Ethan & Mara’s Summer Engagement at the UW-Madison Arboretum


There’s something so magical about summer in Madison, isn’t there? Long golden hours, greenery everywhere you look, and just the right amount of warmth to make you want to stay outside forever. That’s exactly the vibe Ethan and Mara brought to their engagement session at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum—it was pure sunshine, love, and adventure.


If somehow you’ve never been to the Arboretum, let me paint the picture for you. It’s a little slice of State-Park-Light nestled right in the heart of Madison. With winding trails, serene ponds, and towering trees, it’s no shock it’s a favorite for couples, families, and photographers alike. Whether you’re planning your engagement, wedding, or just a casual stroll, this place is full of charm and character. For a Madison wedding photographer like me, it’s one of my favorite spots to work in!


Ethan and Mara were so much fun to photograph. They wanted their engagement photos to feel natural and authentic, so instead of staying in one place, we turned the session into a little adventure. We wandered to all of their favorite spots in the Arboretum, from the prairie to the hidden nooks of the woodland gardens. Every location felt personal to them, and you could tell how much this place meant and had a place in their story.


One of my favorite moments was when they couldn’t stop laughing while crawling under their favorite tree. 


I said what I said.


Mara’s laughter quickly turned it into a wonderfully uncoordinated—and totally adorable—moment. These little goofy unplanned moments? That’s where the magic happens. You could see their personalities shine through.  

A couple sits on a forest trail beneath evergreen branches during an intimate moment in nature.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring nestled among soft white hydrangea petals in shallow focus.
A romantic couple embraces while sharing an intimate moment against a lush green background in soft lighting.
A romantic couple embraces tenderly among blooming white wildflowers in a lush garden setting.
A couple walks hand in hand down a tree-lined road in black and white.

Golden Hour In Madison


The summer light at the Arboretum did not disappoint. The golden hour wrapped everything in a soft glow, making Ethan and Mara’s connection feel even more cinematic. There’s one shot in particular where they were wrapped around each other, framed by a gap in the trees. Perfection.


Ethan and Mara’s session reminded me why I love what I do. Being a Madison wedding photographer isn’t just about capturing all the pretty pictures—it’s about documenting connection, joy, and the real stuff that makes each couple unique. Sessions like this make me feel more connected to the city I call home, even though I live in Milwaukee right now. The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is such a gem for engagement and wedding photography in Wisconsin, and every time I shoot there, I fall in love all over again. 


To Ethan and Mara—thank you for trusting me with your memories and for sharing your favorite spots with me! Your love is so full of warmth and light, and I know your wedding will be just as beautiful as that summer evening in the Arboretum.  


If you’re planning your engagement at the UW-Madison Arboretum or looking for Madison wedding photography, let’s chat! Whether it’s an adventurous stroll like Ethan and Mara’s or something entirely your own, I’d love to help capture your story.


A couple sits on a blanket in front of a stunning backdrop of pink and white hydrangea bushes in a garden setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment in front of blooming white hydrangea bushes in a garden setting.
Silhouette of two people embracing in a peaceful garden setting at sunset with pine trees and willow branches.
Delicate white hydrangea flowers in soft black and white bokeh macro photography.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring sits nestled among delicate white hydrangea blooms in soft focus.
A couple relaxes on a blanket on green grass beneath flowering pink and white hydrangea bushes.
A couple in coordinated blush tones stands together on a manicured lawn with lush greenery in the background.
A couple lying together on a blanket in the grass on a sunny day, sharing an intimate moment of rest.
A romantic picnic scene on a lush green lawn surrounded by blooming hydrangea bushes with pink and white flowers.
A couple relaxes on grass beneath blooming pink hydrangea bushes in a lush garden setting during summer.