Hurricane Ridge Photography | Our Washington Trip Adventures | Washington Travel

Last month Marcus and I made our way to Washington State. This trip was a happy unexpected surprise as one of my couples graciously flew me out to have their engagement session photos shot. Nothing right now is normal so travel there with a plane half full and masks required the entire time was different. Our first day in we went to the must-see places of Seattle. We explored the Pikes Place Marketplace and walked the gardens surrounding the base of the Space Needle. I checked the Space Needle’s website daily up until we arrived and we just did not get there in time for it to be open. I think we will definitely check it out more when we go back in future.

Friday we made our way up the PNW for our engagement shoot where we were able to enjoy an adventure session with my couple while enjoying the deer and lake views of Lake Crescent. I seriously could have stayed at Lake Crescent for a solid week. It was a cloudy day with fog coming over the tops of the mountains. It was so beautiful. Next time we are here, we will definitely be kayaking around this beauty and attempting the King Storm Trail! (You can check out their amazing engagement session here)

Lake Crescent

We stayed the night in a Port Angeles airbnb, which had 4-week old toy poodle puppies!!!! THEY WERE SO LITTLE! I do not have photos but they were cute. The next day after a peaceful night of sleep, Marcus and I made our way to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. A lot of Washington had been closed due to COVID; so I jumped on this opportunity when Hurricane Ridge opened back up a week before our scheduled trip. This location did not disappoint. The drive up the mountain gives you a little teaser of what you will see as you climb above the clouds on winding roads. The spectacular mountain views hit you right in the face once you get to the top. We just sat and soaked it all in for a little while. Washington is the Evergreen State; the whole mountain smelled like a crisp Christmas morning. The air was so fresh and walking the trails were a true pleasure. Deer are so used to people they would just walk out right in front of you. This location was easily a top highlight of our time in this beautiful state.

Can’t get Enough of Lake Crescent?! Don’t worry neither could I! I shot a whole adventure engagement session at Lake Crescent. You can check it out here!

Hurricane Ridge

Sunday and Monday were both spent back in the city exploring places like Discovery Park on the beach in the sun, checking out Washington Waterfalls, and Kerry park with the awesome views of downtown Seattle. There are so many more spots I want to explore in the state of Washington, But I feel like we were blessed enough to see a lot while we were there! Huge shout out to Marcus for being the best driver and getting to our places safely and on time!!

Can’t get Enough of Discover Park?! Don’t worry neither could I! I shot a whole couples session at Discover Park in the morning! You can check it out here!

Discovery Park

Snoqualmie Falls

This little day trip is only 45 minutes outside of downtown Seattle. Out of all the stops we made on this trip this location was by far the most touristy and populated. It is easily accessible, which I think was part of the draw for people.
I really wanted to venture to the bottom of the falls but it was closed at the time we visited. The hike from the top to the bottom was not hard but it wasn’t easy. We all were out of breathe when we got to the bottom only to find out there was a parking lot at the bottom we could have driven to instead. I would 100% do an engagement session at this location only if the bottom of the falls trails were open at the time. Other than that I would probably not visit this location again.

Mounds View Wedding Photography | Mubanga & Brad | Mounds View Wedding Photography

Mounds View Wedding Photography with Mubanga & Brad!

Micro weddings have become a thing in 2020 for brides and grooms whose plans have changed for covid. But even a global pandemic can’t stop the love between two people who desire to become husband and wife. That is the case for Brad and Mubanga. As plans have been adjusted time and time again, one thing has not, their desire to be together during this crazy time.
No matter how you decided to get married, the day you marry your person is still a special one!

Like many people these days, Mubanga and Brad met on a dating app. Although they disagree on who reached out to who first, sparks flew once they started talking. They have a shared love of food, which is why a simple dinner at an Asian restaurant was their first date. Unfortunately, Mubanga hated her dish so much that she ended up eating most of Brad’s instead. He didn’t seem to mind. So it is no surprise that one dinner turned into many. And it was over dinner that Brad asked Mubanga to become his wife.

They had a modest backyard wedding at their Mounds View home with only the closest friends and family in attendance. Due to flying restrictions some of Mubanga’s family in Zambia were unable to attend in person so they had a Zoom Call instead. Even their officiant was on the zoom call! I know the couple were excited that they could be there in spirit and mind. Now, I have to tell you, Mubanga was excited to marry Brad, BUT she was just as excited about her dress! (Can you blame this queen?!) She had it special ordered from one of her favorite Zambian designers back home. With just measurements and her dreams given on the phone a couple of weeks later this masterpiece arrived at their doorstep. One of my favorite details is the circle design was a recurring design for the whole family. Brad’s tie and her son’s held the same design as her dress. Mubanga’s mom has passed from this world, but Mubanga wanted to keep her photo close to her heart all day so she had her photo in a locket around her neck for her special wedding day.

My favorite part of the day was their vows. They recited traditional vows, but when said outloud they were spoken with such heart you could feel them as they were being said, which was very powerful.

During their portraits after the ceremony, this bride and groom were SO excited for their get away up north to Duluth for some solid relaxation just the two of them.

Although this day was short, it was so much fun to be a small part of.

Please enjoy their wedding day sneak peek!

Dress: Gloriaz Daughter

Ritter Farm Park Engagement Photography | Paige & Jordan | Lakeville Engagement Photographer

Ritter Farm Park Engagement Session with Paige & Jordan!

Paige and Jordan have been a thing for a good handful of years. They met in middle school and were in the same circle of friends. But it wasn't until high school that they became an item in the best way. Years have past and they both know that they have found their person.

This past winter they decided to spend a romantic weekend away on the North shore. While spending days exploring the north shore and hiking in the woods, it wasn't until they got back to their cabin when Jordan thought it was time. Paige was doing the dishes, when Jordan came up and got down on one knee and asked if Paige would marry him. Before the yes came Paige surprised said " I didn't know you bought the ring!" But thankfully it was soon followed by the Yes!

We shot their engagement session at a near by Lakeville Park - Ritter Farm Park, which is known for its beautiful luscious trails. In Minnesota right now all the leaves are changing colors for the Fall. We laughed as we were not the only ones with the amazing idea to shoot here! But that did not stop us from having fun throwing leaves, cuddling with their dog Lucy, and enjoying each others time. I am greatly looking forward to Paige and Jordan's upcoming nuptials in 2021! Guys! Let's get married!