Joshua Tree Engagement: Amber + Scott

Finally blogging one of my favorite sessions of the year! This was Memorial Day Weekend in Joshua Tree State Park, just outside of Palm Springs. Joshua Tree has become a huge destination for photography, and you can see why. This Joshua Tree blog post is about to be twice as long as any other blog post, images wise.

Also, spoilers, Amber and Scott aren’t actually engaged yet. I have no idea how we’re actually going to top Joshua Tree when Scott buys the ring.

Since I usually am shooting up in the Pacific Northwest, getting to shoot in somewhere as drastically different as Joshua Tree was like a breath of fresh air (as if one could ever find a fresher breath of air than one from the PNW, but you get the idea). The landscape just provided so many visually interesting options. Plus Amber and Scott are INSANELY photogenic. Pretty sure I could sell these pictures to a perfume company. How does “Desert” sound for the brand? Too on the nose?

I also had about the dumbest moment while driving in. I said “these trees are so interesting, I wonder what kind they are!” Amber goes “…they’re Joshua Trees….” like OKAY Lindsey good normal brain.

Okay all you Palm Springs/Los Angeles/Southern California brides! You better get at me cause I am DYING to go back to this golden paradise!

Cougs Engagement Session: Chelsey + Stephen

Ok the apple cup is in two days and I have cougar fever. For those of you who don’t know, I graduated from Washington State with a couple o’ degrees in 2013. My parents met in Pullman, my sister and about 80% of my friends went there as well. Which brings me to these two cuties! They’re both WSU grads as well, and Chelsey was a cheerleader at WSU! They knew they wanted to incorporate some cougar pride into their session, so along with champagne, a reader board, and their darling lab Cole, they decided to show of the cougar flag as well.

What ideas do you have to make your engagement session your own? Drop a comment below to provide some inspiration!

Moses Lake Engagement: Allison + Stephen

When Allison and Stephen were brainstorming where to do their engagement session, only one place would do. Allison’s aunt has stunning property out near Moses Lake, in Warden Washington. Miles of gorgeous fields stretched in every direction, and we arrived just in time for golden hour. Their darling dogs joined us, and I can’t get over the little guy looking right at the camera in picture three.

From the tire swing to the soft, central Washington light, everything about this session was perfect. This is why its so important to choose a location that is not only meaningful, but will truly show off your connection. By choosing a location that was so special, and bringing along their furry companions, Allison and Stephen were able to pull of a session that I know they’ll cherish for years to come.

Tacoma Newborn Session: Riley Mae

Little Riley!! We had been waiting for you for what felt like forever! I have known Riley’s mom, Halani, since she was seven years old. You can even check her out in my boudoir section! She and her husband Matt moved down to Tacoma before getting married, and we met down there at their house to get some shots of little miss Riley at 3 weeks old. She might have been pretty fussy, but we got some sleepy poses out of her anyway! Can’t believe this big girl is over 6 months old now!

Downtown Seattle Engagement: Sowkya + Harish

Sowkya and Harish are here to let you guys know how to be my dream client:

1. Find me all the way from India and tell me you picked me because you wanted someone who represented the Pacific Northwest style

2. Wear a gorgeous floral dress

3. Take me to Indian food with your friends afterward - I had never had Indian food before!! OMGGG I have wasted so many years…

Sowkya and Harish met up with me on the Seattle leg of their American vacation. Harish himself is actually a wedding photographer too! (check out his work here). After a fun afternoon of touring Pioneer Square, we met up with their friends at an Indian Restaurant in Redmond. Oh my god you guys my life was changed. Turns out naan is completely different when you didn’t get it in a nasty pack from Safeway, who knew.

Alameda Island Engagement: Dustin + Savannah

Perks/Pitfalls of having a photographer for a best friend: You’re going to end up with multiple engagement sessions. Ever since California stole Savannah from me in 2013, it has been her home. She and Dustin are currently residing in the CUTEST town of Alameda (seriously google it. every house looks like it was designed by a victorian birdhouse maker). When I was down there in May for the Taylor Swift concert (should I blog the 15,000 photos we made Dustin take of us pre-concert??) we knew we had to spend at least one morning running around documenting their love in their own little corner of the world. What you see here is the Alameda waterfront and the naval base on Alameda. It was searingly bright, and Savannah rocked the silk white dress of my photographer dreams.

