Some couples just get it — they know who they are, they don’t care about traditions that don’t fit them, and they bring their own brand of magic to everything they touch. That’s exactly how I’d describe Brooke and Justin. Their engagement session at Nolde Forest Mansion in Berks County, PA was the perfect blend of whimsy, architecture, and pure personality.

Brooke is an architect, so it’s no surprise that she absolutely lit up the moment we stepped up to the stone mansion at Nolde Forest. The ivy, the textured stonework, the arched windows — it was like her dream backdrop come to life. I swear, the way she looked at the building was almost the same way she looked at Justin (and that’s saying something!).

And then there’s her engagement ring — not a diamond, but a custom engagement ring, completely one-of-a-kind, just like her. Nestled in a halo of delicate details, the main stone sparkled against the forest floor when we photographed it among moss and twigs. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t have to follow the rules, and honestly, neither do engagement rings.

What I love about Brooke and Justin is that they don’t try to be “perfectly posed” or fit into some cookie-cutter idea of what engagement photos should be. Instead, they’re goofy, affectionate, and totally themselves. Whether it was snuggling on the stone steps, stealing a kiss framed by an arched window, or laughing in between shots, they made Nolde Forest feel like their own little storybook world.

As a Berks County wedding photographer, sessions like this are my favorite — because they prove that your engagement photos can (and should!) reflect you. Whether that means embracing your quirks, celebrating your passions (like architecture!), or showing off a ring that breaks every “traditional” mold, I’m here for it all.

Brooke and Justin, thanks for reminding me that the best love stories aren’t conventional — they’re the ones written exactly your way.