Summer Engagement Portraits at Lock Ridge Park: Dominique & Dylan’s Sunrise Session

Summer engagement portraits at Lock Ridge Park are always a dreamy experience, and Dominique and Dylan’s sunrise session was no exception. As the first light of day filtered through the trees and golden rays danced over the historic stone ruins, their session unfolded like a quiet, peaceful beginning to a beautiful new chapter.

We met at the park just as the sun was beginning to rise, bathing the early summer morning in warm, golden light. The cool air, soft with the promise of a new day, was perfect for capturing moments that felt effortlessly romantic and intimate. As we explored the park together, Dominique and Dylan were completely in sync—laughing, talking, and soaking in every quiet moment. They even took a spontaneous dip in the creek, adding a playful and memorable touch to their portraits.

Their love story began with a dinner among mutual friends in 2020, right after Dominique transferred to Penn State—where Dylan was already a student. That evening turned into a forever kind of spark. From that first night, they’ve talked every single day. What started as a casual meet-up between friends quickly grew into something deeply meaningful.

When Dylan proposed, he caught Dominique completely off guard—just like he had hoped. She had always said she didn’t want to get engaged on a holiday, their anniversary, or her birthday. But when they planned a birthday trip to Asheville, North Carolina, Dylan realized her mind had changed. On the day they arrived in Asheville, he asked what she wanted for her birthday. Her reply? “You know what I want.” That’s when he knew the time was right.

He carried the ring in his pocket all day as they wandered the town, waiting for the perfect moment. It never came—until later that night, when they were back at their Airbnb. As Dominique made tea and settled in for the evening, Dylan asked if she’d had a good day. Again, she answered with a smile, “You know what I want.” That’s when he dropped to one knee and asked her to be his forever.

She didn’t believe him at first—thinking he might be joking—but when she saw the ring and realized he meant every word, she burst into happy tears. It may not have been a grand, orchestrated proposal, but it was real, raw, and perfectly them.

Now, as Dominique and Dylan say “I do” today at Arrow Studios and Events in Pottsville, their story feels like it’s come full circle. From a college dinner, to late-night tea and a surprise proposal, to these joyful summer engagement portraits at Lock Ridge Park, their journey has been filled with unexpected, authentic, and heartwarming moments.

Congratulations to Dominique and Dylan—thank you for letting me capture your story from the first light of day to this incredible day of celebration.

If you love these Summer Engagement Portraits at Lock Ridge Park, you’ll also love:
Jen + Jesse at Lock Ridge