With their wedding day at Langdon Hall just around the corner, Monica and Derek’s engagement session felt like the calm before the (very elegant) storm. We met up at Rockway Gardens in Kitchener, one of my fave hidden gems for its soft greens, fountains, and flower-lined paths. It was the perfect spot for the outdoor garden vibe they were hoping for. Timeless, romantic, and full of natural charm.
Monica and Derek met while doing their post-grad studies at Fanshawe College (cuties!!) and were classmates first , the kind of love story that quietly builds in the background until, one day, it’s something undeniable. When I met them for their session, they were both a little camera shy at first, which is so normal (especially for couples who haven’t had photos done before). But these two slipped into it so effortlessly.
They were sweet, easy to talk to, and totally leaned into just being with each other. The way they moved through the gardens — stopping by the fountain, the gazebo, and little tucked-away spots — felt calm and intentional. I gave them a few soft prompts, but mostly I just let them be. As golden hour settled in, the light got glowy-glowy gorgeous — that buttery warmth that photographers (and honestly, everyone) dream of. It lit them up in the most flattering way, and their white outfits popped beautifully against all the greenery. Add in their gentle, romantic energy, and the whole evening felt effortless in the best way.
I’m so looking forward to their wedding in a couple of weeks. If their engagement session was any hint, it’s going to be full of sweetness, quiet romance, and that golden warmth that seems to follow them wherever they go.
Photography by Three Sugars Photo, Kyra Cameron
