There is something so special about getting to photograph a couple somewhere that holds meaning to them. For Katie and Nate's engagement session, we spent the afternoon in beautiful South Bend, Washington, Katie's hometown!

Black and white close-up of a hand with long almond-shaped nails wearing a sparkling solitaire engagement ring on a dark fabric background.
A couple embraces on the sidewalk beneath the vintage Raymond Theatre marquee advertising Sal presents Abby Posner, in black and white.
Smiling couple embracing outdoors in front of a historic white building with a Pacific sign, he wears a black vest and she a black top.

When Katie bought up the idea of using a place that felt familiar to her and exploring some of the little spots around town together, I immediately said, "Yes, absolutely!"


South Bend has such a cozy, small-town feel, and it made the perfect setting for their engagement photos.


The four of us started at the courthouse, where we got to take advantage of the pretty surroundings and capture some sweet moments together. From there, we made our way through town, enjoying the scenery and stopping along the way for photos.


Of course, no outdoor session would be complete without a little unexpected adventure! As pretty as everything was, the mosquitos decided they wanted to be part of the session, too.  We definitely ended up getting eaten alive, but we made the most of it!


We eventually made our way downtown to a small theater, which was such a fun way to finish their session. I love when we can include little places like this because they give the photos so much personality and help tell a little more of a couple's story.


Katie also runs her own small business creating press-on nails, which I think is so cool! I always love getting to learn more about the people I photograph and the things they're passionate about. It's such a fun reminder that everyone has their own story, interests, and little details that make them who they are. Check out her work at OlyGirl Press On Studio!


More than anything, we loved getting to spend this time with Katie and Nate and capture this season of their lives together. Engagement sessions are such a fun way to slow down in the middle of wedding planning and celebrate the fact that you're getting married!


Katie and Nate, thank you for spending the afternoon with us! I'm so glad we got to explore your hometown together!  I can't wait to see what this next chapter brings for you both!

Couple sitting close together on stone steps outside a historic building with an Erected Anno Domini MCMX inscription beside green shrubs.
Sparkling diamond engagement ring with an intricate vintage-style band resting on pink chrysanthemum flowers in soft focus.
Smiling woman with long blonde hair and a cross necklace chats with a bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest outdoors.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple embracing and gazing at each other in front of a weathered brick wall mural of sailing ships.
Black and white close-up of a hand with long almond-shaped nails and a solitaire diamond engagement ring resting on dark fabric.
An engaged couple leans together against a large weathered wall mural of a winding river landscape beside a quiet street.
Black and white engagement photo of a couple embracing in front of a painted brick wall mural, the man kissing the woman's forehead.
Couple embracing outdoors in a warm engagement portrait, a bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest touching foreheads with a smiling woman.
Smiling couple embracing outdoors in front of a white historic building with Pacific signage, perfect for engagement photos.
Black and white photo of a couple walking arm in arm along a wooden pier railing with trees and buildings in the background.
Couple embracing in a romantic outdoor portrait, the man in a plaid shirt and vest kissing the woman's forehead near a berry bush.
Couple embracing on a rustic wooden fishing pier with a blue 'No Fishing' sign over a calm pond surrounded by trees.
Couple sharing a kiss outdoors, a woman in a black top embracing a bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest, with green foliage behind them.
Smiling woman with long blonde hair leans into a bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest during an outdoor couples portrait session.
Two people stand side by side in front of a large river valley mural on a building marked Raymond 1905.
Smiling woman with long blonde hair and a cross necklace stands outdoors beside a bearded man in a plaid shirt and dark vest.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple embracing on a wooden pier railing, with a man in sunglasses and a beard beside a woman.
Smiling couple in jeans and casual tops embracing in front of a weathered mural of historic sailing ships on a brick wall.
Smiling couple embracing outdoors, a bearded man in a black vest beside a woman in black, with greenery and red berries nearby.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring rests among soft pink chrysanthemum flowers with a blurred floral background.
Smiling couple embracing on a wooden pier overlooking a lake and rolling hills, perfect for engagement or couples photography.
A smiling couple embraces closely outdoors, the man in a plaid shirt and vest leaning toward the woman with long wavy hair.
Couple holding hands while walking along a gravel path beside a grassy lawn with trees and a brick building in the background.
Black and white portrait of a smiling couple embracing outdoors, the bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest beside a woman with long hair.
Smiling couple embracing on a wooden pier railing, with calm water and distant hills behind them on a sunny day.
Couple embracing on a sidewalk beneath the Raymond Theatre marquee advertising Sal Presents Abby Posner on 9-27 at 2 PM.
A smiling couple stands close together outdoors, the bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest gazing at the blonde woman in a black top.
Smiling couple holding hands while walking along a gravel path beside a green lawn with trees and shrubs in the background.
Smiling couple embracing outdoors beside leafy green branches, the woman in a black top and the bearded man in a plaid shirt and vest.
Diamond engagement ring nestled among pink and purple chrysanthemum flowers with a soft blurred floral background.
Two people stand before a large black and white Raymond 1905 mural of a winding river valley with forested hills.
Smiling couple embracing outdoors in front of leafy green branches, the man in a plaid shirt and vest, the woman in black.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing on a sidewalk in front of a Dennis Company mural of tall ships in a harbor.