When a couple has a location for their engagement session that is special to them, I am always game to go on an adventure! Tierney and Danny were one of those couples! Their engagement session was at Matthew Henson Trail, just right down the road from Tierney’s family’s home. She frequents the trail as a runner with their pup, Rosie, and her family’s dog, Carl. When Danny proposed he created an entire scavenger hunt for her, and guess where it started…you got it! Matthew Henson Trail, Tierney’s favorite local running spot!

Once I found the trail (to be in the middle of a city, it’s actually pretty hidden!), they showed me the exact spot he hid the first clue for Tierney. His plan was almost foiled by her because the day he proposed was, of course, one of the only days Tierney woke up before Danny. Hearing them recant the story was adorable!

We explored through the trail as we talked more about their background and daily lives. Tierney is a veterinarian and Danny is an officer in the Navy. I was even able to surprise him with my knowledge of what “SWO” meant, thanks to my husband’s military background! It stands for Surface Warfare Officer, by the way! Danny is currently stationed in Norfolk, but they travel to see each other as often as possible, despite the Danny’s crazy schedule and Tierney’s sometimes unpredictable hours.

Rosie and Carl accompanied us on their session and made for the very best companions. Honestly, Carl stole the show…he posed perfectly for the camera!! But Rosie was so sweet as well. I think she is stronger than she realizes herself, so she kept me on our toes during the puppy part of our session!

As we were ending and walking back to the car…we saw these thorn bushes that looked like they were on fire the way the sun was hitting them. I almost passed right by, just admiring the sight, but not asking them to jump in the thorn bushes. But then I thought…these people are my kinda people and I’m just gonna go for it and ask them…so moments later, Tierney and Danny were in the thorns taking photos like it was nothing. Thankfully no clients or dogs (or photographers) were harmed in the making of these gorgeous engagement photos!