Elegant & Playful Outdoor Engagement Photos at Cornell & Cascadilla Gorge
When you're planning outdoor engagement photos, it's easy to choose locations simply because they're beautiful. But my favorite sessions are always the ones that tell a story—places that already hold pieces of a couple's relationship long before I ever arrive with a camera. 🥹
For Lindsey and Seth, that meant returning to Cornell University, where they first met as undergraduates and spent years walking the same stone pathways, studying together, and slowly falling in love. From there, we explored Cascadilla Gorge before ending the evening lakeside at Stewart Park—three locations that couldn't have been more different, yet honestly fit their vibe perfectly.
Between the old-world architecture of Cornell, the rushing waterfalls of the gorge, and the peaceful willow trees overlooking Cayuga Lake, this session felt like stepping into three completely different worlds... all in one evening. I don't think we could've chosen more meaningful places to celebrate this season of their lives together!
From Cornell Classmates to Finally Ending Long Distance
Lindsey and Seth first met while attending Cornell University, making it only fitting that they would return to their alma mater for their engagement photos. Since those college days, life has taken them in different directions—in the very best way possible. Lindsey recently graduated from dental school (ahhhhhh!! 🥳), while the two spent years making long distance work with Lindsey living in Philadelphia and Seth in Chicago.
Thankfully, that's finally changing. After years of airports, FaceTime calls, and counting down the days until their next visit, they're finally getting to experience everyday life in the same state again. And next October, they'll celebrate the next chapter of their story with an Inns of Aurora wedding (that I already know is going to be absolutely beautiful. 🙌🏼)
Their engagement session actually happened during what they jokingly called a "strictly business" trip back to New York. They flew in that very day to tackle wedding planning tasks—including a rehearsal dinner tasting—and squeezed in engagement photos along the way. (If you ask me, that's the best kind of business trip. 😉)
Cornell University's Old-World Charm Made the Perfect Beginning
If you've never wandered Cornell's campus before, let me just say... it's absolutely breathtaking. Every corner feels like something pulled from the pages of a classic novel. Towering Gothic architecture, intricate stone archways, soaring cathedral-like ceilings, sprawling green lawns, and historic buildings create an atmosphere that's somehow both grand and incredibly inviting. Walking through West Campus almost feels like you've been transported to Europe, and with the warm evening light spilling through the stone corridors, it couldn't have been a more romantic place to begin their outdoor engagement photos.
It also happened to suit Lindsey and Seth perfectly. Lindsey wore a soft blush floral midi dress that complemented the warm tones of Cornell's historic stonework beautifully, while Seth's navy suit jacket layered over an open-collar button-down struck the perfect balance between polished and effortless. Together, they looked like they had wandered straight off the set of Notting Hill. Seth had that effortlessly charming, Hugh Grant kind of demeanor, while Lindsey carried herself with the timeless elegance of a classic leading lady. Between her radiant smile, graceful style, and the way they naturally melted into one another beneath Cornell's stone archways, every image, every moment felt cinematic. We leaned into the scenery of the campus—lingering beneath soaring arches, tucking into grand stone windows, and wandering hand in hand through the place where their story first began.
One of my favorite parts of photographing at Cornell was getting to play with the architecture itself. Rather than treating the campus as just a backdrop, I embraced the incredible scale of the buildings, creating landscape-forward images that allowed the stone archways, vaulted ceilings, and dramatic windows to become part of their story. Some of my favorite frames from the entire evening happened right here. If you love Lindsey and Seth’s photos, you might also enjoy Darshita and Kunj's romantic engagement session.
Hi, I’m Emilee!
If you’re looking for joyful, emotion-rich imagery, then I maaaay be your gal!
I’m an Upstate NY Wedding Photographer who specializes in a laid-back photography approach, and I’d love to help tell your love story!
Cascadilla Gorge Wins The Prize For Most Scenic Outdoor Engagement Photos
From there, we traded Gothic architecture for one of Upstate New York's many natural treasures—waterfalls—and none other than those at Cascadilla Gorge. One thing I love about Upstate is that it literally feels like there's one waterfall after another, waiting around every corner. 😂 And despite having taken photographs throughout the Finger Lakes for years, this was actually my first time visiting this particular section of Cascadilla. Suffice to say... I was instantly obsessed.
The rushing waterfalls, layered rock formations, lush greenery, and winding pathways created such a dramatic contrast from Cornell's refined architecture. It felt wild, peaceful, and at the core, so Upstate New York.
