This engagement session at Gold Creek Pond on Snoqualmie Pass was a much needed session for me. It was a random weekday shoot in February. It was the only thing I had on my calendar that day and honestly it was the first couples session I’d had in about a month! In February I was definitely dealing with a lot of self doubt and imposter syndrome… When wedding season isn’t popping off I just get a little depressy, ya know? Because of that, I was extra stoked to drive up to the mountains and photograph this engagement session. I threw on a cozy thrifted fit and made my way up to the mountains on the most gorgeous, sunny day. The drive was easy, the sun was shining, and the trailhead was practically empty. I could already tell this was going to be a good session.

I popped out of my car, grabbed all my camera gear and made my way towards the trailhead to meet up with Alex and Angel. This was my first time meeting either of them. I spotted the only people not in hiking gear and went over to say hi, hoping it was them! It was and we all hit it off immediately. They were both SO sweet! We spent the next 10 or so minutes walking from the parking area to the actual pond and just yapped the entire way.

They talked to me about their careers, family, and their relationship. It was actually so cute to watch them talk about each other, their little quirks, and how neither of them felt the need to rush into this season of life. They wanted to just experience life together.

Once we arrived at the pond, it was pretty apparent to me that I was going to have to get creative with where to place them because although it was a gorgeous day out… it was almost TOO gorgeous. The sun was SO bright and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. We were also in a pristine field of snow. So all of that bright light was bouncing off the snow onto Alex and Angel. We were all walking around with squinty eyes the whole time just trying to see!

I had them cozy up and make their way down a little path that led into the treeline for some coverage. Soooo many cute moments throughout this session! They really were just a laid back, goofy, couple. And I absolutely loved it.

We also had to get these classic Gold Creek Pond shots with the mountains behind the pond, even if it meant having them stare blindly into the sun for a hot minute.

With the sun this bright, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to produce my typical dreamy photo gallery because a lot of my shots had to have such a narrow aperture. I usually love to shoot anywhere from f/1.8 to f/4.0 in my sessions depending on the scene but I was MUCH narrower than that throughout the entire session! I just had to trust the process and remember that I know what I’m doing even when the self doubt creeps in.

After taking some pictures out in the direct sun, we decided to wander back into the treeline, this time on the other side of the pond. Angel was giddy about a tree idea he had in mind, so I reminded them that this is their session and they are totally allowed to share their own ideas! He chased her around a tree like they were a couple of kids and it was seriously so precious.

Overall, I LOVE how these came out. I think this set really shows off A + A’s personalities so well!

Thinking about getting your photos taken at this location? Make sure you inquire soon! This location is set to close sometime this year (2025) and will be shut down for habitat restoration for MULTIPLE YEARS.

Let’s chat and plan your session before it’s closed!

x, Aliyah