Vibrant Fall Engagement Session at Mueller Park in Bountiful Utah
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 8 MINUTES
There’s something so magical about fall in Utah when that golden light is filtering through the trees and the crisp air is paired with the warm tones of the changing leaves. It’s one of my favorite times of year to photograph couples, and this Mueller Park engagement session was the perfect example of why.
When Whisper first reached out to inquire about a wedding package, I was so excited to chat through the details and vision of her upcoming 2026 wedding with her partner, Isaac. We began planning the details of their engagement photos and brainstormed the perfect location for some late autumn vibes. Engagement sessions are not only a great opportunity to get beautiful images for save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and your wedding website. They also give couples time to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day, see how your photographer guides you, and get a feel of how you mesh with your photographer.
Planning Their Engagement Session
One of the first things mentioned during our video chat was that the couple’s dog, Quinn, would be a part of their wedding as the ring bearer. As a fellow #dogMom, I was so excited because I absolutely love when couples include their pets in photos! Dogs bring so much personality and authenticity to a session, and Mr. Quinn was no exception.
We chose Mueller Park in Bountiful, Utah for their engagement session because of its variety of backdrops, easy access to nature just outside of the main city area, and the fact that it is dog-friendly. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to see so many vibrant leaves still hanging on the trees for our shoot day. Late fall is always tricky to time sessions with the perfect location to still get beautiful leaves before the trees go bare for winter.
Before the session, the couple filled out my engagement session questionnaire. It covers everything from:
- Comfort levels with PDA (so we know what feels natural)
- Whether they’re up for adventurous or more classic prompts
- Any areas of self-consciousness they’d like me to be mindful of or things they want me to be sure to highlight
- What overall vibe they want the gallery to have (romantic, playful, editorial, cozy, etc.)
This helps me personalize the session so it truly feels like each couple. It also opens up communication beforehand, which means once we meet in person, everyone’s relaxed and ready to just have fun.
Engagement Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
- Discounted rate available if adding on to wedding package
The Magic of Mueller Park With Fall in Full Color
When we arrived at Mueller Park, it felt like stepping into a postcard after passing through the gate. The trees were bursting with color, the air smelled like pine and earth, and the stream running through the canyon added the perfect touch of mountain serenity.
Some of my favorite photo spots in Mueller Park include:
- The Bridge: A charming wooden bridge that adds a rustic, romantic element that’s perfect for some big hugs and laughing shots.
- The Stream: Natural stone steps leading down to the water make for beautiful compositions.
- Towering Trees: Lined paths that glow during golden hour, creating that dreamy, cinematic light.
- Picnic Areas: Cozy clearings surrounded by fall foliage, perfect for more relaxed moments.
Karisa was awesome! My fiancé and I feel a bit awkward in front of the camera, but she guided us into all of the poses. She even allowed for us to bring our energetic dog with us and got great shots of him as well. We are spoiled for choices as we try to decide which pictures to put on our invites! We have her scheduled for our wedding as well. Having done engagements with her beforehand makes us feel extra comfortable going into our big day. Could not be happier!
WHISPER D, GOOGLE REVIEWS
Best Times to Photograph at Mueller Park
If you’re planning a photoshoot here, timing makes a huge difference in the look and feel of your images.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to visit throughout the year:
- Spring (April–May): Fresh greenery, soft light, and wildflowers starting to bloom. Expect a mix of muddy trails and bright new growth.
- Summer (June–August): Lush forest backdrops, longer daylight hours, and vibrant greens. Early morning or sunset sessions work best to avoid harsh light.
- Fall (Late September–Mid October): Peak color season. Golden and crimson leaves everywhere, crisp weather, and that perfect cozy vibe.
- Winter (December–February): Snowy wonderland! Quiet trails, soft light, and magical mountain views. Dress warm and bring boots for traction.
Their Cozy and Coordinated Outfits
One thing that always stands out during engagement sessions is how much outfits can influence the overall mood of the photos. For their first outfit, we had a classic flannel and jeans outfit paired with a cozy dress with black tights. This was the perfect blend of casual and dressed up that complemented the season perfectly.
The second outfit leaned more laid-back with a blue sweater and a multi-colored button-down that both popped against the golden leaves. The textures and tones played beautifully off each other and the environment, creating that perfect contrast between warmth and color.
If you’re planning your own engagement session, here are a few outfit tips that never fail:
- Coordinate your colors without matching exactly.
- Choose movement-friendly pieces (think flowy dresses, soft sweaters, cozy layers).
- Avoid loud logos or busy patterns that distract.
- Bring at least one extra outfit for variety.
A Note on Including Pets in Your Engagement Session
Since Quinn was joining us for this shoot, we wanted to make sure the experience was fun and as relaxed as possible for everyone. Anytime a furry friend is involved, it’s important to have realistic expectations because dogs bring spontaneity (and often a few laughs), which makes for some of the most genuine photos.
Here are a few of my favorite tips for including your pet in your engagement photos:
- Bring a helper or use a leash anchor. A friend or family member can hold the leash during non-pet moments or help grab attention behind the camera. If we’re in a natural area, a leash anchor that screws into the dirt keeps your pup secure while giving you hands-free moments.
- Pack the essentials. Treats, water, waste bags, and a favorite toy are a must.
- Be patient. Just like kids, pets can be unpredictable. We’ll capture plenty of shots to ensure we get that perfect frame, but remember, the imperfect moments often end up being the most heartwarming!
- Look at the camera! Once your dog is in place, keep your eyes up. I’ll make all the funny noises and wave the treats, you just stay camera-ready.
At the end of the day, pets add personality and love to your photos. Watching my couples or families interact with their beloved pets and being able to capture it is one of my favorite things as a photographer. They add so many sweet candid moments to your final images and truly show your dynamic.
Building Comfort and Connection
One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is watching couples relax into the experience. The first few minutes might feel a little awkward (which is totally normal!), but once the laughter starts, that’s when the real magic happens.
For this session, the connection was instantly full of warmth, laughter, and those subtle glances that say a thousand words. We mixed in posed shots with plenty of candid moments, letting them just be themselves.
The questionnaire really helped us establish that comfort ahead of time. Knowing what poses they felt confident in and which moments felt natural allowed me to guide without over-directing. By the time the sun dipped behind the canyon, we had captured a gallery full of genuine smiles, snuggles, and plenty of tail wags from Quinn.
Why Engagement Sessions Matter Before the Wedding
It’s easy to think of engagement photos as “just another box to check,” but they’re so much more than that. As a Utah engagement photographer, I like to inform future couples that these sessions are:
- A practice run before your wedding day allowing you to get comfortable being photographed together.
- A chance to get to know your photographer, so your wedding feels like you’re being photographed by a friend.
- A time to celebrate this chapter of your story with the excitement, anticipation, and love before you say “I do.”
- A great opportunity to capture images for save-the-dates, invitations, your wedding website, or even wall art for your home.
Planning Your Own Engagement or Wedding Session
If you’re reading this and dreaming about your own engagement photos, whether it’s in the mountains, the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the red rocks of Southern Utah, or your favorite local park, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. As a Utah engagement photographer, my goal is always to create photos that feel like you. Warm, genuine, and full of life, not forced or overly posed. Whether you’re newly engaged, planning a 2026 wedding, or just want updated couple photos, we can plan something special together.
Ready to start planning your engagement session or interested in learning about my current packages for your wedding day? Reach out today to learn more. Let’s capture your story with real smiles, silly moments, and everything in between.
