Elizabeth and Ben’s engagement session at the Pinehurst Arboretum

We chose the Pinehurst Arboretum for Elizabeth and Ben’s engagement session so that we would be able to take advantage of the numerous backdrops the park provides and also have lots of room for the pups to run!

Elizabeth and Ben are both horse trainers here in Southern Pines and I loved their laid back attitudes right from the start.

You could tell that animals were a big part of their life when Elizabeth wanted to include their three dogs since the pups would not be able to be a part of their wedding.

I love when couples have their pets tag along for their engagement photos. I know my pets are a big part of my family and it just seems right to have them included in the lead up to your big day!

If you do plan to have your pets be a part of your photos, it’s a good idea to see if a friend or family member can come along to help wrangle them while you are taking photos that don’t include them or come pick them up after we are finished with them and run them home. This is especially important in North Carolina summers! We don’t want to have to worry about your pooches baking in a hot car. I usually photograph the pets first and then move on to the photos of just the two of you as a couple once those are finished.

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I always encourage clients to bring accessories for their engagement sessions and Elizabeth and Ben did a great job with the Ben’s vest, jacket and hat. It allowed us to create several different looks with minimal effort and let’s be honest, isn’t that hat just the greatest?

I don’t encourage clients to use props that feel forced but the cowboy hat is such a part of Ben’s lifestyle and personality that it was the perfect fit.

FYI, you’ll be seeing it again at their wedding!