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Backpacking Engagement Session in the North Cascades

Words can hardly describe the incredible day I had exploring the North Cascades with Kat & Paul last month!!! When I met these two at their wedding consultation, I knew right away that they would not only be incredible clients to photograph, but also become great friends! Kevin & I are starting to explore the idea of backpacking (more on that later) and Kat & Paul were eager to offer tips and talk about adventures they had been on together. We were originally planning to go on a backpacking trip (Kevin included) for their engagement session so they could show us the ropes, and take some awesome photos along the way, but we unfortunately had to cancel the trip due to the BC wildfires. Kat & Paul were in the midst of moving and I was in the midst of travel and crazy wedding season, but Kat set her sights on a day-hike to Cascade Pass and I don’t think it could have worked out any better! I recruited my friend Michelle to come along with us and we set out from Seattle at noon.

About 2.5 hours later we pulled over into Marble Creek campground. Without hesitation, Kat & Paul waded into the creek, playfully splashing water on each other. The water was a beautiful turquoise and the mountains soared up around us – I knew right then and there that this was going to be a good day!! A quick change of clothes, a good long drive down a dirt road avoiding pot holes, and we arrived at the Cascade Pass trailhead.

Immediately I was blown away by the majestic mountains – I could have been happy just doing their photos right there in the parking lot! Our trek up was slow because I couldn’t help but stop at every turn and bend to take more photos of them – the backdrop kept changing, from sweeping valleys, to blooming wildflowers, to jagged mountains and even snow! Kat & Paul brought all of their backpacking gear with them to include in some photos – It felt so natural capturing them in their element, adventuring together. When we reached the Cascade Pass summit (about 3.7 miles in) the set up their tent and made hot coco for us. Kat & Paul cuddled up in their tent, taking in the view, and enjoying their hot chocolate are some of my absolute favorite shots.

Kat & Paul braved the cold and changed into some fancier outfits and popped a bottle of champagne as the sun began to dip behind the mountains. The light came streaming over the ridges, blasting through the trees, creating the most magical scene. It is in these moments when you truly get to appreciate the mother nature in all her glory! Completely exhilarated (and very cold) we packed up and started to head back down the mountain. The return trip was filled with easy conversation some Alt-J on the portable speaker, and letting the joy of the day soak in. We ate freeze dried risotto in the parking lot by the light of our headlamps and then did our best to keep Kat awake on the long drive home (we may have had a dance party to Macklemore to accomplish this feat).

Kat & Paul – I can’t thank you enough for taking me on this incredible adventure. It is truly an experience I will never forget. I cannot wait for your wedding day next summer! When can we go backpacking next? xoxo

Had to include a little behind the scenes of our great adventure!! This was my face pretty much the entirety of the hike – I was pumped!

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I believe in all things bright, happy & colorful! Specializing in capturing the JOY of life's greatest adventures!

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