PCT trail family photos with Snoopy, then Tipsoo Lake wildflowers at twilight


If you want engagement photos in Washington that feel like a mini adventure (without making it complicated), Mayella and Andrey’s session is a perfect example. We planned this one with two goals in mind: get epic Pacific Northwest scenery, and make sure their dog Snoopy could be part of it too.


I’m a Seattle engagement photographer and Seattle wedding photographer, and I shoot couples all over Washington and the PNW. Sessions like this are why I love living here. You can go from trails to lakes to foggy twilight in the same evening and end up with a gallery that feels like a full story.

If you’re browsing and want more ideas, start here: Engagement portfolio. If you already know you want something like this, you can reach me through my contact form.

Wooden Pacific Crest Trail marker stands along a forested hiking path with hikers visible in the background.

Part 1: PCT trail engagement photos with Snoopy (the energetic Dalmatian)


We kicked things off on a portion of the PCT that gave us plenty of space to move and made it easy to include Snoopy. He’s an adorable, high-energy Dalmatian and he absolutely understood the assignment. The weather was cold, but Mayella and Andrey were great sports and kept the vibe fun the entire time.


This first half felt less like “posing” and more like real life. Walking together, laughing, pausing for a quick kiss, then getting interrupted by Snoopy zooming into frame. Those are the moments I’m always chasing because they look natural and they actually feel like the couple.


If you’re nervous about being photographed, trail sessions make everything easier. Movement gives you something to do with your hands, your body, and your attention. You’re not just standing there thinking, “What do I do with my face?” You’re walking, you’re talking, you’re interacting. Then I step in for quick direction, clean up the angles, and let you get back to being yourselves.


And the scenery gave us such a clean, bold look. Clear skies meant we got that strong contrast of blue and green that Washington does so well when the weather cooperates. It’s one of my favorite looks for couples who want their engagement photos to feel bright, outdoorsy, and very PNW.

A wooden Pacific Crest Trail marker sign stands beside a dirt hiking path surrounded by green foliage.
Panoramic view of lush green mountain valleys and rugged peaks in a pristine wilderness landscape.
A series of scenic mountain trail views showing winding paths through evergreen forests and rugged terrain.
A couple walks their spotted dog along a scenic mountain hiking trail surrounded by evergreen trees and foliage.
A group of people walking dogs on a dirt trail through green foliage on a sunny day.
A spotted Dalmatian puppy wearing an orange collar walks along a dirt trail in a sequence of action shots.
A scenic mountain trail winds through evergreen forest with steep slopes and distant peaks in the background.
A couple and their Dalmatian dog share a tender moment on a mountain trail surrounded by evergreen trees.
A couple shares a romantic moment while hiking in a scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees.
A couple shares tender moments together in a grassy outdoor setting during golden hour.
A couple shares tender moments in a sunlit meadow during an outdoor photo session at golden hour.
A series of outdoor photos showing a couple sitting on a log with their spotted dog in a wildflower meadow at sunset.
Couple and their dalmatian puppy share joyful moments while sitting on a fallen log in a lush mountain meadow.
A couple poses with their spotted Dalmatian puppy in a park setting during a photo session.
A scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees and grassy slopes in a national park setting.
A couple in casual attire poses with their Dalmatian dog in a scenic mountain meadow.
A black and white spotted dog being held and petted outdoors in a natural setting.
A person and a Dalmatian dog share an affectionate moment in a sunny meadow with wildflowers.
Two people playfully dance together in a grassy meadow with mountains in the background.
A couple embraces joyfully in a mountain meadow surrounded by evergreen trees on a sunny day.
Close-up shot of hands embracing during an outdoor engagement photo session.
Close-up sequence of romantic couple sharing tender moments and laughter in a natural setting.
Intimate couple embraces outdoors in warm autumn light wearing casual clothing against natural greenery.
A sweeping mountain landscape with evergreen trees and meadows under a bright blue sky.
Artistic double exposure portrait of couple embracing with forest silhouette overlay in black and white.
Raised hands interlock fingers against a bright natural outdoor background.
Scenic mountain meadow with evergreen trees and wildflowers stretching across a grassy landscape.
A couple lying in a grassy meadow share tender moments together in a romantic outdoor photoshoot.
A couple and their dog share a happy moment together in a mountain setting with pine trees.
A scenic mountain meadow with evergreen trees and wildflowers in the background.
Joyful candid black and white photo of couple sharing a playful piggyback moment outdoors.
Two people walk hand in hand along a wildflower-filled mountain trail surrounded by evergreen trees.

Outfit change and why I love two-part sessions


One of the easiest ways to get a gallery that feels high-end is simple: two locations, two outfits.


The trail portion was casual and comfortable, which was perfect for the cold and for playing with Snoopy. Then we shifted into a more romantic vibe for Tipsoo Lake. It’s the best of both worlds. You get the fun, real-life “this is us” energy, and you also get the scenic, cinematic part where everything looks like it belongs on a book cover.


