Anniversary Session That Has My Whole Heart | Elk Grove Couples Photographer
Can we talk about how much I love it when past clients come back to me? Because this one really got me in my feelings.
Two years ago, I had the honor of photographing Alexcis and Tony's wedding portraits in the most gorgeous cherry blossom orchard. I'm talking peak bloom, soft light, the whole dream. So when they reached out about doing something special for their second anniversary — right around Valentine's Day — I was immediately all in.
And let me tell you, this session delivered.
We started things off indoors with some intimate, date-night-at-home vibes. Alexcis showed up in this deep red halter dress with a thigh-high slit that was absolutely made for photos, and Tony matched her energy perfectly in his dark button-down. They brought wine, they brought the chemistry, and I just got to capture all of it.
And don’t worry, like I did with Alexcis, I’m here to help guide you through picking the perfect dress and location to create you dream portraits!
There's something about photographing a couple in a cozy indoor setting that just feels different. It's quieter, more personal. You can see the way they look at each other without any distractions, and Alexcis and Tony have that look down. Two years married and still giving each other those eyes? Yeah, I'm here for it.
I always tell my couples that the detail shots end up being some of their favorites, and this session was proof. The styling, the setting, the way they naturally gravitate toward each other — it all came together.
Then we took things outside for golden hour and I honestly don't think I could have planned better light if I tried. That warm, hazy sunset was doing all the heavy lifting. We found this gorgeous open field with a pond and some old oak trees, and it was like the location was just waiting for them.
Can we just appreciate Alexcis's dress in this light for a second? That burgundy fabric catching the sun while Tony spins her around? I was losing it behind my camera. These are the moments I live for as a photographer — the ones that are completely real and completely beautiful at the same time.
This right here is my favorite kind of photo. No posing guide in the world can manufacture a laugh like that. I told them to just have fun with it, and this is what happened. This is what happens when you're comfortable with your photographer and you actually enjoy being around each other. It shows.
The thing I love most about photographing couples I've worked with before is that we already have that trust built. There's no awkward warm-up period. Alexcis and Tony showed up ready to go, and it made the whole session feel effortless. From the intimate indoor moments to rolling around in the grass during golden hour — they were down for all of it.
And that's what anniversary sessions are really about, right? It's not just about getting pretty pictures (although, yes, these are very pretty pictures). It's about pausing for a second to celebrate the fact that you chose each other and you keep choosing each other. Two years in, and Alexcis and Tony still have that spark. Getting to document that as their photographer? That's the good stuff.
Thinking about booking a couples session? Whether it's your anniversary, Valentine's Day, or just a random Tuesday where you want to celebrate your person — I'd love to hear from you. I'm based in Elk Grove and serve the greater Sacramento area, and I'm always down for a session that mixes indoor intimacy with outdoor golden hour magic.
Head over to racquelcowenphoto.com to check out my portfolio and get in touch. Let's make something beautiful together.
Racquel Cowen Photography is a portrait photographer based in Elk Grove, California, specializing in couples, family, maternity, newborn, and senior portraits throughout the Sacramento area. All families welcome.
