Love in the Wild: A Romantic Field & River Session in Deming, WA
There is something truly magic about the landscape in Deming, Washington. When S mentioned she wanted a field engagement session, I knew exactly how to capture the airy, open energy she was looking for. We spent the afternoon exploring the golden fields before heading over to Nugent’s Corner to finish the day by the rushing water of the Nooksack River.
Finding the Quiet Moments
We kicked off the session in a wide-open field. I always like to start by giving my couples a few minutes just to "be." I had S and I face each other and simply relax into one another’s space while I adjusted my settings. This buffer time allows the nerves to melt away so I can capture genuine movement and emotion.
One of my favorite quiet moments was having Isaac gently rest his hand on S's face—it immediately set a tone of intimacy that carried through the whole day.
The Art of the Candid
To keep things feeling natural, I guided them through a series of "action" prompts:
- The Cinnamon Roll: A cozy, wrapped-up snuggle.
- The Drunken Walk: Always guaranteed to get a real laugh!
- The Airplane & The Dip: Adding a bit of drama and flair.
My philosophy for engagement shoots is simple: Look at each other, not the camera. By focusing on their connection rather than my lens, we achieved that effortless, candid look that perfectly documented their dynamic.
Coordinated & Classic
S nailed the styling with two different outfits. Both were beautiful neutrals that complemented I perfectly without competing with the vibrant greens and earthy tones of the Washington backdrop. Choosing the right wardrobe makes such a difference in how the final gallery feels!
Conversations by the River
For the second half of our shoot, we took a short ten-minute drive down to the river. As we hiked out to the water’s edge, we chatted about work, life, and our favorite books. This is my favorite part of the job—getting to know my couples as friends rather than just clients. Because the riverbed was a bit rocky and uneven, we slowed things down to keep everyone safe. Instead of running, we focused on intentional stillness. At one point, S stepped up onto a rock to lean in for a kiss—it was so cinematic that I had them recreate it just to make sure we captured the magic from every angle.
Incorporating the Personal Details
We wanted to bring a piece of their wedding day into the session. I brought along a bouquet of carnations and tulips (S favorites!) and a blanket that matched their upcoming wedding colors. We even practiced a few floral poses they’ll be doing on the big day—it’s like a "rehearsal" for the photography so they know exactly what to expect in July.
Since S and I are big readers, we ended the session on the blanket with their favorite books. I started from a distance and slowly moved in as they took turns reading to each other. Incorporating a hobby like reading made the session feel uniquely them, and it’s a creative touch I can’t wait to do more of in the future.
Looking Ahead to July
Overall, this session was easy, intentional, and so much fun. Getting to witness the way Shea and Isaac interact makes me even more excited for their wedding. July can’t come soon enough!
XO- Cassie
