If you’re a frequent visitor of the blog, you probably know that Swallow Falls has become a favorite session location for me over the past year. Since moving to Garrett County, MD a year and a half ago, I’ve visited this state park a bunch of times and each time I find a new reason to love it. The various falls, the wooded trails, the way it looks in snow…and now, my newest reason: Tolliver Falls. Swallow Falls State Park is made up of three falls and Tolliver is the smallest. I vaguely remembered this area from when I was little. My parents had taken my siblings and I to these falls in the summer where we’d swim and cool off in the heat. It’s almost like a hidden watering hole…and I’m glad my hubs Brian reintroduced it to me! It was the perfect spot for Kelly and John’s engagement session. 🙂 Kelly and John are “outdoors people” and they’ve spent time hiking together in various places during their relationship. John said it would only be appropriate that their engagement session take place in a true outdoor place. After talking with them and working through their session, I couldn’t have been happier with the location choice. I REALLY enjoyed my time with these guys and am excited for their October wedding! The engagement sessions just keep getting better and better. ENJOY my favorites!

Kelly and John brought along their dogs to include in the session. I’m pretty sure I never heard either dog bark! They were so well-behaved…

 

Kelly and John warned me that they were a little uneasy about the session and whether or not they’d know what to do. Even though I reassured them that I work with amateurs all the time and will give them as much direction as needed, they immediately fell into comfortable, cute poses…like this one!

 

I love the one on the left. 🙂

John’s plaid shirt was so perfect in this forest setting!

A favorite for me. 🙂

 

And then we made it to Tolliver Falls! Isn’t this such a dreamy spot!?!

The dog butts. 🙂

I don’t think Kelly knew she could be so cute! Another pose that she sort of just fell into so easily!

 

I love the interaction and happiness here! Definitely a favorite. 🙂

The water was chilly, but these two were okay with rolling up their pant legs!

I feel like the next few could be on the cover of a love story!?! 🙂

 

I spotted a large flat rock at the top of the falls and knew it would make a good spot for Kelly and John to stand…and oh my did it ever!

Brian thinks this could be one of the best pictures I’ve ever taken!!! It might need to be blown up on a huge canvas for the JFP office! 🙂

I was fairly far away taking these pictures so between our distance and the noise from the falls, it was hard to direct Kelly and John. Thankfully they didn’t need much direction! Kelly changed her position a few times and they had no trouble leaning in towards each other and sharing a few kisses on their own. Such an awesome JFP couple already!

I love the barefoot action here. I took my shoes off, too! 🙂

 

I asked Kelly and John to stand in this spot and they did this…on their own! I was very impressed with their model-ness. 🙂

 

We made our way back to the entrance of the forest and decided to take a few more pictures with the dogs. Kelly and John both had dust on their butts. Thankfully, they have each other to help with that problem. (And hopefully they don’t mind me sharing this picture! 🙂 )

Quick outfit change!

A few pictures of the save the date to round out the session…

Isn’t the little “field” of small purple flowers so lovely!?

 

Kelly and John…wow! You did an awesome job! Just imagine how awesome you’re going to be on the wedding day now because you’ve had this practice! Thanks so much for making a special trip to Garrett County and I very much look forward to working with you again in the fall! 🙂