7 Best Places on the Lake in Erie, PA | Engagement Session

Oftentimes, it’s the heart behind the photos and the stories they document that make them so beautiful. That’s an understatement for this session. While I hope you enjoy the scenery and romantic vibes of this sneak peek, I also want you to know this couple is very near and dear to my heart. This session followed months of really hard and unexpected circumstances for this special couple. After the loss of a close loved one and then going months unable to walk after a bad car accident, Nicole and Dylan finally had the chance to celebrate and document their engagement. I wanted to do everything possible to make it extraordinary for them. This spot on the lake in Erie, PA was just what we needed to make it happen.

Positively Positano | Italy Wedding Plans

When Nicole first reached out to me for photography, we instantly connected over our love for food and travel. She even has family in Turkey, which happens to be my favorite place in the whole world. (Really, you should add that to the top of your bucket list if you love to travel.)

From the beginning, they shared their vision of getting married in Positano, Italy. Then hardship hit and put their dream on hold. But their love has only grown stronger since then, and now, they’re more than ready to see that vision through. When I found myself nearby their Italy wedding location, I made way from venue to venue across beautiful Positano in search of the perfect place to recommend. Sure enough, they found “the one,” and I’m thrilled for their wedding next fall.

7 Places to Take Photos Near the Lake in Erie, PA

As a travel enthusiast, you can bet I’m down for adventurous locations like this quiet Lake Erie beach. And, as a Lake Erie local, I know of a few hidden gems for extra privacy. Whether you love these lakeshore picnic vibes or lean toward a festive carnival theme, get in touch with me to start planning your Lake Erie couple’s session. There’s a place for every personality.

7 Places to Visit on Lake Erie, PA

1. Presque Isle State Park & Lighthouse

Presque Isle is the crown jewel of Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie shore. The sandy peninsula mimics a coastal look. Meanwhile, the curving shoreline provides several smaller alcoves and nooks perfect for an intimate engagement session. We can also head over the photogenic black and white lighthouse. Driftwood, lapping waves, wildlife, and shade trees paint a romantic backdrop for your session.

2. Erie Bluffs State Park

Want a bird’s eye view from a thrilling seaside vantage point? Take a peek over Erie Bluffs. This scenic state park has miles of hiking trails through the forest and along the shoreline. These forested wetlands are also home to a steelhead hatchery along Elk Creek. I especially love the tree coverage and colorful layered bluffs at this park. You can also catch some of the most stunning sunsets at Erie Bluffs.

3. Lake Erie Ale Trail & Lake Erie Wineries

I’m more than happy to tag along as you sip on some of Pennsylvania’s delicious local brews and wines. Visit lakeeriealetrail.com to view some of the most popular breweries, or check out lakeeriewinecountry.org if you prefer vino.

4. Waldameer Amusement Park

Waldameer’s Balloon Race, Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and Flying Swings can give your engagement session some colorful carnival fun. Don’t forget to play a few carnival classics together like the ring toss or duck races. Carnival engagement sessions tend to have a nostalgic vintage appeal, and they’re super cute!

5. Sara’s

On that note, if you’re already on Presque Isle and want a few retro-themed photos too, you can get both at Sara’s! This local favorite features a nostalgic 50’s diner theme, complete with hand-spun milkshakes, hot-off-the-grill hot dogs, and curly fries. The classic cars and lakeshore ambiance make this a fun place to relax—and take engagement photos! The beach is just a few yards away.

6. Goodell Gardens & Homestead

Their slogan is perfect: “There’s always something growing at Goodell,” and that’s the truth! I’ve been to this homestead turned garden venue many times, and there’s always something new to see no matter the season. The gravel paths are so peaceful. Year-round blooms and foliage make these gardens a romantic place to pop the question or take engagement photos.

7. Wintergreen Gorge

They say this ancient gorge was etched into the earth thousands of years ago during the last ice age. Now, it boasts some of the most gorgeous fall foliage in the state. Several small waterfalls running over the rock beds of Fourmile Creek add to the natural beauty and are often shallow enough to wade across. Swimming areas are spread out among the deeper parts of the creek. To access the gorge and trails, there are three main trailheads with some parking available. On extra clear days, you can see out over Lake Erie from Devil’s Backbone (hiking shoes and attire recommended).

Have another spot on the Lake in Erie PA?

Let’s go! I’d love to help you capture some of life’s best moments at your special spot on Lake Erie. Connect with me here to get started.

In Loving Memory + Honor
& Celebration of Nicole’s Father: Alimran Guliyev

Written by Nicole Guliyeva

Known by his friends and family as “Alex” or “Ali,” Alimran was bold but caring. He was unwavering in his honesty — when I say honest I mean that he wasn’t like the everyday joe honest where sometimes a lie could slip in..he was brutally honest. If he felt a certain way, thought something wasn’t a good idea or if he didn’t like an outfit someone wore.. he’d let it be known. But he was also honest in a sense where he couldn’t ever lie, about anything. So ultimately, we respected that. I actually gained my honesty from him. Whatever I do, say, feel I make sure it’s truly how I feel vs lying about it. 

A favorite memory

When I was little, I HATED brushing my hair. SOOOO MUCH. Like to the point where we’d have to get scissors and cut chunks out because I let it get so knotted. One day my mom was taking my brother and I out to get some food. I couldn’t get my hair up in a bun. My mom noticed me struggling and told me to turn around. She was always super aggressive with my hair and wanted to make sure it was always brushed. To avoid that, I usually told her I’d do it myself. When she noticed the huge clumps of knots in my hair she freaked out — basically told me I couldn’t come out to dinner with them.

I started crying and I stayed in my room. I got a detangling spray and nothing was working. My dad ended up coming into my room and noticing how upset I was. He started combing through my hair, but it ended up breaking. He ended up just sitting there with me for hours, trying to get all the knots out of my hair. He used his fingers, he used butter, he used hair brushes…I mean anything you can think of. This man tried anything in his power to get these knots out. Ultimately, after a few hours he ended up doing some cutting and got all of them out. We really bonded over that. I felt like for the first time it was a father daughter connection I had always longed for.