Nate Smith | Minneapolis + St. Paul Wedding & Portrait Photographer

AnnMarie and José are all about family. When they approached me about their engagement session, they envisioned photos where the centerpiece was a beautiful Pendleton blanket that José bought for her. This blanket is symbolic of their love, their history, and the family they are starting together.

We set out from Portland for the Columbia River Gorge in the late afternoon and stopped by a few of their favorite waterfalls, ending with sunset at Crown Point. It may have been a bit cold, but that only made for cozier photos in the special blanket that he bought for her.

Throughout the evening there were so many of the beautiful and genuine moments that remind me why I love this work. I feel so lucky to be able to shoot with beautiful couples in the presence of such huge and spectacular natural wonders. I can't wait to photograph their wedding this November!