Courtside Romance: A Pickleball Engagement Session — Hope and Toby

Hope and Toby seriously know how to make engagement photos fun. Instead of a park or a field, these two showed up ready to play—literally—at a pickleball court, and it might be one of my favorite engagement sessions ever.

From the get-go, their vibe was all about laughter, connection, and not taking things too seriously. They brought their paddles, some cute vintage Coke bottles, and the kind of playful energy that just makes you want to smile behind the camera. Think candid giggles, lots of movement, and just enough friendly competition to keep things spicy.

We ran around the court, snapped some of the sweetest in-between moments, and ended the session with a Coke bottle toast that felt like something out of a 90s rom-com. (Hope and Toby totally give off main-character energy.)

This pickleball-themed engagement session was so them—full of color, energy, and personality. It’s a perfect example of how your engagement photos don’t have to be super formal to be meaningful. Whether it’s a shared hobby, a favorite place, or just something that makes you feel like yourselves, I’m all for it!!

If you're planning your own Cincinnati engagement session and looking for ideas outside the norm, let this be your sign: Pick something you love, bring the good vibes, and don’t forget the refreshments :)