Alina + Ian | Engaged

Summer engagement session at the Bellevue Botanical Garden

Just like your outfit, it’s important that your portrait location feels true to you. Maybe that means a bustling cityscape, a serene lake in Mount Rainier National Park, or a vibrant botanical garden. I was so excited when Alina mentioned the Bellevue Botanical Garden for her and Ian’s engagement session! I hadn’t been there before but I love visiting a new place for photos. This was a beautiful spot and I can’t wait for my next session there! From wooded areas with a suspension bridge to pathways bordered by gorgeous blooms, the gardens offer a variety of backdrops. Alina and Ian’s session was on a warm summer evening — a gorgeous day for engagement photos, and evidently prom photos too as several groups of high schoolers filled the park to get pictures before the dance. Even as a popular photo location, the park felt tranquil and is large enough that finding our own space was easy. Toward the end of the session we had beautiful glowy light (the highlight of golden hour)! The light softens as the sun is setting and it makes for such beautiful portraits. I’ll always be an advocate for golden hour! Enjoy some of my favorites from the session!

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Alina and Ian,

Congratulations on your engagement! I had the best time working with you two and absolutely loved capturing this season of your life. Happy wedding planning!

Hugs,
Monica