Finger Lakes Engagement Session at Living Roots Winery
There’s something really special about photographing a Finger Lakes engagement session, especially when the location means so much to the couple. Jackie and Blaine’s engagement session felt personal from the very beginning because this area has been part of their story for years. As a Rochester, NY photographer, I photograph many weddings and engagement sessions throughout the Finger Lakes region, and every time I come back I’m reminded why couples love celebrating here! Between the vineyards, lake views, and relaxed pace of the area, a Finger Lakes engagement session always feels a little slower and more intentional. Jackie and Blaine’s session had all of that and more. It was relaxed, meaningful, and full of moments that felt like them.
Why this Finger Lakes Engagement Session Is So Meaningful to Jackie & Blaine
Choosing to have their engagement session in this beautiful region was an easy decision for Jackie and Blaine. These two grew up around Penn Yan, and the Finger Lakes has always been a place where they spend time together with friends and family.
Summers here are a big part of their lives. They often come down to the lake with friends, spend time outside, and enjoy everything the area has to offer. Because of that, it felt natural for their engagement session to take place somewhere that already holds so many memories for them.
They’re also planning their wedding in the Finger Lakes in 2026, so their Finger Lakes engagement session felt like the perfect way to start celebrating this season of life together.
Starting the Session at Living Roots Winery
We started their engagement session at Living Roots Winery, which was such a beautiful place to begin the evening. The winery overlooks the surrounding landscape and has that relaxed Finger Lakes atmosphere that makes sessions feel effortless.
Wineries are one of my favorite locations for engagement sessions in the Finger Lakes because they combine beautiful scenery with a laid-back environment where couples can just enjoy being together.
As a Rochester, NY photographer, I always aim to photograph a mix of posed portraits and candid moments during engagement sessions. Jackie and Blaine made that so easy. They were constantly laughing together, talking, and just enjoying the moment. Some of my favorite images from their session were the quiet, in-between moments.
The natural light at the winery was gorgeous, and we spent time walking around the property as the sun slowly started to drop lower in the sky. Their dog Bellie joined us for some photos, and she really was the star of the show!
Ending the Session Down by the Lake
After exploring the winery, we headed to a friend of theirs who lives right on the lake to finish their Finger Lakes engagement session by the water.
Being near the lake is such a defining part of this area, so ending the session there felt perfect. The water was calm, the sky was starting to soften into evening light, and the whole setting felt peaceful.
This part of the session was also special for me personally. I come down to the Finger Lakes during the summer whenever I can just to jump in the lake and enjoy the water, so photographing Jackie and Blaine there felt like sharing one of my favorite places with them.
As the evening moved into blue hour, I used a mix of natural light and flash to capture the soft evening atmosphere while still keeping the photos true to life. I love this time of day because the colors become cooler and the light feels a little more romantic.
Seeing the Finger Lakes from Above
One of my favorite parts of Jackie and Blaine’s Finger Lakes engagement session was bringing out my drone once we were down by the water.
Drone photos add such a unique perspective, especially in a place like the Finger Lakes where the landscape is such an important part of the story. Seeing the lake stretch out around them while they stood together on the shoreline created such a beautiful and peaceful scene.
It’s moments like that that remind me why I love photographing engagement sessions here so much!
Looking Ahead to Their Finger Lakes Wedding
Spending the evening with Jackie and Blaine made me even more excited for their wedding in 2026. If their Finger Lakes engagement session was any indication, their wedding day is going to be full of joy, meaningful moments, and time spent with the people who matter most to them.
As a Rochester, NY photographer, I feel lucky every time I get to photograph couples in this region. The Finger Lakes has a way of making engagement sessions feel relaxed and genuine, which always leads to the most natural photos.
Jackie and Blaine’s Finger Lakes engagement session was such a perfect reflection of their relationship and the place they love.
Planning a Finger Lakes Engagement Session?
If you’re thinking about planning a Finger Lakes engagement session, this area offers so many beautiful possibilities. From wineries and rolling vineyards to lakefront views and quiet docks, there are endless locations that create the perfect setting for engagement photos.
As a wedding photographer, my goal is always to capture both the candid moments and the timeless portraits that tell the story of your relationship.
If you’re planning a Finger Lakes engagement session or getting married in the area, I would love to document this season for you.
You can learn more about engagement sessions and wedding photography on my website!
