There’s something especially meaningful about choosing a location that tells part of your story, and for Maleigh and Alvin, Point Defiance Park was that place. We explored the beautiful shoreline of Owen Beach, where we hoped to capture a subtle but meaningful detail of Mount Rainier in the background. This mountain has quietly witnessed their meeting and courtship, and if you look closely through the clouds in their photos, you can see it standing behind them.

We started the session tucked into the trees, surrounded by the deep greens that make the NorthWest feel so distinct. The towering evergreens created a peaceful, grounding backdrop, but getting there was no small feat. The most direct route was up a hill. Mae climbed up the hill in heels without hesitation. But honestly, that determination didn't surprise me. Mae has a clear “I can do it” attitude, something that shows not only in moments like this but in her decision to serve as a nurse in the Army.

Alvin, her fiancé, shares that same foundation of service and determination, having previously served as a sergeant himself before serving a mission for his church. Their story began in Tacoma and they hit it off right away, though like many great love stories, it took a little time for everything to fall into place. Even after a break from dating, their paths kept crossing in ways that felt anything but coincidental.

Today their relationship feels grounded and lighthearted. It is thoughtful at its core, but never too serious. Alvin is quick with a joke, often making Mae laugh. Beneath that playfulness is something steady and genuine—a shared sense that anything is possible when they’re together.

One of my favorite moments from our time together came toward the end of the session, when a sea lion appeared close to shore—a perfect, unexpected finale to such a meaningful Pacific Northwest photo shoot.

Spending time with Mae and Alvin was an absolute joy, and capturing their story in a place that means so much to them made it even more special. I can't wait to document the next chapter on their wedding day.