We’re starting off this photo stack with some solos of Savannah because like come on. My best friend is an absolute goddess. And if you think I’m waxing poetic in this post, you should have heard my maid of honor speech. I’m a fangirl. Dustin’s pretty much the only guy on earth good enough for her. And trust me, he's the shit.

Another note on the dress: wearing a white dress to your engagement shoot is a genius move. It gives you the opportunity to wear something a little less formal, and fully pour your personality into it. For Savannah, that meant long wavy tresses and a leather jacket. You’re a bride after all! Bride out as much as possible.

To see Savannah and Dustin’s Seattle engagement session, click here.

Snoqualmie Engagement Session: Elise + Nick

When helping Nick and Elise plan their engagement session, they knew they wanted something that perfectly captured the Pacific Northwest that they both call home. In the shadow of Mount Si, we met in one of my secret spots, along with our hair and makeup artist pal Hunter and the sweetest dog in the world, Tucker. Tucker himself is extremely photogenic, and when you meet his human parents, you can tell it runs in the family. It was impossible to narrow down their gallery to this blog post batch, between Elise serving looks and the light being out of this world in the little town of Snoqualmie. Be sure to check out the ones where Tucker is just dying to be in the shot!

Nashville In-Home Session: Alex + Steve

I met Alex and Steve down in Nashville for a little in-home session before their summer wedding! Plot twist, this is actually an Airbnb. That’s the best thing about engagements: flexibility. Want your engagement session surrounded by all your favorite things and pets, in the comfort of your own home? Done. We’ll go for a walk around your neighborhood and document this special moment in your life. Want super cozy vibes like these, without having to worry about your dog knocking over a lamp or the ten years of laundry piled on your bed (guilty over here)? An Airbnb is the perfect way to get close, make some coffee (or even pancakes!) and not have to worry about clutter or hiding the weird wall hanging your niece got you for your birthday.

Downtown Franklin Engagement: Kate + Zach

Back in April I found myself in the cute little town of Franklin, Tennessee to meet these two lovebirds. Kate is an amazing singer and Zach plays the drums for her band! I met up with them at the place they actually met, many years ago, a super cute little ice cream parlor called Sweet Cece’s. Franklin is an adorable city and I had a blast as they showed me around town. Can’t wait to get back to Tennessee soon, so if you know someone planning a wedding there, send em my way!

High school Sweethearts: Serena + Romeo

Good morning blog readers! Its 6:30 a.m. on a Tuesday and I’ve got coffee and a fire going - doesn’t get any more fall than this! Especially that its pitch black outside. Part of me misses the golden sunshine like we had on Serena and Romeo’s engagement session below - but the other part of me is ready to double down and put on 10,000 coats and not come out for months.

Serena and Romeo met in high school, so it was only fitting that we go back to Renton High for a few reasons: 1. Romeo works there now and 2. UHH have you seen this school?? The light, the brick, the euro-vibes - its gorgeous as hell! My high school was 90% concrete with some blue and yellow paint on it. Needless to say I’m a little jealous. We also hit up one of my secret spots in Renton for some golden hour shots near Cedar River. This was actually the park where yours truly learned to ride a bike, believe it or not!

Serena and Romeo got married at Green River CC in September, and it was truly a party worth beholding. I can’t wait to share that with you guys down the road, but for now, enjoy this golden magic!

Lopez Island Engagement Session: Kelsey + Todd

Kelsey and Todd’s session was a heavy hitter when it came to personal touches. They chose to take there ferry up to Lopez Island, where Kelsey’s family has lived for generations. From the ferry, we drove to the tiny church on a hill where her grandparents attended. Once we got to her family’s beach, we explored high and low, including her grandfather’s old tractor.

When planning your engagement session, try and reflect on two things: 1. What type of location is going to speak to you as a couple, your personalities, your past, and your future. 2. What do you want pictures of on your wall in 10 years. Whether thats a rustic, urban area in downtown Seattle, a rainy, misty field on the east side, your own cozy living room, or a sunny island, these pictures will surround you for years to come. Make them as personal as possible.

