Some engagement sessions remind me that the best moments happen when you take a crazy chance, and Courtney and Alex’s session at Odiorne Point State Park was the perfect example.
Just two hours before we were scheduled to meet, summer thunderstorms rolled through the New Hampshire Seacoast. The radar looked unpredictable, and after weeks of smoky skies from the Canadian wildfires, I wasn’t sure what kind of evening we were going to get. Thankfully, this particular day was one of the first with beautifully clear skies, and although the storms had us second guessing our plans, we decided to take the chance.
I’m so glad we did.
By the end of the evening, the clouds began to part, the sun peeked through, and we were rewarded with one of those incredible coastal sunsets that make an Odiorne Point State Park engagement sessions so special. The golden light reflecting off the rocky shoreline created the perfect backdrop as Courtney and Alex laughed, explored the coast, and soaked in this exciting season of life together.
The New Hampshire Seacoast is one of my favorite places for engagement photos because every visit feels different. Between the ocean views, winding trails, and rugged coastline, Odiorne Point State Park offers endless opportunities for beautiful, natural portraits. Even after an afternoon of thunderstorms, the park looked absolutely stunning.
What made this session even more meaningful was getting to hear the story of how Courtney and Alex found each other.
The two first met as teenagers when Alex was working for Courtney’s dad’s landscaping company. At the time, they didn’t spend much time together, but years later, during the COVID pandemic, life brought them back into each other’s orbit. While Courtney was home from college and Alex was working full-time for her dad, they started spending more time together and quickly became close.
Their first official date was on August 24, 2021, at The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth. Since Courtney grew up visiting her grandparents in nearby Greenland, New Hampshire, Portsmouth had always been a special place to her. She loved introducing Alex to one of her favorite towns, and it quickly became a place they returned to again and again for date nights, walks, and making memories together.
Then came one final surprise.
On December 20, 2025, Alex completely caught Courtney off guard when he proposed in front of the Christmas tree at Tuscan Village. What Courtney thought was simply a day of Christmas shopping with Alex’s younger brother turned into one of the most unforgettable days of their lives. Waiting nearby were their immediate families, ready to celebrate the moment they officially became engaged.
As I photographed Courtney and Alex together along the rocky shoreline, it was easy to see the comfort, friendship, and genuine joy they share. Their relationship has grown naturally over the years, and every smile and laugh during this session reflected that history.
Despite the afternoon storms, this evening turned into one of my favorite summer engagement sessions in New Hampshire. Sometimes the weather doesn’t go exactly as planned, but if you’re willing to wait it out, nature has a way of rewarding you. Between the fresh air after the rain, the clear skies, and the gorgeous sunset over the ocean, everything came together perfectly.
Courtney and Alex, thank you for trusting me, even with the uncertain forecast. It was such a joy capturing this chapter of your story, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you on your wedding day!
-Amanda
If you’re looking for a New Hampshire engagement photographer I’d love to help you plan an evening that feels authentic, relaxed, and uniquely you.
