If there’s one thing that gets my heart racing as a photographer, it’s the thrill of capturing love stories against the backdrop of stunning landscapes. And when Sarah and Gage approached me for their engagement session at Mt. Rainier, I knew this was going to be something truly special. Engagement photos are magical on their own, but when you throw in the jaw-dropping beauty of Washington’s natural wonders—well, let’s just say we had all the ingredients for a picture-perfect day.


So buckle up, because I’m about to take you behind the scenes of one of my most fun, laughter-filled, and visually stunning engagement sessions yet! We’re talking about the Naches Loop Trail, wildflowers, lakes, and of course Mt. Rainier showing off in the background.

Couple walking on a sunlit forest trail surrounded by evergreen trees.
Wild deer grazing among evergreen trees in a mountain forest.
Expansive mountain valley vista with rolling hills and evergreen forests.
Hiking trail winding through alpine meadow with mountain peak in background.
Hikers exploring a mountain trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees at sunset.
Snow-capped mountain peak rises above evergreen forest with tall pine trees in the foreground.

A Fun Hike to Kick Things Off: Meet Sarah and Gage


Now, let me introduce you to Sarah and Gage. These two are seriously the kind of couple you meet once and immediately feel like you've known them forever. Their connection is genuine, and they’re incredibly down-to-earth—plus, they don’t take themselves too seriously, which made this session even more fun!


Funny enough, Sarah isn’t exactly what you’d call an avid hiker. She admitted early on that while she enjoys being outside, she’s more of a “leisurely stroll through a park” kind of person. Gage, on the other hand, is the adventurous one—always up for exploring new trails and soaking in the outdoors. But when they saw the incredible scenery the Naches Loop Trail had to offer, they both agreed it would be totally worth it to take on the hike together. And trust me—it was!


The first part of our session was all about the hike itself. We spent the first quarter of the photoshoot on a relatively easy trail, making our way through the lush greenery. If you’re unfamiliar, the Naches Loop is about 3.5 miles long and offers some of the most stunning views of Mt. Rainier and its surrounding lakes and wildflower meadows. It’s perfect for couples who want a bit of adventure but aren’t necessarily hardcore hikers. (A huge plus for all you Washington brides and grooms who want that stunning natural backdrop without too much of a workout!)

Two figures stand on a rocky hillside surrounded by evergreen trees in a mountain setting.
Two people stand on a grassy slope with a rocky outcrop and backpack in the mountain wilderness.
Two people and a dog pose in front of a large rocky outcropping on a mountain trail.
Two figures embrace near a rocky cliff during sunset in an alpine setting.

Lake Views, Laughter, and Love


As we made our way to the first scenic spot—one of the beautiful alpine lakes tucked along the trail—I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly Sarah and Gage made the hike their own. Sarah’s laughter echoed through the trees every time Gage cracked a joke (which, trust me, was often), and they seemed totally at ease with each other. It was clear they were enjoying the moment, not just ticking off another wedding planning task.


After a quick change of clothes (yes, even on the trail!), we transitioned into the next part of the session where things got a bit more playful. Cue the wildflowers, lush greenery, and vibrant pops of color that made for some truly swoon-worthy images. Washington is known for its jaw-dropping wildflower meadows, and this session did not disappoint. The couple danced, twirled, and simply enjoyed being present with each other—and I was there to capture it all.


When we reached the lake, the view was breathtaking. The reflection in the lake was mirror-like, making it the ideal spot for some serene, romantic photos. Sarah and Gage held hands, their silhouettes perfectly mirrored on the surface of the lake, creating that fairytale vibe every couple dreams of. These are the kinds of moments that remind me just how lucky I am to be able to do what I do—capturing real love, in real time, in some of the most gorgeous places on Earth.

A couple stands among wildflowers in an alpine meadow with mountains in the background.
A couple embraces in a mountain meadow filled with yellow wildflowers at sunset.
A couple smiles together in a mountain meadow with golden sunlight and evergreens.
Close-up of yellow wildflowers blooming against a dark green background.
Two figures stand on a mountain trail surrounded by alpine meadows and rocky peaks.
A couple sits together on a rocky outcrop in an alpine mountain landscape.
A serene mountain lake reflects evergreen trees and rocky outcrops in the wilderness.

