Lori & Layne’s Engagement Photos at Wintergreen Gorge and Modern Tool Square

Engagement photos at Wintergreen Gorge and Modern Tool Square were natural choices for Lori and Layne; both love the outdoors, and they spend lots of time at the gorge hiking with their beloved rescue dog, Ares. The couple also used to live in Modern Tool Square. Since both locations held significance for them, we had an awesome time during their engagement session.

Couple holds hands and walks their dog at Wintergreen Gorge

Lori & Layne

The pair met in November 2015 at a small gathering of friends at Allegheny College. While they all sat around chatting, Layne made a comment and Lori responded with a sarcastic joke. From there, conversation flowed easily; after spending the evening talking, their friendship slowly blossomed. A couple of months later, they met up at Layne’s apartment to make Lori’s favorite homemade lasagna recipe. Although they’d been hanging out as friends for a while, this was their first official date.

Man and woman dance together during engagement photos at Modern Tool Square

Despite some nerves, they enjoyed a relaxing afternoon together. As the sun shone through the kitchen windows and music played, Lori says she felt completely comfortable and at peace with Layne. They both knew there was a special, rare connection. Layne says that shortly after their first date, he knew she was “the best person [he’d] ever met.” About six months later, Layne recalls telling his mom in a phone conversation that he knew he wanted to marry Lori one day.

Smiling man leans in to kiss smiling woman during engagement photos session at Modern Tool Square

An Engagement to Remember

Originally, Layne had envisioned his proposal to Lori on a cruise ship overlooking San Juan, Puerto Rico. They had planned a vacation to celebrate Layne’s graduation that was, unfortunately, thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Layne refused to be discouraged; he was going to make his proposal special anyway. One morning during the lockdown, Layne woke up and thought, “Today is the day.”

That afternoon, he suggested they go for a walk down by the Bayfront. Lori assumed they’d bring Ares, but Layne suggested they go alone, which Lori thought was peculiar. Insisting they’d need to take Ares for a walk later anyway, Lori put Ares in his harness and leash and Layne relented. (It didn’t take much for him to let it go—they both love Ares a lot.)

Once they were down by the Bayfront, Layne waited till they got to the perfect, picturesque spot. Just as he got down on one knee, however, Ares caught sight of some geese and pulled Lori a few yards away. Layne asked Lori to marry him, to which she replied, “What?!” about four times. When Lori realized that Layne wasn’t pranking her, and he was, in fact, holding a real ring, she exclaimed, “I mean, yes, but what?!” It took a few minutes for it to sink in, but once it did, Lori was over the moon.

Perfect Engagement Photo Locations

Wintergreen Gorge

We opted to take Layne and Lori’s engagement photos at Wintergreen Gorge and Modern Tool Square. Wintergreen Gorge is a trail here in Erie featuring waterfalls, beautiful water, and trees as far as the eye can see. In summer, it’s lush and verdant, but it looks stunning year-round. (In my opinion, Wintergreen Gorge makes for a perfect fall engagement session, too.)

During engagement photos at Wintergreen Gorge woman leans in to kiss man leaning against a tree

Couple snuggles in hammock for engagement photos at Wintergreen Gorge

Modern Tool Square

This is one of my favorite spots for engagement photos, so we took a few there as well. The warm red brick and climbing vines make for a minimalist, modern, yet romantic backdrop. It was also the courtyard to Layne and Lori’s old apartment, so it’s significant for them as well.

Couple smiles at each other while holding hands at Modern Tool Square

Contact Us

We know that engagement and wedding photos are cherished memories, so we commit to capturing the moments naturally. Contact us if you are searching for wedding photographer in Erie, PA. We would love to meet you and see if we are an excellent fit to tell your love story through engagement and wedding day photos.

Check out some of our other fun engagement photos in Erie PA:

Leave a Reply

submit form

all fields required

At Matt Mead Photography we believe that building relationships with our clients is the best way to serve them. That's why we value meeting all of our couples face-to-face by video call. We look forward to meeting you soon!

inquire

get in touch

We will be in touch shortly. Our business hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. We will do our best to get back to you by the next business day. Can't wait to chat! Cheers, friends.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN SENT

back to top
matt mead photography 1821 oxford st. erie, pa 16505  (814)315-3353  

PRIVACY POLICY