Holy shit y’all — you already know Yosemite is in my top 3 national parks of all time. So when I had the chance to head out on a free retreat with Wild Roots Retreat Co? My bags were packed in five seconds flat — ok like an hour because I over pack but whatever 😉
I’ll be sharing a ton from this trip over the next few months, but I’m starting here — with this jaw-dropping waterfall session we photographed in the backyard of our Airbnb. And when I say this place was next level… I mean bathtubs carved out of a hunk of rock, a built-in grill inside the house, two homes on the property, and a literal river running through it. It was giving luxury summer camp for creatives, and I was so here for it.
Why waterfall couples photos (or any bold idea) are worth it
These waterfall couples photos weren’t styled to perfection. They weren’t “stand here, now hold hands, now look at each other.” They were steamy, chaotic, real. The kind of shoot that feels more like a date and less like a performance.
It’s easy to default to the same-old engagement session formula: a pretty outfit, golden hour, open field. And don’t get me wrong — I love a dreamy meadow moment. But you’re allowed to want more than just pretty pictures. You’re allowed to want movement. Meaning. Something with story. Something with soul.
Want movie-still photos? Plan a session that feels like a movie.
Think river swims in the heat of summer. Bare feet. Wet hair. Water cascading down your back while your person holds your face like you’re the lead in a damn romance novel.
This session wasn’t even for a real couple (they modeled for us), but if I had a dollar for every time I wished clients asked for something this fun, I could buy that Airbnb. The thing is — this kind of magic is available to anyone willing to get a little messy.
Let your vacation rental do double duty
These photos were taken mid-day — no rushing to beat sunset, no permits, no crowds — just a couple, some sunshine, and a waterfall in the backyard.
We stayed in Oakhurst, about 40–60 minutes outside Yosemite depending on where you’re going in the park. If you can’t stay in the valley, it’s one of my favorite towns to use as home base (Yosemite West is a great option too). Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the coast, or anywhere in between — think about how your Airbnb or cabin or cottage could elevate your session.
Pick a place that makes you feel something. That has texture, or a view, or a story behind it. The location doesn’t have to be Insta-perfect. It just has to feel like you.
So what counts as a “session,” anyway?
Anything you want it to be.
- Your honeymoon (Check out these honeymoon photos in Greece!)
- Your anniversary trip
- A weekend away after adopting your first pup
- That little window between grad school and moving across the country
- Or maybe… nothing at all
Your love doesn’t need an excuse to be documented. It just needs a spark.
RELATED: Post-Wedding Photoshoot Ideas: Keeping the Magic Alive After the “I DO”
So if you’re thinking: “wait, could we do something like this?”
The answer is yes. Let’s make something that feels like you. Messy hair, muddy feet, mist in the air and all.
Retreat: Wildwood Retreats Co.
