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Courtney Bowlden Photography Blog

Photographing classy, timeless, and fun couples around the world. Sharing the details, inspiration, and education with you here. 

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Hi there! Welcome to the CBP blog, a place to share wedding beauty, our lives, travels, and plenty of tips. I'm glad you're here and I hope you'll stick around!

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how to choose your wedding colors

How to Choose Your Wedding Colors: 6 Colors That Will Look Amazing In Photos

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Wedding

How to Choose Your Wedding Colors That Will Look Amazing in Photos I get so excited about seeing your wedding colors on your wedding day. I have seen some gorgeous wedding colors and some that are not so photo-friendly, which is why I wanted to write this blog post. Your wedding colors set the tone […]

a bride walking up to the groom from behind at lakewold gardens in washington to do their first look photos

First Look Pros And Cons: 9 Tips From A Photographer’s Perspective

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Wedding

First Look Pros And Cons Should you do a first look? Planning a wedding comes with so many decisions—from florals and favors to timelines and traditions. One of the biggest choices couples face is whether or not to do a first look before the ceremony. As a Utah and Seattle wedding photographer with over 16 […]

utah's best wedding vendors

Utah’s Best Luxury Wedding Vendors

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Wedding

Utah’s Best Wedding Vendors Planning a wedding in Utah means stepping into a world of breathtaking landscapes, timeless venues, and talented, design-driven vendors. After photographing weddings for more than 16 years—from the Wasatch Front and Park City resorts to Salt Lake’s historic estates and gardens—I’ve learned that your vendor team is the foundation of a […]

the best seattle wedding vendors guide

Seattle’s Best Luxury Wedding Vendors

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Wedding

The Best Seattle Wedding Vendors I’ve spent the past 16 years behind the lens, capturing the unique stories of couples across the world, and I’ve come to believe that a truly exceptional wedding day is built not just by one vendor—but by a curated, aligned team of vendors who bring your vision to life with […]

first steps to planning a wedding after you get engaged

Just Got Engaged? Here Are the First Steps to Take (So You Don’t Feel Overwhelmed)

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Wedding

Here Are the First Steps to Planning A Wedding (So You Don’t Feel Overwhelmed) Just today, I met a sweet young woman at my dentist’s office. She had just gotten engaged and was absolutely glowing, but vented to me about how she feels paralyzed when she starts to plan out her wedding next year. She […]

a girl and boy holding hands in the snow walking towards the camera on a snowy road in suncadia washington

Engagement Session Locations: 7 Gorgeous Location Ideas

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Wedding

Engagement Session Locations: 7 Location Ideas for Every Couple One of the first big milestones in your wedding journey is your engagement session—and choosing the right location can elevate your photos from simple portraits to a true reflection of your story as a couple. As a Utah wedding photographer starting my wedding photography business in […]

a bride with a floral bouquet looking away from the camera at her wedding in swiftwater cellars

The 5 Best Wedding Dress Shops In Utah Seattle

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Wedding

Best Wedding Dress Shops in Seattle Seattle brides, this one’s for you. Between the waterfront views, lush evergreens, and urban skyline, the Pacific Northwest is such a dreamy place to get married—and your dress should feel just as magical. As a Seattle wedding photographer photographing weddings over the last 16+ years, I’ve had the joy […]

a bride and groom standing in front of the eiffel tower in paris france.

Wedding Size Guide: How to Easily Create a Guest List You’ll Feel Good About

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Wedding

Wedding Size Guide: Guest List Size for Small, Medium, and Large Weddings. What You Need to Know Planning your wedding guest list is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—one that directly impacts your budget, venue, timeline, and overall experience. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, understanding the average guest […]

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