Tori and Mark’s Marist engagement session was more than a portrait shoot. It was a return to the place where their love story began. Nestled along the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, Marist holds a deep significance for the couple, who met here in college and have been inseparable ever since.

When Tori shared that she had always dreamed of coming back for engagement photos, we made that dream a reality. The result was a session filled with memory, meaning, and heartfelt connection, a quiet celebration of where it all began.

Returning to a Place That Feels Like Home

Tori, a Long Island native, hadn’t stepped foot on the Marist campus since graduating. Coming back was emotional. Walking past familiar spots stirred memories from their years together; early morning classes, campus walks, spontaneous adventures with friends. Mark, originally from Pennsylvania, joined her in reliving those moments. The quiet summer setting made it feel like the whole campus belonged to just the two of them.

Choosing Marist for their engagement session was more than a nod to the past. It was a beautiful way to honor their journey and anchor their future to the place that brought them together.

A Quiet Summer Session at Marist College

We visited in the summer, when campus activity slows and the usual bustle fades into stillness. That calm gave us space to explore without interruption. From ivy-covered academic buildings to quiet walkways and brick-lined paths, each corner offered a visual memory worth revisiting.

As we strolled through campus, it was clear how much this place shaped who they are together. Every photo became a mix of present joy and past reflection: genuine, unscripted, and entirely them.

Portraits Along the Hudson River

One of the highlights of the Marist campus is its stunning proximity to the Hudson River. As the sun dipped low in the sky, we made our way toward the water. The golden light painted the river in soft warmth, wrapping the couple in a dreamy glow.

This final stretch of the session was filled with quiet emotion. They stood by the river, looking out toward the horizon and then toward each other, fully present and connected. These portraits capture something deeper than a season or a milestone. They capture legacy, the kind of love that grows stronger over time.

Why We Love Engagement Sessions at Marist

Marist offers something unique for engagement photography. The campus blends traditional college architecture with peaceful outdoor scenery, all anchored by the Hudson River. Whether you’re an alum returning like Tori and Mark, or simply drawn to a location filled with charm and natural light, Marist College (now Marist University) provides a versatile and sentimental setting.

The emotions that unfold in a space like this cannot be replicated in a studio. Being somewhere meaningful invites couples to open up in a deeper way. That’s when the most powerful images are made, not through posing, but through presence.

Planning Your Own Marist Engagement Session

If you’re considering your own Marist engagement session, here are a few tips to make it special:

• Time it right: Summer is ideal if you prefer a quiet campus and uninterrupted access to key locations. Spring and fall offer beautiful color and texture but may be more crowded.
• Tell your story: Think about what parts of campus hold the most meaning. Revisiting those spots will make your photos feel more personal and honest.
• End by the river: The Hudson River provides a stunning backdrop, especially during golden hour. This is often where the most romantic images come to life.
• Stay present: Like Tori and Mark, allow yourselves to enjoy the moment. There’s no need for elaborate props or complex posing. Let the connection do the work.

Thinking About Your Own Engagement Session?

Whether you met in college, on a beach, or in the heart of the city, your story deserves to be documented in a way that feels true to you. At Heritage House, we help couples create timeless, emotional imagery rooted in legacy and place.

If you’re planning your engagement session at Marist or another meaningful location, we’d love to be part of it. Reach out to explore options or browse the blog for more stories that celebrate love in all its forms.

About the Photographer

Stephen Mayo is the founder and lead photographer of Heritage House, a boutique wedding photography studio based in New York. Known for timeless, emotional imagery and legacy-driven storytelling, Stephen’s work has been featured in Sophisticated Weddings, Fearless Photographers, and trusted by couples and planners across the Tri-State area.