Bellingham Country Club Wedding: Sarah and Paul

When you first start planning your wedding, it doesn’t take long to realize how many decisions are suddenly on your plate. One of the biggest (and most meaningful) choices you’ll make is who you trust as your wedding photographer. Long after the cake is gone and the flowers have wilted, your photos are what remain—the hugs, the tears, the way your dress moved when you walked, and the joy on your guests’ faces when the dance floor finally opened up. I still think about one wedding where one of my favorite memories from the entire day was the groom’s dad absolutely owning the dance floor at the reception. He had everyone cheering, laughing, and joining in around him. The wedding party was so fun and all-in that the dance floor never really emptied. Those are the kinds of unscripted, joy-filled moments I live to capture—and a huge part of why choosing the right wedding photographer matters so much.

For those considering a bellingham country club wedding, the choice of photographer is crucial.

As a destination wedding photographer with over 16 years of experience photographing celebrations in Utah, Seattle, California, Paris, and beyond, I see my role as much more than just “the person with the camera.” On your wedding day, I’m there to document your most intimate moments, of course—but I’m also there to help keep things calm, on track, and as stress-free as possible. I’m often part photographer, part timekeeper, part bridal party hype woman, and part quiet observer catching all the in-between moments you might otherwise miss.

My style is light, timeless, elegant, and fun, with true-to-color editing that keeps skin tones natural and flattering. I want you to look back at your photos 20 years from now and feel like they still represent you—not a trend. Whether we’re shooting in the mountains of Utah, along the waterfront in Seattle, or wandering the streets of Paris, my goal is always the same: to capture your day in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

When couples reach out, one of the first questions they usually have is about style and fit. I always encourage you to spend time really looking through a photographer’s full body of work—not just what you see on Instagram. On my blog, you’ll find full wedding stories, engagement sessions, and destination celebrations that show how I approach an entire day, from getting ready through the final send-off. You can browse some of my favorite recent weddings and resources here: Courtney Bowlden Photography Blog. As you scroll, ask yourself: Do these images feel like “us”? Do the colors and expressions feel natural? Can I imagine our day in this style? If the answer is yes, that’s a great sign we might be a good fit.

Another big piece of choosing a photographer is connection. You spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else—you deserve someone who makes you feel comfortable, seen, and taken care of. My approach is calm and encouraging. I’ll gently guide you into flattering light and natural poses, but I won’t force moments that don’t feel like you. I’ll step in when you need direction and step back when you just need to breathe and be present with your people. (Like when your dad hops on the dance floor and starts a full-on party—I’m not stopping that, I’m documenting every second of it.)

If you’re still in the research phase and want some honest behind-the-scenes insight, I put together a post with real talk from a photographer’s perspective: 8 Helpful Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know. It’s full of tips on timelines, communication, first looks, and how to get the most out of your photography investment. My hope is that it helps you feel informed and confident as you plan.

Most of all, I want you to know this: your wedding photos are more than just pretty images. They’re your story. They’re your dad laughing on the dance floor, your best friends belting out lyrics at the top of their lungs, your partner’s face when they see you for the first time, your grandmother’s hands straightening your veil. They’re the little moments you might not fully register in the whirlwind of the day—but you’ll get to relive them again and again in your gallery.

If you’re planning a wedding in Utah, Seattle, California, Paris, or anywhere in the world and you’re looking for a photographer who will care deeply about your story, I’d love to chat. You can reach me and share more about your day here: Inquire with Courtney. I can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up—and hopefully be there when your own favorite dance floor moment unfolds.

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