Katy & Tanor’s Fall Engagement Session at Sparks Lake

If you don’t know by now, dog people are my people!! I knew right away that Katy and Tanor were going to be so much fun to photograph after hearing about their love for each other and their golden retriever. Katy told me she was super excited about my photo editing style, and couldn’t wait for their engagement session here at Sparks Lake.

Meet Katy and Tanor

Katy and Tanor both grew up here in Bend, Oregon. They were familiar with each other during high school, but never were friends then, just orbited each other’s circles. They went their separate ways for their college years.

After that, they came back together, began dating, and moved back to Bend! They have THE CUTEST golden retriever, an orange cat with one eye, and a new Bernese mountain dog together. The most beautiful little family!

We bonded during their engagement session here at Sparks Lake over the many highs of having golden retrievers.

Why Sparks Lake?

Katy and Tanor both love the outdoors, and Sparks Lake was the first location that Katy requested for their engagement photos after reaching out to me. This location is about 25 miles from Bend, so it’s within a reasonable driving distance for locals and visitors! 

There’s an easy walking trail loop around the lake, and about a quarter mile of it is paved for wheelchair access, too. While you’re here, the views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Bachelor Butte mountains are just to die for! 

This is one of my favorite places to recommend as a photographer here in Bend. Katy, Tanor, and I lucked out with the most gorgeous fall sunset!

Fall Engagement Outfits at Sparks Lake

Katy and Tanor’s outfits for their engagement session at Sparks Lake matched this location perfectly! They went with a more casual, playful look in the woods and ended with more formal attire as the sun went down. The light bouncing off the mountains and these two cuddling up by the lake was the most perfect day I could ask for. 

I always provide my couples with a style guide, and we usually have time for one wardrobe change, so I have them coordinate at least 2 looks. I typically recommend a semi-casual, easy to move in, playful outfit, and then something more dressy or formal. This is always up to you to choose, but with these recommendations you’re sure to get a lot of variety and really showcase your personalities. 

Katy’s dress toward the end of the night was a Baltic Born dupe from Amazon. I loved that she was able to find something less expensive, and still so stunning! I will never get enough burnt oranges and other warm tones! 

Kind Words

After their session, Katy and Tanor left me the kindest feedback:

“Thank you SO much — they are all so beautiful. We are so happy to be working with you — shortly after our session, Tanor said, ‘I really liked Bryndle. She immediately just made us feel like close friends and was so easy going.’

Thank you again, we appreciate you!”

Feeling so connected to all my couples really lights a fire in my heart! I can’t wait to see Katy and Tanor again for their wedding. Check out the rest of Katy and Tanor’s engagement photos at Sparks Lake below, and reach out to me here for weddings and engagement photography in the Bend area!