If you’re planning your own engagement photos near Mount Rainier, I’ll always recommend this approach if timing and logistics allow. It gives you variety without needing a complicated plan.


If you want to see what’s included and how booking works, here are my Seattle + Washington engagement pricing page.


Part 2: Tipsoo Lake engagement photos with wildflowers and twilight fog


After the PCT portion, we headed to Tipsoo Lake for the second half of the session. Snoopy stayed in the car with Mayella and Andrey’s friends (shoutout to friends who understand the mission), and we leaned into wildflower season.


Even though you can’t see Rainier in these photos, it honestly didn’t matter. The wildflowers were in full bloom and the lake was still, which gave us a really clean, peaceful background. Then we photographed into twilight as fog started rolling in.


That shift is one of my favorite things about shooting engagement sessions in Washington. The light changes quickly, the mood changes with it, and your gallery ends up with natural variety. We started with clear skies and vivid color, then finished with softer tones and that foggy, cinematic feel.


If you want another Mount Rainier engagement story for inspiration, here’s one of my favorites: Sarah + Gage’s Mt. Rainier engagement session on the Naches Loop Trail.

A scenic mountain landscape with wildflowers and a lake surrounded by evergreen forest.
Scenic mountain meadow with yellow wildflowers and evergreen trees in background.
Couple enjoying a romantic moment in a wildflower meadow with evergreen forest in the background.
Two hands reaching towards each other across a field of blooming wildflowers.
Intimate couple embracing in a mountain meadow surrounded by colorful summer wildflowers.
Intimate couple embraces in romantic close-up shots against forest backdrop.
A couple embraces and laughs together during an outdoor photo session with evergreen trees in the background.
A couple poses together by a mountain lake surrounded by summer wildflowers.
A couple embraces in a romantic moment against a natural mountain lake backdrop.
Scenic mountain lake surrounded by evergreen forest with dramatic cloudy skies.
Couple strolling along a scenic mountain lake trail surrounded by pine trees and natural beauty.
Close-up of hands holding and petting a small white dog during an outdoor photoshoot.
Close up of hands wearing rings against a soft blue sky background.
Majestic mountain landscape with lake and forest under moody clouds.
A tender moment shared between a couple in cream and white attire by a lake.
Joyful couple sharing laughter and embraces in an outdoor setting.
A misty mountain landscape with wildflowers and hiking trails at sunset.
Couple shares tender moments while sitting in a blooming wildflower meadow.
A couple shares an intimate moment together while walking through a lush garden setting.
Couple embraces tenderly in a meadow of wildflowers during a sunny summer afternoon.

Why this engagement session is perfect inspiration for Washington couples


If you’re getting married anywhere in Washington, your engagement session is a great chance to do something that actually feels like the two of you. You don’t need a fancy plan. You just need a location that fits your vibe and a photographer who can guide you without making it awkward.


This session worked because:

It had real movement and real moments (thanks, Snoopy)

It had two different looks without feeling forced

It showed off Washington’s best features: trails, wildflowers, lakes, and moody weather

It felt natural, not overly posed


I photograph a lot of couples who find me while searching for a Seattle wedding photographer, Washington wedding photographer, or engagement photographer Seattle. If that’s you, I’m here for the outdoorsy sessions and the city sessions. The goal is always the same: photos that feel like you and still look polished.


If you’re also planning your wedding day and want to see my wedding work, you can start here: Seattle wedding photography and wedding packages.


Quick planning tips for your Mount Rainier engagement photos (especially Tipsoo Lake)


1) Bring layers, even if it’s “summer.”

Cold is normal up there. If you’re shivering the whole time, it shows. I’d rather you be warm and comfortable so the photos feel relaxed.


2) Twilight is the cheat code.

The light gets softer, the crowds usually thin out, and the whole vibe calms down.


3) Dogs are welcome, we just plan for it.

If you want your dog in your engagement photos, I’ll help you choose a location that fits, then we plan the logistics. Bringing a friend is a huge help if you want to do two locations.


4) Don’t stress if Rainier hides.

Mount Rainier is iconic, but you don’t need the mountain visible for the session to be incredible. Wildflowers, lake reflections, and forest backdrops still deliver.

Hikers traverse a scenic mountain trail through wildflower meadows and evergreen forests in Mount Rainier National Park.

Want engagement photos like this?


Mayella and Andrey’s engagement session was the perfect mix of fun and romantic. We started with trail “family photos” with Snoopy, then finished at Tipsoo Lake during wildflower season with fog rolling in at twilight.

If you’re looking for a Seattle engagement photographer (or a Washington engagement photographer) and want something outdoorsy, natural, and easy, reach out here: Contact Weddings by Andre. I’ll help you choose a location, plan timing, and keep the entire session feeling comfortable and real.