Melissa and Alex’s engagement session was like walking straight into a sun-dappled, salt-kissed, laughter-filled dream. Nestled in the northern foothills of Olympic National Park, these two celebrated their love story at Lake Crescent and Rialto Beach in La Push. As homebodies who cherish the simple joys of life together, it was fitting to capture their connection somewhere as peaceful and grounding as this.

Engagement Photos That Capture the Real You

Before we get into the magic of their session, let me just say that these two are the definition of thoughtful and kind-hearted. When Melissa first reached out, she described Alex as a bit shy, but let me tell you—he showed up ready to work it in front of the camera like a total natural. Together, they felt like they’d been modeling their whole lives. One of my favorite things about adventure sessions is how the quiet pull of nature strips everything down to what matters most. Without distraction, the forest and ocean invited Melissa and Alex to simply be—to laugh, play, embrace, and let those deeper moments of connection shine through. It’s what makes sessions like this feel so intimate and real.

One for the Books

But before we talk about all the gorgeous cinematic photos we created, let’s rewind for a second because this love story deserves a little context. Melissa and Alex’s journey began when they were just 15 years old, and now they’re turning 27 this year. That’s over a decade of growing up together. They’ve witnessed each other evolve through the chaos and beauty of their teenage years and into adulthood—a journey they describe as “fun, crazy, hard, and everything in between.” 

What I love most about them is that, even after all this time, they’ve stayed true to themselves as individuals. Melissa’s all about shopping, concerts, and her favorite playlists, while Alex is a tech-savvy gamer with a sporty side. But they always find ways to meet in the middle, when Melissa joins Alex for a round of video games on the couch (with their cute pup Oki), or they catch a Noah Kahan concert together. They’ve built a life that feels like them, and it’s so special to witness.

Creating Timeless Art at Olympic National Park

For their engagement photos, Melissa and Alex wanted timeless, romantic images full of creativity and emotion. They trusted me to play with light, motion, and unconventional compositions to bring their love story to life. From blurred, backlit moments that feel like a daydream to soft, cinematic captures as they chased the waves, we leaned into artistry to create something that felt authentic and uniquely theirs.

We started the session in the majestic Olympic National Forest, where light filtered through the trees like a golden spotlight just for them. The forest was so serene, offering a quiet, intimate space to focus completely on each other. As the day went on, we made our way to a sunny dock on Lake Crescent, across the winding road onto the trail, and out to Rialto Beach, perfectly timed for golden hour. The waves glowed under the setting sun, and some moody mist rolled in for extra ambiance. Melissa and Alex strolled barefoot on the sand, the ocean breeze playing with their hair, and it was one of those moments you wish you could freeze in time—pure romance in the most effortless way.

How to Add Variety to Your Adventure Session

If you want to add more variety to your engagement photos, locations like this are a total win. The lush greenery of the forest trails, paired with the sparkling lake and beachy charm, gave us so much to work with, all without needing to travel far. We had towering evergreens, winding trails, soft sand, and ocean waves, all within one beautiful corner of the world. It’s the kind of place that feels like an escape while still being wildly accessible, which is why it’s one of my favorite spots to shoot.

If you love this concept, let me know, and we can find a spot where diverse landscapes intersect. Some other great options include grassy fields, flowing streams, and snow-capped mountains. Or we could look for a place with unique rock formations near a forest. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest is that we have so much to choose from! We’re surrounded by incredible natural beauty in all directions. All you have to do is pick your style and adventure!

Cheers to the Next Chapter

Melissa and Alex, your story is a testament to love that grows, evolves, and deepens with time. Thank you for trusting me to capture this chapter of your journey. You were a joy to spend the day with, and these photos will forever remind me of the kind of love that feels like coming home.

Here’s to the next chapter of your adventure—may it be as stunning as the sunset that closed out your perfect day. 

Have an Adventure in Mind?

Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal, engagement session, or intimate elopement (or even a “just for fun” couple’s shoot!), I’d love to be the one to document your story. Let me know what you have in mind, lace up your boots, and let’s hit the trail!

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