There’s a softness to the way the light falls on wide-open land — a stillness that invites honesty. This ranch engagement session took place during the day, where Texas fields stretch far enough to hold every emotion that surfaced between them: the laughter, the quiet, the spark.
There were no props. No Pinterest poses. Just two people walking through family land, breathing in the open air, and letting their story unfold the way it should — and creating their legacy where those before them once also created theirs in a symbolic engagement session.
The Vision
When we first spoke, they didn’t want a trendy session like many ranch engagement sessions. They wanted something honest. Something that reflected who they are, the land they love, and the rhythm of their life together. I have been out to this ranch another time to photograph some amazing fashion images for the brand Double D Ranch. I knew they had a gorgeous rock quarry we had to take photos in front of.
They’ll marry on this very ranch in just a few months — surrounded by sky, light, and the people who’ve shaped their story. This engagement session wasn’t just a moment frozen in time — it was a foreshadowing. A quiet breath before they walk into something bigger. They also got engaged by the creek on this very ranch.
Why These Sessions Matter
A session like this isn’t just about the photos. It’s about memory-making.
It gives you the space to connect without an audience, to move the way you naturally do, and to see this season through someone else’s lens. It’s rehearsal — not in the performative sense, but in the emotional one, much like any meaningful ranch engagement session should be.
It’s also a perfect chance to create imagery that feels aligned with the rest of your story — especially if you’re marrying on private land, or dreaming of a wedding that blends natural beauty with personal meaning, inspired by a ranch engagement session.
The History Behind Altwein Ranch
“We’ve had the ranch since 1853, the house was built in 1910 by Cody’s great grandfather for his new bride. She’s wearing my grandmother’s engagement ring. He’s 7th generation Texan, but 6th generation to live on Altwein Ranch and he proposed at the creek.”
Whether you’re planning a wedding on your family ranch, hosting a destination wedding in Montana, or dreaming of a space that gives you room to breathe during an engagement session — I’d love to help you tell that story. Contact me here: https://erinmarcinphotography.com/contact
Want to get married at a ranch, but don’t own the land? Here are a few of our favorites to host your wedding and if you have decided on one of these venues, we’d love to document your story!
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