Marissa and Max love an adventure so they decided to join us up the mountainous climb to reach the views along the Dater Mountain Park Hiking Trail in Sloatsburg, NY. Their dog Piper joined us, too, and we think she had more fun than anyone!

Although this session was in the month of May, it reached 80 degrees and it was definitely balmy as we hiked up Dater Mountain! And don’t be fooled by how at-ease this couple looks, this is a real hike. We always warn couples before they choose this spot. Some tips are to wear comfortable shoes that also work for photos, or bring an easy pair that you can change in and out of. And save the dressier outfit for the end!

This weather was such a contrast to their eventual Winter wedding in January. Which is why we sometimes recommend choosing a different season for your engagement session than your wedding, it gives you some variation in your photos.

Marissa’s awesome dad joined us as we hiked up Dater Mountain to help handle their dog, Piper. Piper had an absolute ball in nature with all of her favorite humans! We always recommend having an able-bodied friend or family member come along to a session when you bring a pup. This gives you a chance to take some photos without your fur-baby and not worry about who’s paying attention to him or her. And, of course, they should be included! We have more tips for bringing your dog to your session in our own engagement session blog post.

From the very first time they met at the Oakland Diner, to a modest proposal in their apartment hallway, to a honeymoon in Lake Placid we’ve been so honored to be a part of Marissa + Max’s love story!