The Herzogs: Winter in Style

When you’ve got kids in tow, the MO is the quicker, the better. The Herzog family met me in Seattle for a mini session and even though you can’t tell in the pictures, it was only about 32 degrees! With these little cuties though, I had my work cut out for me. How sweet are everyone’s coats? I’m also in love with McKenna’s white boots. I do still have space for some fall and winter family sessions, so shoot me an email today to get yours booked before Christmas!

Lake Cushman Engagement Session: Brett + Malia

If you're from the Pacific Northwest, you know it has about a billion hidden gems tucked away between the Cascades and the Olympics. Lake Cushman is one of such places. When Brett, Malia, and I met last spring, we knew the weather would not be reliable. Luckily for us, the weather decided to be romantic. We got a little snow, a little rain, and even a little hail for Brett and Malia's engagement session. Lake Cushman really knows how to put on a show! This was truly one of my favorite engagement sessions, maybe of all time. How amazing is Malia's dress? I love recommending flowing fabrics that offer a lot of movement for engagement shoots. There's something a extra romantic and dramatic about skirts billowing in the wind.

Lake Cushman is a great place for an adventure, rain or shine. If rain, or worse, is in the forecast for your engagement session, don't even worry. The drama it adds to a session is totally worth a little chill in the air. All the better reason to get extra close, right?

Brett and Malia are getting married in HAWAII in March. We’ll be trading these rainy mountains for some sunny beaches!

Leanne: Lacy Seattle Boudoir

One of the best things about boudoir photography is the sense of empowerment it can bring you. That was 100% the move with Leanne’s session in Pioneer Square. This mama (literally she has an 8 year old, talk about goals), was fierce from the moment she hopped in front of the lens. These pictures were just for her, to celebrate the amazing woman that she is. Seeing her own it from the first frame was inspiring, and I can’t wait to work with her again!

Nathan + Mackenzie: Rattlesnake Lake Engagement Session

Looking for the quintessential Pacific Northwest engagement session? That's gonna for sure involve rain, moss, a little hike, a dog, and a whole lotta love. Mackenzie and Nathan covered all the bases at their engagement session at Rattlesnake Lake. How cute is Mackenzie's Great Dane Molly? She really is the sweetest girl. At first, Mackenzie and Nathan were worried we might get rained out, but their session is a great example of why NOT to cancel because of rain. Haven't you seen The Notebook?? The rain scene is like the most romantic part! To up the romance, just add rain. 

This day was wild because we had already had so much rain in the PNW - pretty much everyone knows about Rattlesnake Lake. Its the one with the cool tree growing out of a tree stump in the middle of the lake. Sometimes you can walk or wade out to it, but when we got there it was completely under water! The lake had even started rising past the grass in the park! These two stuck it out though, and I'm so glad they did! Can't you just feel their love in these images? I'm so excited to see where life takes these two!

Kendall: Yoga Inspired Boudoir

After two beyond amazing yoga-inspired boudoir sessions with Kendall, I'm pretty sure we're about to make this a bi-annual event. Kendall is a yoga instructor based out of San Diego, and when she makes it up to Seattle, its boudoir time! One thing that I love about boudoir sessions is that you have the opportunity to make it totally your own. For Kendall, that means embracing her inner yogi and bringing some seriously sexy vibes to our boudoir session. Don't worry, you don't need to be able to perform a handstand to have a fire boudoir session. But it sure doesn't hurt!

Savannah + Dustin: In-Home Seattle Engagement

HIDDEN. HILL. Is there any place more magical on Earth? Spoiler: there ain't. Savannah (tall golden goddess, possessor of perfect handwriting, and my very best friend in the world) grew up here, and by proxy, I did too. Hidden Hill is her charming childhood home on Shadow Lake, near Maple Valley, WA. We spent countless hours bouncing around on the old trampoline, chasing chickens in the back yard, and even making igloos on snow days. Every corner of Hidden Hill has a little spark of magic or mystery, whether its the tiniest decorative chair tucked in a windowsill, or a collection of toy rats over the water filter. It was the perfect place for adventures to begin. And what better setting for Savannah and Dustin's first engagement session. Yes I did two. Sorry but she's my best friend and I'm obsessed with her face.

