Spring came a bit late to the Washington Cascades this year, especially above 5000 feet, where lingering snow fields still cover parts of trails, but it is finally arriving (now that fall is almost here)! I could see the larches with their newly sprouted light green needles (it’s truly amazing how quickly life takes advantage of such a short growing season) as I made my way up the trail with this lovely and super sweet couple. We stopped where the trail disappeared in snow and the steep slope would have made it unsafe to continue without better traction. But what we were able to see was absolutely breathtaking! People often refer to the North Cascades as the “American Alps” and every visit I make to this beautiful landscape full of jagged peaks, I can certainly see why.

We also stopped at a beautiful lake along the way for some images in their casual attire before heading farther up where she changed into her beautiful wedding dress. They had actually already gotten married in late spring at their own home in Vancouver, WA and this shoot was supposed to be an extension of their wedding, but wet weather and too much snow on all of the trails forced us to postpone. As it turns out, recent warm weather finally melted a lot of the snow just before we went up there. A few weeks earlier and it would have been a very different story! So we timed it quite well and I’m glad we waited and got the chance to visit a place that is special to them.

Thank you both so much for the wonderful adventure. I had an incredible time with both of you exploring new terrain and capturing what a lovely couple you both make! Congratulations!!!