The Charles River Esplanade is one of those Boston locations that always feels timeless, no matter the season. For Emma and Mike’s engagement session, it offered the perfect balance of classic Boston scenery, soft light, and a relaxed vibe that reflected who they are as a couple.

But first, we began their session wandering through Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Brick sidewalks, historic brownstones, and leafy side streets created a cozy city backdrop . It reminded me of this session, that also started in Beacon Hill. 

Emma wore an off-the-shoulder white dress that was equal parts elegant and effortless. Pairing beautifully with Mike’s linen button down and dark trousers. Their engagement session outfits were classic with a touch of coastal, allowing the focus to stay on their connection while perfectly capturing the feel of being by the water in Boston on a sunny afternoon.

Emma and Mike live in the Savin Hill neighborhood and knew they wanted their engagement photos to reflect not only their relationship, but also the city they love.

Boston isn’t just where they’re getting married this March – at another iconically Boston spot: the Omni Parker House(!) – it’s where their story unfolded. Mike proposed along the Rose Kennedy Greenway and they celebrated their engagement with a drink at Union Oyster House. This choice had some serious poetry in it because it was the very same place they went on their first date!

Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session

From Beacon Hill, we made our way toward the river as the light softened. The Charles River Esplanade offers wide open paths, water views, and a peaceful contrast to the neighborhood streets. Emma and Mike share a love that’s deep and comfortable. Their laughter came naturally, with Mike constantly finding small ways to make Emma smile or laugh. The way they look at each other makes it obvious that they are truly best friends who fell in love.

Travel is a big part of their relationship, too.

They’ve explored Thailand, France, and Madrid together, and you can feel that shared sense of adventure in how they move through the world side by side. That curiosity and connection translated beautifully during their time along the Charles River Esplanade, where moments unfolded naturally without the need for heavy direction – they made my job easy!

It’s easy to imagine them returning to the Charles River Esplanade for years to come as they continue building a life together.