Music Inspired In-Home Engagement Photos Milwaukee

When couples open up and let me into their world before a session, we can really hone in to create something individualized.  Lauren and Jer’s in-home engagement photos in Milwaukee are a prime example of the symbiotic relationship I like to build with my clients.  Together, we built a photo gallery that reflects who they actually are. And we did it all from the comfort of the home they’ve built together.

My Process for Engagement Photos Milwaukee WI 

My process with couples isn’t about showing up and hoping for the best. It starts way earlier than that. Lauren, Jer, and I kicked things off with a video call first to make sure all questions were answered and that we were a good fit for their vibe. (Spoiler: we were) Then they submitted a Q&A video to help me get to know them better. It was after their video that things really clicked into place.

I always say my sessions are a two-way exchange. You give me a window into your world, and I meet you there with intention. That’s how sessions go from generic to genuine. Here’s what Lauren had to say about the process:

“[Gabby] made sure to ask plenty of detailed questions along the way and get to know me as a person to better understand what I wanted for my photos, and how to better portray me. We worked in tandem over ideas and styles, everything from lighting, colours, clothing, settings, and any small, particular details I wanted incorporated. She’s truly an artist and the way she approaches her subjects so individually is incredible and really makes for the most beautiful, genuine photos.”

Lauren & Jer’s In-Home Engagement Photos Milwaukee 

As Lauren mentioned, we tossed around a few ideas, but coming back to their space felt obvious. Because both of their jobs are public facing, they’re constantly interacting with people. Home is where they decompress, so the setting had to reflect that rhythm.  We also wanted to be sure to incorporate the normal ebbs & flows of their routine together. It was clear that a big part of that is music.

The details of their 8-year relationship (altogether) might shift depending on who’s telling it, but one thing stayed consistent: music was there from the start. A Forest Green CD was one of the first things they bonded over, which honestly says everything. Without that shared love, there may be no Lauren & Jer, so we leaned into it fully. Their apartment holds all of that history. Records stacked and scattered, instruments within reach, skateboards on the walls, plants tucked into every corner, magnets collecting on the fridge. Nothing about it felt staged, which is exactly the point.

Wisconsin Photography for Couples

This was their first couples session, and Lauren’s first time on the other side of the camera. That shift can feel weird at first, especially when you’re used to being the one documenting. But once we got into it, the normal parts of their life together kicked in like muscle memory.  One of the things Jer said during their video stuck with me: he loves Lauren as his partner, but also as his “good f*ckin’ homie.” I actually used it as the title for part of their gallery because it fit the shoot and the nuances of their relationship.

Perks of In-Home Engagement Photos Milwaukee

There’s something underrated about shooting in a space that already means something to you. It removes the sometimes awkward feeling of adjusting to a new environment and there’s less pressure to figure out where to stand or what to do with your hands. You’re already on familiar ground.

For Lauren and Jer, that meant getting comfy on their couch the way they always do. Having an activity, even something as simple as pulling records, gives you something to settle into, and it shows in the photos.

In-home sessions also let your personality do the heavy lifting. Your space tells your story without needing much direction. The details matter because they’re yours, not something borrowed for the sake of a backdrop. And that sort of authenticity is what I strive to provide with my work.

Engagement + Wedding Photography Milwaukee WI 

Hey, I’m Gabby, a Wisconsin photographer here to hype you up while we document your relationship in a way that actually feels like you. If you’re into engagement photos that lean a little less traditional and a lot more personal, you can check out the details on my session investment page or head straight to my contact form to start planning your own in-home session.