage during their engagement session.
Film-inspired candid of the couple strolling through the Arboretum’s fall foliage during their engagement session.
A couple laughing while walking through colorful autumn leaves at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
A couple laughing while walking through colorful autumn leaves at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
A couple laughing while walking through colorful autumn leaves at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
A natural moment of the couple weaving through the Arboretum’s trails, leaning into playful movement and fall texture.
A natural moment of the couple weaving through the Arboretum’s trails, leaning into playful movement and fall texture.
Close-up engagement portrait with soft fall light at the Arnold Arboretum, highlighting their natural connection.
A candid laugh between the couple as they walk through the Arnold Arboretum’s fall foliage.
A playful moment as the couple leans into each other during their fall engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum.
Close-up engagement portrait with soft fall light at the Arnold Arboretum, highlighting their natural connection.

Why the Arnold Arboretum Was the Perfect Fit

For a session rooted in movement and natural moments, the Arboretum couldn’t have been better. There’s room to roam, trails that feel secluded, and endless pockets of color that shift with the light. It gives couples space to just be, which is exactly what Geneva and Dan wanted. No pressure, no need to pose perfectly. Just connection, color, and place.

Annalee Durland-Jones
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