Ella + Rhys Engaged | Point Defiance Park Engagement

Meeting the incredible couples we work with is always a joy, but it’s also a challenge to capture their essence in words. How do you convey just how amazing each couple truly is without sounding repetitive? Yet, here we are again, marveling at another fantastic pair—Ella and Rhys.

Tacoma Wedding Show Matchup

Our journey with Ella and Rhys started a bit differently than usual. In most cases, we meet the bride first, especially at wedding shows, but this time it was Rhys who took the lead. Ella couldn’t attend the Tacoma Wedding Show, so Rhys bravely ventured out on his own to gather information. His dedication was immediately apparent when he returned to our booth to schedule a consultation for Ella to meet us. That initial encounter with Rhys set the tone for what would be an exciting and heartwarming experience working with this couple.

When we finally met Ella over Zoom, it was clear that this couple had something special. Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we discussed their vision for their wedding day. Ella’s mom, Ann, was also part of the meeting, and her enthusiasm for the galleries we shared was infectious. We knew we were in for something wonderful when they eagerly asked how to book our services. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do—there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a couple who can’t wait to work with you.

However, getting to the engagement session wasn’t without its challenges. Rhys was living in Canada, which made scheduling tricky, and we had to reschedule a few times due to various circumstances. Just when we thought we had everything lined up, Ella woke up with a massive sunburn! But rather than postponing again, we decided to go ahead with the session, confident that we could work around the sunburn with a little editing magic.

Worth the Wait

Our perseverance paid off. When we arrived at Point Defiance Park for the engagement session, we were greeted by a stunning scene. The rose garden was in full bloom, the newly finished gates added a touch of elegance, and the sky was a beautiful shade of blue. The weather was perfect—78 degrees and sunny, but not so hot that we were uncomfortable. It was as if the universe had conspired to give Ella and Rhys the perfect backdrop for their photos.

I’ve developed a deep appreciation for photographing engagement sessions at or near the couple’s wedding venue. It allows us to familiarize ourselves with the location, scout out the best spots, and push our creativity when it comes to choosing different areas for engagement versus wedding photos. Ella was a bit nervous about using the same place for both sessions, but as we walked through the park, I pointed out various locations that I envisioned for specific moments on their wedding day, like their first look. This helped ease her concerns and gave her a sense of excitement for what was to come.

Even though we reserved some spots for the wedding day, we still spent nearly two full hours exploring the gardens and surrounding park. Ella and Rhys were a joy to work with, their love and connection shining through in every shot. The session was a beautiful prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable wedding day.

As October approaches, we can’t wait to reunite with Ella and Rhys to celebrate their marriage. Their engagement session was just a taste of the magic that’s in store, and we’re excited to capture every moment of their special day. It’s going to be beautiful, and we’re honored to be a part of it.