Some sessions come with a full backstory, and Alyxis & Isaiah’s fall engagement photos had a good one!! I photographed Isaiah’s senior portraits four or five years ago, and Alyxis had actually tagged along that day… but they’d only just met.
Now they’re engaged, planning a summer 2027 wedding, and they asked me to be their photographer. Isaiah told me during the engagement session that I was the first person he thought of. I won’t pretend that didn’t completely make my day.
Fall Engagement Photos at a Montana Working Ranch
We shot at Lazy Sousa Ranch in Huson, Montana, tucked into the Ninemile Valley. It’s over 600 acres of meadows, creeks and mountains. One important note: it’s a private ranch, not a wedding venue or photo location of any kind, and it isn’t open to the public. We only got to shoot there because Alyxis has a personal family connection to the owners. A huge thank you to owner Kate Sousa for letting us on the property!!
This was my first time shooting at a real working ranch here in Western Montana, so it was definitely a treat for me! And Alyxis and Isaiah showed up ready to shoot, in full western wear, with their wedding date stamped on the brims of their cowboy and cowgirl hats.
The Clydesdale Stole the Show (A Little)
I’ll be honest, I was a little awestruck by the Clydesdale. She was enormous and gorgeous, and photographing Alyxis and Isaiah next to her was so much fun. Horses were scattered all over the ranch, so we stopped to pet them as we wandered the property.
Golden Hour on the Dirt Roads
This is where the session really opened up. The fall colors were rich and warm, and we kept things fun and lighthearted… lifts, laughs, twirls and running. I think we all had a blast!!
An Engagement Ring, a Bible and That Montana Sky
Isaiah proposed in Italy, which is a hard act to follow, but his ring more than holds its own in a Montana meadow at sunset. We got some close-ups of it, and Alyxis brought her Bible, so we wove it into a few photos too. It’s an important detail of their story, since they met through church.
I love it when couples bring something personal like that~ it makes the photos so much more meaningful.
An Elk Cameo (Almost!)
At one point Isaiah spotted a big bull elk way off in the distance. Being a hunter, he got a bit distracted for a few minutes, and I had to rein him back into the shoot (lol!). We tried to move close enough to work it into a shot (which would have made Isaiah’s day and been a first for me!), but even my longest lens couldn’t quite reach. Maybe next time!
Between the Clydesdale, the longhorns (including a couple of calves I got to watch being bottle-fed… #thecutest) and the almost-elk, this session had more wildlife than any I’ve done before. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding next summer!!
Fall Engagement Photos FAQ
When is the best time for fall engagement photos in Western Montana?
The best fall color here usually runs from late September through October, and it typically peaks in the first half of October. It can shift a little from year to year, so if you’re set on golden leaves, book early and stay a bit flexible. Mountain weather changes fast too, so a backup date is always smart.
What time of day is best for engagement photos?
Golden hour, roughly the last hour before sunset, creates soft light and rich color. It’s when Alyxis and Isaiah’s session really came alive on the dirt roads at Lazy Sousa Ranch. In fall, the sun sets a little earlier every week, so we’ll plan your start time around your date.
Can we book a session at Lazy Sousa Ranch?
No, Lazy Sousa Ranch in Huson, MT is a private working ranch. It isn’t a wedding venue or photo location, and it’s not open to the public. We were only able to shoot there because Alyxis has a family connection to the owners. If you have private land in mind for your own session, always get the owner’s permission first.
Is an engagement session included with my wedding photography collection?
Yes, with my 6-hour and 8-hour wedding collections!! Both include a complimentary 1-hour engagement session. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day, especially if you’re a little camera shy… you’re in good company, and we’ll take it easy and keep it fun and lighthearted.
What should we wear for fall engagement photos?
Wear something that feels like you guys. Alyxis and Isaiah went with western attire, cowboy hats and all, and it fit the ranch perfectly. Layers and rich fall colors work great this time of year. If you’re stuck, I’m happy to help you figure out outfits before your session. And if you book my 6-hour or 8-hour collection, you’ll get access to my Wedding & Engagement planning guides, which are full of helpful tips. 😊
Can we bring our dog or something personal?
Absolutely!! Dogs are some of my favorite engagement session guests, and they show up in a lot of my sessions. Something personal that tells your story works beautifully too~ just bring it along and we’ll work it in.
Planning Your Own Western Montana Wedding?
My 6-hour and 8-hour wedding collections include a complimentary engagement session, so you get a fun, easy chance to practice in front of the camera before the big day. Reach out here and tell me a little about you guys and your plans… I’d love to hear from you!!
Location: Lazy Sousa Ranch · @mtnmeadowranch · lazysousaranch.com
