Rainy Day Engagement Session at the Riparian Preserve

Love, rain, and a pair of binoculars.

Some stories just fit the weather. For Austin and Taylor, their engagement session at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert unfolded beneath gray clouds and gentle rain the kind of day that feels calm, nostalgic, and wildly romantic in all the right ways.

The Riparian has always held a special place for them. It’s where they spend slow mornings bird watching, coffee in hand, surrounded by the sound of water and the rustle of trees. So when they got engaged, it only made sense to come back to the place that already felt like home.

Austin and Taylor recently moved to Arizona, starting a brand new chapter together. On their very first night in their new home, Austin proposed with a ring he designed himself. (Yes, seriously. He thought through every single detail to make sure it was as one-of-a-kind as she is.)

So when the forecast called for rain and I posted about desperately wanting to shoot in the rain, Taylor slid right into my inbox, and we got to planning

The Riparian Preserve in the Rain

If you’ve ever been to the Riparian, you know it’s unlike anywhere else in the Phoenix area soft light reflecting off the ponds, tall reeds swaying in the breeze, and more bird species than you can count.Plus a rare green spot in the desert that is Arizona.

The rain that day gave everything this dreamy, muted glow. The paths glistened, the trees shimmered, and the air felt heavy in the best way like the world was pausing just for them.

Taylor’s laughter echoed every time Austin brushed raindrops from her hair. They shared little moments under the umbrella,jumbed overpuddles, and stopped often to point out the birds they recognized. The whole session felt like a deep breath gentle, playful, and honest.

That’s my favorite thing about photographing couples like these two: they don’t perform for the camera. They just are. And in that space, the real magic happens.

Why I Love Shooting Engagement Sessions in the Rain

Rainy sessions get such a bad rep, but honestly? They’re my favorite.
Here’s why:

• Soft, even lighting: The clouds create that dreamy, diffused glow photographers chase at golden hour.

• More movement + emotion: You can’t help but laugh when you’re a little wet, which means helllooo natural, candid photos.

• A cozy, romantic feel: The umbrellas, reflections, and darker tones add so much mood and storytelling potential.

If you’re planning an engagement session and the forecast looks questionable, don’t cancel! Bring a jacket, trust your photographer, and let the weather become part of your story. Sometimes, the best photos come from the messiest moments.

Planning Your Engagement Photos at the Riparian Preserve

If you’re dreaming up your own Riparian session, here are a few quick tips to make the most of it:

1. Pick the right time of day.
Sunrise and sunset are the most flattering but cloudy or post-rain sessions are surprisingly gorgeous here.

2. Wear neutral tones.
The greens, browns, and blues of the Riparian look amazing against soft, earthy colors. Think cream, beige, olive, or denim.

3. Expect wildlife.
The birds are part of the charm! Don’t be afraid to slow down and enjoy the setting between shots.

4. Bring walking shoes.
The trails can get muddy after rain, so comfy shoes are key. You can always swap for dressier ones once you’re on location.

5. Embrace the imperfections.
Wind, water, messy hair they’re all part of the story. These are the details that make your photos feel real.

A Cozy Reminder About Love and Timing

Austin and Taylor’s session reminded me that sometimes, love shows up in the most ordinary, wonderful ways a quiet evening after unpacking boxes, or a walk through the rain at your favorite spot.

If you take anything from their story, let it be this: your engagement photos don’t need perfect weather or a fancy setting. You just need to show up as yourselves and let your connection do the rest.

Ready to Plan Your Phoenix Engagement Session?

If this cozy, candid energy feels like your kind of love story, I’d love to help you capture it. Whether it’s a rainy-day adventure or a desert golden hour, your photos should feel like you.

📸 Inquire here to start planning your Phoenix engagement session →