Katie and Ryan are always down for an adventure. They always seem to be going on fun trips, posting the best #wanderlust photos, and cracking jokes at and with each other and their many friends. In general, they are just one of those couples you always want to hang out with.

So of course when I suggested making their engagement session a snowy, winter wonderland session, they were totally up for it. And of course, they made the whole day fun, despite the freezing temps. We met up in the morning, grabbed some coffee, drove out into the Snoqualmie Pass, and when we arrived they popped some champagne for mimosas to take the edge off the cold and the nerves before we walked around in the snow for the next two hours. I’m telling you, they think of everything. I might even suggest doing the same for my other clients who want snowy pictures! And when we got back, we treated ourselves to the perfect meal to warm you right up: Thai food! It was the perfect day.

But back to the cute lovebirds. Not a moment goes by without one of them cracking a joke. They’re one of those couples you can just tell always has fun together. At one point we were looking at the water from a railing and Ryan asked if he could jump from the fence over Kate’s head. I totally thought he was kidding (the ice!!) but she just shrugged and and said, “Okay!” So he did. It should be noted, he does stunts for a living ;) Big, real smiles and laughter are my absolute favorite to see with my camera, and they were full of all that. You’d never even know how cold we were if you didn’t see all that snow around.

The story of how I met Katie and Ryan is actually one of my favorite stories of being a photographer to tell. One day over the summer I received an email from Katie asking about my availability to shoot her wedding at Casa Rondeña Winery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She told me that she is actually from the Seattle area, and just moved to Albuquerque with her fiancé Ryan a few months before. So basically, my life in reverse. We were meant to meet. And how were we able to make this connection? INSTAGRAM. Katie noticed my use of both Albuquerque and Seattle photographer hashtags and had to reach out. And now I’m subtly going to make myself her new best friend.

So when Katie and Ryan made it up to Washington just before the holidays, we had to schedule their engagement session. The timing was again too perfect. Snowy Cascade Mountain engagement portraits, followed by a New Mexico wedding at one of my favorite venues. Katie and Ryan, I can’t wait for your big day, and I look forward to following along on all your future adventures!