North Cascades Engagement Photos

Before I dive in to the fun details from these North Cascades engagement photos, I’m going to share a fun fact about me: I’m a sucker for an opportunity to cheer for the underdog! Whether it’s the true story of the 1980 U.S. hockey team told in the movie Miracle, Hillary Duff’s Cinderella story in the early-2000s rom-com, or even cheering for any sport team from the University of Arkansas (my alma mater; if you know you know). 

All that to say, I am a major fan of a true underdog located right in my own backyard. The North Cascades National Park is one of the least-visited national park in the United States – what?! I’ve heard this beautiful range of mountains referred to as “The American Alps.” Um, yes please! There is so much beauty tucked in to the forests of this national park, so I am so excited to share the story of these North Cascades engagement photos with you.

I have been so pumped to share details about Bailey and Ryan’s North Cascades engagement photos. Bailey and Ryan brought their dog, Walter, along for the adventure (adventure pups are my favorite pups!!). One of my favorite things about the North Cascades is the variety of environments I can find during one shoot, like these mountain engagement photos. We started out on a dock along one of the mountain lakes. Then, we made our way into the forest before hiking up to an overlook to catch the sunset. Walter was pumped about all the fetching sticks he found in the forest, so I think that landscape was his personal favorite!

After our time down by the water and in the forest, Bailey and Ryan did a quick outfit change and we made our way to the overlook. As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, we were all just in awe of the beauty of the North Cascades. One of my favorite parts of my job as an adventure elopement photographer is scouting out unique locations for my couples’ personalities. Because I live my everyday life in the mountains, views and scenery like this truly have a breath of freshness and renewed “awe” when I get to experience them with my couples. The expressions of, “This is amazing,” and, “Look at it now,” are music to my ears. It is such a gift to get to experience breath-taking views, jaw-dropping sunsets and unforgettable adventures alongside my couples. And, the best part is that I’m capturing the whole thing! I’m convinced I have the best job in the world!

How to Capture Golden Hour in the North Cascades

Timing is incredibly important as an adventure elopement photographer. In the mountains, it is crucial to know when the sun is going to be hidden behind the mountain peaks in order to capture the richest golden-hour rays as possible. I use the Sun Seeker app when I’m planning my sessions. This app helps me to track optimal sun conditions, sunrise and sunset times and directions. Click here to read about other tools, gear and resources I trust as an adventure elopement photographer.

Tip for Photographers: Are you too wanting to catch these golden rays in your photos? Try bumping up your aperture between 6-10!

---

Bailey’s outfit she wore at this overlook in the North Cascades had really great movement. This may seem like a random detail to point out, but it truly makes all the difference when a gal’s dress or skirt has some movement to it. One of the resources I love to provide my couples with are some inspirations for what kind of clothing will best suit the environment they’re session is in. Click here to see another example of a great outfit choice that had some amazing movement at the base of a Pacific Northwest waterfall.

Choosing a Location for Your Engagement Photos in the North Cascades

Choosing a location for your North Cascades engagement or elopement is so important! I value working with my clients to understand their personalities, desires and dream backdrops as I plan out the options of locations for them to choose from. The mountain backdrops and waterfall settings can be as stunning as ever, but if they don’t match your personality, then the photos won’t truly reflect your love story like they should. I love how many different landscapes Washington has to offer! Here are just a few of my personal favorites: an autumn hike to ice caves, a mountain sunset behind Mount Rainier, a cool dip in an alpine lake, and a secluded beach tucked away in a popular state park.

Bailey and Ryan, I cannot wait to photograph your Pacific Northwest wedding this fall! Are you planning an adventurous wedding in Washington? Reach out to me about your dream day and let’s make the adventure happen!

 

ready to explore more elopements, weddings and adventures? wander away below!

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.