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Amanda Macchia Photography
Wedding + Lifestyle Photographer | Bold, Heartfelt, Timeless
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Why You Should Do a Fun Engagement Session with Your Dog (and Then Hit the Arcade!)

Engagement sessions don’t have to be stiff, posed, or overly traditional. In fact, they’re one of the best opportunities to show off your personality, your relationship dynamic, and the little quirks that make your love unique. For this session, we met up with two amazing humans in love at one of their favorite Boston parks for photos with their pup before heading to a barcade for drinks and games. It was playful, heartfelt, and the perfect way to celebrate their story before moving away from Boston.

Part One: Dog-Friendly Engagement Photos with a View

We kicked things off at a park overlooking the Boston skyline and the Charles River — the kind of view that makes you fall in love with the city all over again. Their dog was the star of the show for a while, happily running around and jumping in for some family-style portraits. We also made sure to get plenty of photos of just the two of them together, snuggled up and laughing against the backdrop of Boston.

Pets add such a personal touch to engagement photos. They’re part of your family, and including them in your session makes the images feel even more “you.”

Part Two: From Boston Park to Barcade Shenanigans

After soaking up the city views, we made our way to one of their favorite barcades in Cambridge for fancy drinks, arcade games, and lots of ridiculous, joy-filled moments. From pinball battles to photo ops in neon lighting, it was the perfect reminder that engagement sessions don’t have to be serious to be meaningful. In fact, the sillier and more fun you make it, the more it reflects your real relationship.

The energy, the laughter, the beers in hand — all of it was such a true reflection of who they are together. And isn’t that the point?

Top 10 Reasons to Lean Into Fun for Your Engagement Session

  1. Show Your Personality — Your engagement photos should feel like you, not like a Pinterest board you don’t connect with.

  2. Break the Ice — A playful session helps you get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day.

  3. Include Your Dog — Pets bring natural joy, movement, and authenticity to your photos.

  4. Capture Real Emotions — Laughter, silliness, and spontaneity make for photos that feel alive.

  5. Make Memories, Not Just Photos — You’ll actually remember the fun experience, not just the poses.

  6. Unique Backdrops — From barcades to bookstores, the spots you love most become part of your story.

  7. Celebrate Your Love Your Way — Queer couples (and all couples) deserve to see themselves celebrated in ways that aren’t cookie-cutter.

  8. Document This Chapter of Life — Moving away? Eloping soon? This is your chance to freeze the moment.

  9. Get Creative With Outfits + Vibes — Sneakers, neon lighting, matching band tees — anything goes.

  10. Set the Tone for Your Wedding — Start the celebration with an engagement session that reflects the fun you want on your big day.

Final Thoughts

Engagement sessions are all about celebrating your story, your way. Whether that means a romantic sunset stroll, a cozy coffee shop date, or — like these two — a dog walk followed by barcade adventures, the best photos happen when you’re having fun together.

✨ Planning your own engagement session in Boston (or beyond)?
As a queer and LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding photographer, I love creating sessions that feel true to you. Bring your dog, your favorite arcade tokens, or just your best belly laugh — let’s make it unforgettable. Get in touch here to start planning!

ENGAGEMENTSAmanda MacchiaOctober 15, 2025Boston engagement photographer, Boston LGBTQ engagement session, queer engagement photos Boston, gay and lesbian engagement photographer Massachusetts, Boston dog-friendly engagement session, engagement session with dog Boston, unique engagement photo ideas, barcade engagement session Boston, fun engagement session ideas, queer wedding photographer Boston, Boston same-sex engagement photography, authentic engagement photos Massachusetts, LGBTQ couples photography Boston, destination queer wedding photographer, amanda macchia photography
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Jack + Andy’s Winter Engagement in Boston Public Garden & Beacon Hill

ENGAGEMENTSAmanda MacchiaOctober 8, 2025Boston gay wedding photographer, Boston lesbian wedding photographer, Boston queer wedding photographer, LGBTQ engagement session Boston, LGBTQ wedding photography Massachusetts, gay engagement photos Boston, lesbian engagement session Beacon Hill, queer engagement photographer Boston Public Garden, inclusive wedding photographer Boston, Boston same-sex wedding photographer, Massachusetts gay wedding photography, queer love stories Boston, destination LGBTQ wedding photographer, Liberty Hotel gay wedding photos, queer elopement photographer New England, Boston Pride wedding photography, romantic same-sex engagement photos, authentic queer wedding photography Boston, amanda macchia photography
Amanda Macchia Photography
Somerville, MA, 02116,
United States
(617) 651-1086 amanda@amandamacchiaphoto.com
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