A Cinematic Engagement Session at Nightlight Cinema | Courtney & Joey
- Kristen Hardesty
- Dec 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Some engagement sessions feel like stepping into a couple’s world, and for Courtney and Joey, that world is lit by the warm glow of a movie projector.
When they told me they wanted their engagement photos taken at Nightlight Cinema in Akron, Ohio, I knew this session was going to be something special. The Nightlight isn’t just a date-night spot for them, it’s their favorite place to spend time together. Joey is a member of the theater and is on pace to watch 100 movies this year. If that doesn’t say “movie lover,” nothing does.
Their Favorite Seats in the House
We started the session right where they spend most of their time at the theater: their favorite seats. Nestled into the back of the theater, surrounded by velvet curtains and the soft hum of the projector, Courtney and Joey looked completely at home. Photographing them there felt less like staging a moment and more like documenting one of their many quiet, shared evenings.
A Shining-Inspired Twist
One of my favorite touches from the session was Joey’s shirt, a bold pattern inspired by the iconic carpet from The Shining. And because the Nightlight happens to have a library with that same iconic carpet pattern, we had to take advantage. The result was a fun, cinematic nod that perfectly reflected both Joey’s passion for film and their playful personalities as a couple.
Why This Session Worked So Well
What made this engagement shoot so meaningful wasn’t just the unique location, it was how personal it felt. Every corner of the Nightlight holds memories for them, from casual dates to late-night discussions about the films they love. Photographing them in a place woven into their story gave the images a warmth and authenticity you simply can’t recreate anywhere else.
Courtney and Joey’s session is a perfect reminder that engagement photos don’t have to be traditional. Sometimes the most romantic place is the one where you already feel at home, snacks in hand, tickets in pocket, waiting for the lights to dim.