The Magic of Wildflowers and Mountain Peaks


One of the absolute highlights of the session was photographing Sarah and Gage among the wildflowers. It felt like we’d walked straight into a postcard, with the entire meadow bursting into color beneath the deep blue sky. The whole scene looked straight out of a romance movie, but the best part was that it was all them. No fancy props or over-the-top poses—just two people in love, surrounded by nature’s finest.


If you’re looking to book your engagement or elopement session somewhere as naturally beautiful as Mt. Rainier, do yourself a favor and schedule it when the wildflowers are in full bloom. It’s like Mother Nature is throwing you an extra celebration, and trust me, your photos will thank you.


But what really took my breath away was the moment when we turned around on the trail to head back. There it was—the star of the show—Mt. Rainier itself, towering in the background, majestic and awe-inspiring. We couldn’t resist stopping to snap a few more photos. Imagine this: Sarah and Gage, arm in arm, with the snow-capped mountain looming behind them, the sun setting in soft, golden hues. It was pure magic.

A couple stands in a wildflower meadow with mountain peaks in the background at sunset.
A romantic moment shared between a couple with a mountain landscape behind them.
A couple embraces on a rocky overlook at sunset with evergreen trees and mountains in view.

Instant Friends, Forever Memories


By the end of our session, it felt like we’d all been on a mini adventure together. Sarah and Gage’s personalities are the kind you just click with immediately. We spent the hike laughing, talking about their wedding plans (spoiler alert: they’re tying the knot in 2025, and I couldn’t be more excited to capture that too!), and sharing stories about life, love, and all the little moments in between.


These kinds of engagement sessions are my absolute favorite. Sure, the photos turn out gorgeous because, well, how could they not in a place like Mt. Rainier? But what makes them truly special is the connection. Not just the connection between the couple, but the connection we form during the session. By the time we said our goodbyes, I wasn’t just their photographer anymore—I felt like their friend. And that, my friends, is the magic of engagement photography.

A distant couple stands among evergreens with a snow-capped mountain peak in the background.
A couple stands on a mountain trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees.
A tender moment captured between a couple in natural outdoor lighting.
A joyful moment shared between a couple against a mountain backdrop.
A couple shares an intimate moment by a lake with reflections in the background.
animated gif of couple in white outfits dancing with mount Rainier and forest in the background during goldenhour

Why Mt. Rainier is the Perfect Backdrop for Your Engagement, Wedding, or Elopement


Now, let’s talk a little about why Mt. Rainier is the ultimate spot for your engagement, wedding, or elopement. If you’re dreaming of tying the knot surrounded by nature’s beauty, this place checks all the boxes.


  • Stunning Scenery: From wildflower meadows to pristine lakes, and of course, the iconic mountain itself, Mt. Rainier offers a variety of backdrops that are nothing short of breathtaking.
  • Variety of Locations: Whether you want a challenging hike or something a little more low-key like Sarah and Gage’s session, there’s a trail or viewpoint for everyone.
  • Seasonal Beauty: Whether it’s summer wildflowers, fall foliage, or even snow-capped winter peaks, Mt. Rainier is stunning all year round.
  • Adventure and Romance Combined: For couples who want a mix of both (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), the area offers the perfect balance of adventure, like hiking the Naches Loop Trail, and peaceful, romantic moments like lakeside photoshoots.


If you’re planning an engagement, wedding, or elopement in Washington State, you should seriously consider making Mt. Rainier your backdrop. Trust me when I say it’s a place where memories—and photos—are made to last a lifetime.


Let’s Create Your Adventure


I’m already counting down the days to Sarah and Gage’s 2025 wedding, but in the meantime, I’m excited to work with more couples who are ready to embrace the adventure of love. Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or a small elopement, I’m here to help you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments in a way that feels true to you.


So, if you’re dreaming of an outdoor engagement session or wedding in Washington, let’s make it happen! We can hike a trail like Naches Loop, stroll through wildflower meadows, or even find that perfect spot by the lake. The beauty of Washington’s landscapes is just waiting to be your backdrop.

Ready to start planning? Let’s connect and make some magic!

Two hands reaching towards each other against a mountain landscape at sunset.

And there you have it—a day filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of natural beauty. Sarah and Gage’s engagement session was one for the books, and I can’t wait for what’s next. Here’s to more love stories, more adventures, and more moments captured at Mt. Rainier and beyond.

If you're interested in a breathtaking engagement session, elopement, or wedding photography experience in Washington, let's talk! Whether you're hiking up a trail or walking down the aisle, I'm here to document your love in a way that feels true to you.