Karlee + Patrick’s Engagement Session at Wade Lagoon

Some locations never go out of style, and Wade Lagoon is one of them.

Nestled in the heart of University Circle, the area surrounding the Cleveland Museum of Art offers a timeless blend of elegant architecture, tree-lined pathways, and beautiful evening light. It was the perfect setting for Karlee and Patrick’s engagement session.

We spent most of the evening exploring the south side of the museum, taking advantage of the grand stone steps, classic columns, and the warm glow that settled over the grounds as the sun began to set. Every corner seemed to provide another beautiful backdrop, but what truly made the session special was the connection these two share.

From the moment we started, Karlee and Patrick were completely comfortable with one another. Their laughter came easily, their smiles were genuine, and there was a quiet sense of excitement as they talked about the future they are building together. The session never felt rushed or overly posed. Instead, it felt like an evening spent enjoying one another’s company while documenting this special season of life.

One of my favorite parts of the session was meeting Duck, their beloved dog, who joined us for a portion of the evening. Including Duck added a personal touch that made the photographs feel even more meaningful. Some of the best moments came from simply watching the three of them interact together, creating memories that felt authentic and true to who they are.

As golden hour arrived, the light became soft and romantic, wrapping the museum’s stone architecture in warm tones and creating the perfect atmosphere for portraits. Between the iconic columns, the sweeping staircases, and the beautiful scenery surrounding Wade Lagoon, Karlee and Patrick’s session perfectly captured the elegance and charm that make University Circle one of Cleveland’s most beloved locations.

More than anything, this session was a celebration of their relationship. It was about documenting the joy, anticipation, and connection that define this exciting chapter in their lives.

Karlee and Patrick, thank you for trusting me to tell a small part of your story. Spending the evening with you and Duck was an absolute pleasure, and I cannot wait to celebrate alongside you on your wedding day.

If you’re planning an engagement session in Cleveland and are looking for a location that offers both timeless architecture and natural beauty, Wade Lagoon and the Cleveland Museum of Art remain one of my favorite places to photograph couples.