Bellingham Winter Engagement

There are some couples you meet and instantly feel at ease with, and Amber and Zach are absolutely one of those couples for me. From the moment we started their Bellingham winter engagement session, they were laughing together, teasing each other, and slipping into those quiet, tender moments that say so much more than words. And Amber’s smile… I could photograph it all day. She has one of those truly infectious smiles—the kind that lights up her whole face and makes everyone around her feel lighter. Every time she laughed, Zach did too, and I found myself smiling right along with them behind the camera.

This Bellingham winter engagement session felt extra special to me because I’ve had the privilege of watching Amber grow up. I first met her when I photographed her senior portraits in high school, and even then she had this bright, joyful presence and a kindness that stood out. To see her now, engaged to the love of her life and stepping into a new chapter, felt a little surreal in the best way. Moments like this are one of my favorite parts of being a photographer—getting to follow people through different seasons of their lives and being invited in to document them.

We decided to keep this Bellingham winter engagement simple and relaxed, leaning into the natural beauty around Bellingham and up at Mt Baker. Golden fields, soft light, and a little bit of that classic Pacific Northwest moodiness in the sky created the perfect backdrop for their story. We spent the evening wandering through snowed on trees, walking along quiet paths, near the Nooksack River and finding little pockets of light where the sun streamed through the trees. There was no rush, no pressure—just time to breathe, talk, and let them simply be themselves in front of the camera.

One of the things I love most about Amber and Zach is how easygoing they are. They were up for anything I suggested, like going out in freezing cold winter weather. They didn’t take themselves too seriously, and that made everything feel really natural and fun. Every time I asked them to move a certain way or stand in a certain spot, they’d turn it into their own version—adding a little joke, a playful nudge, or a sweet forehead kiss that made the moment feel completely genuine.

Underneath all the laughter and playfulness, there’s also a deep tenderness between them. Their relationship is very Christ-centered, and you can feel that in the way they talk about their future together, the way they support each other, and the way they carry themselves. There’s a quiet strength and a sense of purpose in their love—like they know they’re building a life on something bigger than just the two of them. Watching them pray together, talk about what they’re excited for in marriage, and encourage one another throughout the session was really beautiful. It’s the kind of love that’s anchored, not just floating on surface-level feelings.

As the sun began to dip lower, the field glowed with that warm, golden light photographers dream about. Amber’s smile seemed to get even brighter, if that’s possible. Zach would say something to make her giggle, she’d tilt her head back laughing, and the light would catch her just right. Those are the kinds of moments you can’t script. You can set the scene and guide the poses, but the real magic happens when a couple forgets about the camera and just enjoys being together. With these two, that happened over and over again.

We ended the session as the sky started to soften into those pale evening tones, with Amber and Zach wrapped up in each other, the grass swaying gently around them and the day settling into that peaceful quiet. It felt like the perfect reflection of who they are as a couple—fun and silly on the surface, deeply loving and grounded underneath, and always leaning toward the light.

Looking back on this engagement session, I feel so grateful—not just for the images we created, but for the story they represent. I’ve watched Amber move from senior photos to engagement photos, and soon enough, to wedding photos and beyond. To be trusted with these milestones is something I never take lightly.

Amber and Zach, thank you for letting me be part of this chapter. Your joy is contagious, your faith is inspiring, and your love for each other is such a beautiful thing to witness. I can’t wait to see where God leads you next—and I already know your wedding day is going to be just as full of laughter, warmth, and that unforgettable smile.