Engagement Session at Saugerties Lighthouse with Kaitlyn & Sara

Hudson Valley Engagement Photography | LGBTQ+ Love Story | Saugerties NY Wedding Photographer

There are some sessions that leave you smiling the entire ride home—and this was one of them.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Kaitlyn and Sara for the first time at their engagement session on March 23, 2025, at the stunning Saugerties Lighthouse. It was my first time photographing at this iconic Hudson Valley location, and it turned out to be the perfect setting for their laid-back, joy-filled love story.

Knowing I wanted to make the most of the scenery, I arrived an hour early to scout the trail and get a feel for the space—where the light hits, how the water reflects, and where I could position Kaitlyn and Sara to bring their story to life. The moment they arrived, everything just clicked. Their energy was easy, genuine, and deeply connected.

From the very beginning, Kaitlyn and Sara were completely themselves—smiling, laughing, and just being beautifully present with one another. It made my job almost effortless. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I honestly could’ve kept photographing them all day.

We explored so many different areas around the lighthouse—the wooded trails, the rocky shoreline, and of course, the lighthouse itself. Every stop along the way gave us something new to highlight: soft light filtering through trees, open water glistening in the background, and the historic charm of the lighthouse that felt timeless and true.

The way Kaitlyn and Sara interacted with one another—unposed and full of joy—made for the kind of engagement photography session photographers dream of. I was behind the camera capturing the moments, but I could see from a distance how much fun they were having, too. That kind of happiness? You can feel it in the photos.

Now, I’m in the editing phase and WOW—these images are turning out absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait for Kaitlyn and Sara to see them.

Here’s more about their story: They’ve been together for five years and recently moved to the Saugerties area. They love traveling, trying new things, and spending time outdoors with the people they love most. Later this year, they’ll be saying “I do” at the gorgeous Diamond Mills Resort right here in Saugerties, NY.

This session was more than just a beautiful shoot—it was a celebration of a connection that’s only grown stronger with time. Kaitlyn and Sara, thank you for letting me be a part of this chapter. I cannot wait to capture your wedding day and all the magic that comes with it.

If you’re newly engaged and looking for a Hudson Valley engagement photographer—or dreaming of a scenic shoot at the Saugerties Lighthouse—I’d love to connect. Let’s create something beautiful together. [Reach out here to schedule your session.]

— Rob Charles