Celebrating Love: My Best Friend's Engagement Photo Session

Rachael Shine
Jul 30
3 min read

Engagement Photos for the In-N-Out Fanatic

Couple in an In-N-Out Burger wearing paper hats, sitting in a red booth, leaning in for a kiss. Bright, cheerful diner setting.

A diamond ring on a white plastic fork sticks into cheesy fries in a red tray, creating a playful and luxurious contrast.

Yeah, you're looking at that photo all right. We were able to get some gorgeous pictures in In-N-Out for these two love birds! This wasn't the whole session, we of course had to get standard engagement pictures for the parents, but since these two are so obsessed with these burgers we HAD to incorporate it into their story. Ironically, they hadn't even thought of this as an option for photos. It was something that I had suggested and planned and now it's the center photo on their wedding invites!

Mikaela and I actually avoided each other for quite some time when we first learned about each other. My mother was a property manager for the complex that we both lived in during college and was insistent that we meet and become best friends. Long story short we finally got cornered into a study date and hit it off! A few years later she's my Maid of Honor at my wedding, we are invited to each other's family holiday celebrations, and now I get to be in her wedding!

Couple in In-N-Out uniforms enjoy burgers in a diner. Red accents, playful mood. Visible In-N-Out logos on hats and cups.

Little did I know, Mikaela had actually broken up with her ex the week of my wedding (and I had no idea, talk about a great MOH). Thank goodness, because this lead to her meeting Harrison, who I adore. I found out he was going to propose about 2 weeks in advance and while I'm bummed I wasn't able to make it due to a medical emergency, I'm so happy for them!

The Preparation

As I mentioned before, Mikaela and Harrison initially just wanted traditional spring engagement photos since they usually do family photos in the fall. These two get In-N-Out at least twice every time they come visit for a weekend. Harrison is actually in a Facebook group for In-N-Out fans. They REALLY like this food if you haven't got that point. Since we were talking about them visiting Logan, UT for their engagements I recommended we use their favorite restaurant as well. Luckily they agreed after some back and forth on locations that they did want to incorporate it some how. I worked with the restaurant and they allowed us in to take some photos.

A couple kisses under a red umbrella at a fast-food restaurant, holding fries. White and red decor, sunny day, romantic mood.

Mikaela is always style savvy and knew the exact jumpsuit to wear for this session as well as multiple outfit options for Harrison as well. I was able to provide input on his outfits next to hers. I think both sets of outfits came out stunning and fit the respective themes perfectly.

The Photoshoot Day

I enjoy every second I send with these people, even when they are chronically late! Since I was aware of this, I did everything I could the night before to help mitigate how late we were the morning of the photoshoot. Luckily we were only 10 minutes late to this one!

Man lifts woman joyfully under blooming pink cherry blossoms. She wears a floral dress, and they smile in a sunny garden path setting.

I always enjoy taking photos for milestones for my friends and family. But with large milestones comes a certain amount of stress. These two individuals are the most laid back individuals I have ever met, so luckily all pressure I felt to really make these images and session special was all self inflicted. Which is pretty standard for any large milestone I'm capturing. I always want to make sure I capture memories that will last for every client.

The entire shoot was nothing but giggles and fun times for everyone! Dogs are always entertaining, period, but Zara and Lala are very important family members who get featured in each photoshoot. This usually means that we get a handful of funny dog photos. Mikaela and Harrison are also bubbly by nature. All of that combined usually ends in my face aching from smiling so much.

A couple kisses while holding two dogs on a blooming, tree-lined path. The woman wears a floral dress. Romantic and joyful mood.

A couple enjoys a moment by a stone wall with blooming pink flowers. The woman leans on the man, both smiling. Elegant building backdrop.

Looking Ahead

I'm so happy for these two and can't wait to be a part o their special day! From everything that I have learned about the big day I KNOW it is going to be such a huge blast and one-hundred percent them at every corner. The only unfortunate part is that In-N-Out doesn't do catering in the state of Idaho where their wedding will be taking place. Instead food will be of a similar caliber with various food trucks and vintage cars.

Thinking we would get along?

Thank you so much for hearing what I have to say about Mikaela, Harrison, Zara, Lala, myself, and Rachael Shine Photography! If you think we might get along and you want to work with me check out my pricing or just contact me!

A couple sits under a tree among pink tulips, smiling pleasantly. The background shows a colorful, blossoming garden and a calm atmosphere.