This Couple Had an Epic Desert Backdrop for Their Destination Engagement Session

Thinking about having your engagement session in an ultra-cool and oh-so remote destination? These desert engagement photos will definitely inspire you to book the trip. Sini and David’s White Sands National Park shoot features a killer backdrop as well as plenty of inspo for those planning to take their engagement session in a modern, outdoor setting.

Sini says when it became time to take their photos, Sini couldn’t think of a better place to experience with David. To visit White Sands together felt like sharing a piece of her that she’s been so eager to lay out before him. A location that has been her source of inspiration and also a happy place for so long now finally became a shared experience for both of them. “It felt incredible to discover and wander together, all while feeling so connected to the landscape, the aura, and to each other,” says Sini.

Destination wedding photographer Kaley from Kansas captured the romantic day and helped add an editorial approach to the shoot. “They placed me in an environment where I could play,” says Kocinski. Adding, “I was free to create with them and we all let go of expectations.” Check out Sini and David’s dreamy desert engagement photos below:

Why the Couple Chose The Desert For Their Engagement Photos

Sini says she first visited White Sands National Park back in 2017 when she was a senior in college. She went with a couple of her close friends and  remembers falling in love with the vast, other-worldly landscape and knew she had to return with David one day. After getting engaged, she found the perfect opportunity to visit the scenic destination again—as the site to for their engagement photos!

How They Posed

Kocinski says she was thrilled when Sini reached out about shooting her engagement session at White Sands. “I had been wanting to visit White Sands for so long and I instantly knew I had to say ‘yes!'” adds Kocinski. As for the poses and unique angles, Kocinski credits the couple for not only taking direction well, but also being so in-sync with one another—aesthetically and inspiration-wise. “They wanted a more editorial approach as well, which really inspired me,” says Kocinski. “I couldn’t be happier with how the shoot turned out.”

What They Wore

Sini and David donned two outfits for their desert engagement photos in order to add contrast to their session. For the first look, the pair opted for all-white attire—minus a flash orange on David’s kicks. Sini wore a boho long-sleeved dress, which she accessorized with white booties. As for David, his first look consisted of white pants, a white tee, and overshirt.

For their second look, the couple wore more relaxed clothing. Sini changed into white pants and a feminine baby blue short-sleeved top that paired perfectly with the desert sky. David switched into jeans and blue-and-white patterned sweatshirt.

Advice for Adventure Engagement Sessions

“I want to inspire more couples to explore somewhere new with your partner, don’t just check off a box, but actually remember why you are there and really create a memory together,” says Kocinski. “I also want to inspire and encourage other photographers to play with negative space and minimalism—see the beauty in simplicity and tonality.”

Still swooning over these desert engagement photos? You’re not alone. Check out more engagement photo inspo #onGWS here.

photography: Kaley from Kansas // venue name: White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA // models: Sini Choi and David Hong