I discovered the Emerald Necklace when I first moved to Boston four years ago. Back then, I only knew it as the beautiful path that led from Brookline toward Time Out Market in Boston — a little escape from the busier parts of the neighborhood, right in my own backyard. I’d walk through the trees, and end my stroll with something delicious from local favorites like Gelato & Chill, Union Square Donuts, or Ganko Ittetsu Ramen.


One day, I decided to walk the other direction — away from Fenway and deeper into Brookline. I didn’t have a plan; I just wanted to see where it went. The further I walked, the more beautiful it became. I passed Leverett Pond, then Wards Pond, and eventually found myself at Jamaica Pond. By the time I finally turned around, I had walked five miles. I was exhausted, but also energized,  I couldn’t wait to go back and see more.


Living in Brookline, the Emerald Necklace has become my reset button. It’s where I go when I need to clear my head, get fresh air, or just feel a little more grounded. Every season transforms it completely — yet somehow, it always feels familiar.

Couple holding hands walking a black dog on a leaf-covered autumn forest path surrounded by golden fall foliage.
Couple smiling with dachshund puppy on plaid blanket in autumn park with colorful fall foliage.
Couple smiling with dog on stone steps surrounded by golden autumn foliage in a park.
Couple holding hands walking a dog through a sunlit autumn forest with golden leaves covering the ground.
Couple walking a dog on a scenic autumn forest trail surrounded by colorful yellow and green foliage.
Couple and dog sitting on stone steps surrounded by golden autumn foliage in a park on a sunny fall day.
Couple holding hands walking on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in fall colors.
Couple holding hands walking on a leaf-covered forest path in autumn, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
Couple dancing on a wooden path surrounded by vibrant orange and yellow autumn foliage in a scenic forest.
Autumn park pathway with fallen leaves and benches lined by golden-leaved trees in a peaceful setting.

A Little History Behind the Emerald Necklace


The Emerald Necklace isn’t just a pretty walking path — it’s one of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, and Brookline holds some of its most beautiful stretches.


Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect behind Central Park), the Emerald Necklace connects over 1,000 acres of parks and waterways across Boston and Brookline.


Stretching from the Boston

Common all the way to Franklin Park, it winds through places like the Back Bay Fens, the Riverway, Olmsted Park, and Jamaica Pond.

The Brookline side, especially around Olmsted Park and Leverett Pond, is my favorite — peaceful trails, hanging willows, and quiet water views that make you forget you’re in the city at all.

Why Take Your Engagement Photos at The Emerald Necklace


 

Honestly, I don’t think it’ll take much convincing. The Emerald Necklace is one of Boston and Brookline’s most stunning (and underrated) places for photos. The path winds through peaceful ponds, stone bridges, and wide open lawns, all surrounded by lush greenery in the warmer months and incredible foliage in the fall.


Whether you want something romantic and woodsy or light and timeless, there’s a little corner of the Emerald Necklace that fits every vibe.

It’s also perfect if you want a mix of nature and city, we can easily end your session with photos at Jamaica Pond, the Back Bay Fens, or even near Fenway for a completely different feel.


The lighting here can be absolutely dreamy. As the sun filters through the trees, it creates this soft, golden glow that makes every moment feel cinematic. You get the beauty of nature without having to leave Brookline -  it’s a photographer’s dream (and couples love how peaceful it feels).

A deer walks through a forest with autumn foliage and fallen leaves covering the ground on a peaceful day.

How to Make a Day of It


One of the things I love most about shooting at the Emerald Necklace is that it’s so easy to make a full day of it. You can start your morning with coffee and pastries from Tatte Bakery or Cafe Fixe in Brookline Village, then wander down the path for your session. Afterward, celebrate with a cozy dinner or drinks at Time Out Market, The Abbey, or Publick House — all local favorites that make the perfect end to a photo day.


If you’re up for more exploring, continue along the trail toward Jamaica Pond or the Arboretum — both are perfect spots for a peaceful walk (or a few more impromptu photos). It’s one of those Boston-and-Brookline experiences that feels like a mini adventure, right in your own neighborhood.

 

A Personal Reflection

 

Stone steps surrounded by autumn trees with golden leaves create a scenic woodland path in a tranquil forest setting.

 


Every time I return to the Emerald Necklace, I’m reminded of why I’m so grateful to live in Brookline. When I moved from San Diego, I thought I would be a little overwhelmed living in a city. But here, nature feels like part of the rhythm of daily life.


I don’t even own a car, and yet in just a 15-minute walk, I can find myself completely surrounded by trees, ponds, and trails. That accessibility — that balance between city and calm — is what makes Brookline feel like home.

If you’re dreaming of engagement photos that feel authentic, peaceful, and a little bit magical, the Emerald Necklace might just be your spot.


You can learn more about my Boston engagement sessions here, I’d love to capture your story in one of my favorite places.