Photographing Amber and Isaac’s engagement session felt like coming full circle. Years ago, I photographed Amber’s senior portraits along with her mustang, Atlas. Even then, the two of them shared a connection that was impossible to miss. Now, returning to their home in Poynette, WI to document her engagement to Isaac—alongside their horses Ellie and Atlas—was incredibly special.

This wasn’t just an engagement session. It was a western love story captured exactly where their lives, their partnership, and their business all come together: at Advanced Horsemanship.

Amber & Isaac’s Western Equestrian Engagement Session

Amber and Isaac have built a life rooted in horsemanship, patience, and a deep understanding of the horses they work with. At home on their property, everything about this engagement session felt honest and natural—two people who fit together effortlessly, surrounded by the animals who shaped their journey and the business they've created.

Shooting at their home gave the entire evening a quiet intimacy. The sandy arena, the tree line, the warm breeze moving through Amber’s floral dress—it all blended into a setting that couldn’t have been more meaningful.

Ellie — The Heart and Foundation of Advanced Horsemanship

No story about Amber and Isaac would be complete without Ellie.

“Whether it's starting wild mustangs or bringing along green colts, Ellie is always the one Isaac turns to. She's patient, brave, and incredibly smart—helping nervous horses find their confidence and teaching them the first steps with calm leadership. Every colt that comes through the program meets Ellie first… More than just a horse, Ellie is a partner, a teacher, and the foundation of the entire operation.” - Isaac.

During their engagement session, Ellie’s presence was exactly that—steady, grounding, and wise. She stood quietly beside Isaac, a reminder of how much trust and dedication goes into the work they do every day.

Including her in their engagement portraits wasn’t just symbolic. It was essential. Ellie is part of their story, their business, and their partnership.

Atlas — Amber’s Mustang and Cornerstone of the Liberty Program

Seeing Atlas again was like reconnecting with an old friend. Amber’s journey with him began through the Youth Mustang Makeover, but he has become so much more: her first bridle horse, her first national tour partner, and the cornerstone of the liberty program within Advanced Horsemanship.

“From the high desert to the spotlight, Atlas is a horse that represents the best of both worlds—wild-born and show-ready. Tough, intelligent, and athletic, Atlas brought many ‘firsts’ to Amber’s life… he remains Amber’s number one mount and the cornerstone of the liberty program.” - Amber

For their engagement portraits, Atlas carried that same proud, expressive energy. You can feel the partnership between them, the miles they’ve shared, and the story still unfolding.

Western Engagement Details & The Proposal Moment

Before we even stepped into portraits, Isaac had prepared something incredibly thoughtful: a custom leather horseshoe piece engraved with “Will you marry me?” paired with Amber’s ring.

Simple, heartfelt, and perfectly aligned with their life together.

During the session, Isaac lifted Amber into his arms along the fence line, and her laughter filled the air with a kind of joy you simply can’t pose. Later, standing between Atlas and Ellie, Amber and Isaac naturally fell into that soft, comfortable rhythm that comes from years of partnership—both as horsemen and as soon-to-be husband and wife.

This mix of romance, horsemanship, and home created the perfect setting for a western engagement session with horses.

Why Poynette, Wisconsin Was the Perfect Location

Their home is more than a property—it’s the heart of Advanced Horsemanship. It's where they start colts, train mustangs, practice liberty work, and build a life grounded in trust, patience, and communication.

Including their arena, trails, and fenced pastures allowed their engagement photos to feel authentic to who they are. For couples wanting horse & rider engagement photos, choosing a meaningful location always elevates the story.

Closing Thoughts

Amber and Isaac, thank you for inviting me back into your lives to photograph another milestone. Your engagement session was filled with everything I love about equestrian portraiture—connection, trust, movement, and those quiet in-between moments that tell the real story.

If you’re a Wisconsin couple hoping to include your horses in your engagement photos, or if you’re looking for a western-style horse & rider portrait session, I would love to work with you. Reach out anytime to start planning something meaningful and personal to your story.