I won't wax too much more poetic on Savannah and Dustin, 1. because I'll cry in this coffee shop and 2. because I'm saving it for my maid of honor speech. Let's just say when you find someone as perfect for you as Savannah and Dustin are for each other, you marry them. Like instantly. I don't know how these two have lasted this long without getting married honestly. Its been like 4 years. 5 WEEKS TIL MY FAVORITES GET MARRIEEDDDD.

Paige + Ty: Bellingham Engagement Session

Holy SMOKES - how is everyone else handling this hazy summer? Not being able to go outside much right now is absolutely killing me. I'm ready to run away to a smoke free zone! Anyone know of any? Who's got an extra couch? Honestly I'm even scared to let my cats outside, just imagining their little cat lungs and all this toxicity! Fire season needs to not be a thing. Summers were like the last good thing about Seattle!

This wedding season has been completely wild, as you may be able to tell. Emails are taking a little longer to respond to these days, and I'm sorry for that! Wedding season is kind of just a hang-on-to-your-britches til end of September time. I'm pretty much in a black hole of editing from here until Halloween. Speaking of which, my plan right now is to dress up as a sexy version of the Dude from The Big Lebowski. No one copy me. Or do, and send me pictures! 

The next wedding up for delivery belongs to these two, so what better time to share their engagement session? We met up in Bellingham and wandered all over the Chuckanut Drive area. Bellingham was gorgeous, and we only got rained on for a fraction of the session. And if you know me, you know I love a few drips here and there to add to the romance. 

One thing Bellingham does better than just about anywhere else on the west coast is an edge-of-the-world vibe. You can totally see it here as Paige and Ty look out across Samish Bay. With the wind whipping against the rocks and the trees swaying, we were able to create the quintessential Pacific Northwest romance session. 

Its been my goal to spend some more time this fall up north near Bellingham, the Chuckanuts, and Samish bay. Leave a comment below if you have any recommendations for some up-north activities!

Love always,

Lindsey

Hailey + Matt: Rainy Seattle Engagement

You know those couples where you pull a Step Brothers like DID WE JUST BECOME BEST FRIENDS? Maybe I'm a creep but that's me with these two. We braved the constant Seattle drizzle to bop all over Magnolia for this ultra-romantic engagement session. Don't they just look like the most timeless pair ever? I swear these photos look like they could be from just about any era. It doesn't hurt that they totally had the giggles, Matt kept Hailey laughing the whole time. I can't wait for their wedding next month! It's going to be a smoke show just like them.

Janie + Francis: Mount Si Engagement

Hey guys! (Why do I always feel like a youtuber when I start a post that way?) Summer is just about underway and of course in Seattle that means surprise rain. I am so ready for it to be hot and miserable for a few months! Am I the only one who secretly loves being in a sweaty tank top driving around with the AC on? Either way, I'm headed to LA next month so its sure to be a scorcher down there.

This last weekend was the first big boy weekend for my wedding season. Two weddings as lead photographer, and my associate BreeAnna down in Enumclaw taking care of a third! The first of the weekend was Janie and Francis, who powered through the rain with style and grace. Their engagement session on the other hand, was a misty, sunny paradise. Their gallery seriously looked like they were ready to start an indie folk duo. If you add their adorable dogs to the mix, you've got a family band.

Janie, Francis, the dogs and I all met in North Bend so we could catch the alpenglow of Mount Si. Mount Si has become an increasingly popular request from my couples in the past year. The key to an awesome Mount Si session? You've gotta know all the secret spots :) Sometimes that involves a little extra driving (over massive potholes), or narrowly avoiding a giant elk herd (typical North Bend problems), but as you can see, in the end its worth it.

Have you ever spent any time in North Bend or hiking Mount Si? Mailbox Peak is forever the popular girl but Little Si is another favorite of mine. Comment your favorite North Bend hike if you have one to recommend!