A Fairytale Love Story in Maine’s “Hobbit Land” – Karissa & John’s Vaughan Woods Engagement Session
“Rebecca didn’t just take our engagement photos. She created a story—one that feels like us, one that we’ll look back on and feel exactly how we did in those moments.” – Karissa & John
Tucked away in Hallowell, Maine, where moss-laden stone bridges whisper of old-world charm and winding forest trails feel like portals to another realm, Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park—fondly known as Maine’s Hobbit Land—became the perfect canvas for Karissa and John’s engagement session.
There’s something otherworldly about this place. The way golden light filters through towering evergreens, how the rushing brook weaves between weathered stone, and how every turn in the path offers something cinematic—something untamed, yet impossibly romantic.
Karissa and John wanted an engagement session that felt organic, adventurous, and deeply personal. Vaughan Woods delivered exactly that.
Why Vaughan Woods (“Hobbit Land”) is a Dreamy Engagement Location in Maine
Vaughan Woods isn’t just a location—it’s an experience. Known for its storybook footbridges, cascading streams, and hidden forest trails, it provides an intimate, nature-immersed setting that feels straight out of a fantasy novel.
🌿 Lush Woodland Backdrops – Towering pine, maple, and oak trees create an ethereal, secluded atmosphere, perfect for candid storytelling photography.
🌉 Historic Stone Bridges – The iconic archways, remnants of a 19th-century estate, add an enchanting, old-world aesthetic to engagement sessions.
🌊 Tranquil Streams & Waterfalls – Soft reflections, the sound of flowing water, and dappled sunlight create an incredibly romantic ambiance.
🌅 Soft, Dreamy Light – Vaughan Woods is one of Maine’s most naturally light-balanced locations, with soft, even light filtering through the trees for a golden-hour glow at nearly any time of day.
🏕 Seclusion & Privacy – Unlike Maine’s coastal engagement hotspots, Vaughan Woods offers a serene, private escape—free from distractions and crowds.
Whether you envision whimsical woodland romance or a moody, dramatic aesthetic, this place adapts to your love story flawlessly.
Karissa & John’s Story: From Wooded Trails to Cinematic Romance
From the moment we stepped onto the path, I knew this session would be something unforgettable.
💍 The Outfits: Effortless, Yet Elevated
Karissa and John brought two distinct wardrobe looks—each thoughtfully curated to complement the setting’s natural beauty:
✨ Look One: Earthy, casual tones. Soft knits, denim, and cozy neutrals, blending seamlessly with the woodland surroundings.
✨ Look Two: Cinematic romance. A sweeping floral dress and dark, classic tones for an editorial contrast against the stone bridges and dappled light.
💫 The Moments That Stood Out
📸 The Quiet Glances – There’s an intimacy in the way they hold each other’s gaze—one of the first things I noticed about them. It’s the kind of connection that makes for the most authentic, unposed moments.
📸 The Bridge Embrace – Against the backdrop of an ancient stone bridge, Karissa wrapped her arms around John’s shoulders as the afternoon light poured through the trees. A moment of absolute stillness in a world that never stops moving.
📸 The Laughs & Twirls – A slow dance in the middle of a mossy trail, the kind of unprompted movement that turns a simple image into a feeling.
📸 Water’s Edge Kisses – Sitting along the riverbank, shoes kicked off, toes in the cool water. The softness in their movements made it clear—this was a love story worth capturing.
Karissa & John’s engagement session wasn’t just about photos—it was about telling their story in a place that reflected who they are.
Editorial & Journalistic Storytelling: A Signature Beaux & Arrows Experience
I don’t believe in forced, overly posed engagement sessions. My approach is a seamless blend of editorial direction and true documentary storytelling—guiding my couples with natural movement while allowing their authentic connection to shine through.
✔️ Direction, Without Overposing – I guide you just enough to create visually stunning imagery while ensuring every frame feels natural.
✔️ The Art of Subtle Cues – From micro-movements to small, whispered moments, the magic is in the details.
✔️ Deeply Personal, Location-Driven Sessions – I help curate engagement session locations that align with your aesthetic, vision, and love story.
Whether it’s Vaughan Woods, Acadia National Park, or a quiet stretch of coastline in Kennebunkport, my goal is to create imagery that feels like you.
Planning Your Vaughan Woods Engagement Session
Thinking about your own engagement session at Vaughan Woods? Here’s what you need to know:
⏳ Best Time of Year: Spring, summer, and fall offer the most vibrant foliage and light. Late September–October is ideal for golden autumn tones.
☀️ Best Time of Day: Morning or golden hour for the softest light, though midday sessions also work beautifully with Vaughan’s natural tree cover.
🎭 Outfit Recommendations: Soft, natural tones for a timeless look, or bold, contrasting colors for dramatic editorial imagery.
🚗 Accessibility: The trails are easily walkable, though proper footwear is recommended for navigating the more rustic areas.
📍 Permit & Parking Info: Vaughan Woods is a public space, but weekday sessions offer the best privacy.
If you’re ready to turn your engagement session into an immersive, cinematic love story, let’s create something unforgettable together.
Now Booking: 2025 Engagement Sessions & Destination Weddings
📍 Upcoming Travel Dates:
✈️ New England: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Cape Cod
✈️ U.S. Destinations: Charleston, Sedona, Lake Tahoe, Big Sur
✈️ International: Italy, Scotland, Iceland
📩 Book Your Vaughan Woods Engagement Session
📍 Website: www.beauxandarrows.com
📍 Instagram: @rebeccaepinkham
📍 Email: info@beauxandarrows.com
Sessions fill quickly—especially in peak seasons. If you want your engagement, wedding, or elopement session to be as breathtaking as your love story, let’s talk.
Your story deserves to be captured the way it was meant to be told.