Their outfit change fit the scenery just as seamlessly. Lindsey changed into a white summer dress that floated here and there as she waltzed through the gorge, while Seth swapped his jacket for a relaxed light blue button-down paired with cream trousers. The softer, more casual look matched the adventurous spirit of this part of the evening so naturally, and it gave the session a great switch-up without losing any of the romance.
This was also where we were joined by their adorable pup, Hazel, who made a few appearances throughout the evening. 🥹🐶 She added such a sweet, personal touch to their session. I always love when couples include their dogs because they're such an important part of this season of life together. 🤍
Photographically, this may have been my favorite stop of the evening. I found myself experimenting with more movement than usual—using shutter drag, intentional blur, and Lindsey's flowing dress to create images that felt dreamy, and playful against the rushing waterfalls. Watching the fabric catch the breeze while the water flowed steadily behind them created such a most magical sense of movement, and I already know I want to incorporate even more of this style into future sessions. Looking for more waterfall inspiration? Be sure to check out Brooke and Joe or Hannah and Milad's engagement photos.
Psst… in case you haven’t noticed, awkward photos aren’t really my vibe.
My goal is to get you feeling comfortable and yourself, so you can enjoy personality-driven imagery for years to come!
If you’re looking at this gallery, thinking, “YASSSSS!”, then we need to talk… like yesterday!
Keep scrolling to see more of Lindsey and Seth’s engagement gallery! ↓
Stewart Park Was the Sweetest Way to End the Evening
As the sun began to dip lower, we made one final stop at Stewart Park along the shores of Cayuga Lake. After the grandeur of Cornell and the dramatic waterfalls of Cascadilla Gorge, Stewart Park felt like slow, steadying breath. Wide open green lawns stretched toward the water, willow trees swayed in the breeze, and the shoreline glowed beneath the softest evening light. It was peaceful, relaxed, and the perfect place to simply slow down.
Lindsey and Seth stayed in their second outfits, which couldn't have said ‘lakeside’ any better. Her crisp white dress was classic against the lush greenery, and Seth's light blue shirt and neutral trousers gave an easy, carefree feel. By this point in the evening, any nerves about being in front of the camera had completely disappeared. They laughed constantly, wandered barefoot through the grass, spun beneath the willow trees, and held each other as though they had completely forgotten I was there photographing them.
Those are always my favorite moments—the ones that don't feel posed at all. Just two people soaking in an evening together before one of the biggest chapters of their lives begins! If you're drawn to sessions that perfectly balance romance with playful, candid moments, Lyndsi and Max's engagement session is another one you won't want to miss.
A Landscape-Forward Approach to Outdoor Engagement Photos
One of my favorite parts of photographing outdoor engagement photos is getting to tell the story of not only who my couples are, but where their story unfolds. While I absolutely love the close-up, intimate moments, I'm equally drawn to the wide, landscape-forward images that allow a place to become part of the story itself. Engagement sessions are especially fun for this because we're not working around a wedding timeline—we have the freedom to explore, chase beautiful light, and fully embrace the scenery around us.
Throughout Lindsey and Seth's gallery, I intentionally stepped back to let Cornell's soaring Gothic architecture, Cascadilla Gorge's rushing waterfalls, and Stewart Park's peaceful lakeshore take their place alongside the two of them. I also incorporated intentional foreground blur and a few GIFs throughout the evening to bring even more life and movement into their gallery. Whether it's Lindsey's dress catching the breeze, the waterfalls whooshing behind them, or the quiet laughter they shared between prompts, these little storytelling elements help preserve not just what this season looked like—but what their session truly felt like. My hope is always that years from now, my couples can step back into these places and relive the wonder of their romance all over again. You can read more about my landscape-forward approach to photography here!
Inspired by Lindsey & Seth's Outdoor Engagement Photos?
If Lindsey and Seth's session has you dreaming about your own outdoor engagement photos, I'd love to help you create a session that feels just as personal. Whether your story began on a college campus, beside a waterfall, or somewhere entirely different, choosing locations that hold meaning will always make your photos feel that much more authentic.
Here's to Lindsey and Seth—to their Cornell kind of love, finally closing the chapter on long distance, Lindsey's incredible dental school graduation, Hazel tagging along for the adventure, an October wedding at Inns of Aurora, and all the adventures still waiting for them. I'm so grateful our paths crossed during such an exciting season of life, and I already cannot wait to celebrate alongside you both next fall. 🥂