Wallowa Lake Engagement: Finding My People | David & Grace

There are some sessions you walk away from feeling exhilarated—and David and Grace’s engagement session at Wallowa Lake in northeastern Oregon was one of those for me. Not only was the mountain setting breathtaking, but everything about that afternoon felt like such a gift. The weather was perfect and the location was stunning. More than anything, David and Grace felt like my people—so easy, so joyful, and so deeply connected to each other. It was one of those rare days that reminded me why I love this work so much: it’s not just about nice images, but about real relationships and shared moments that connect us to something bigger than ourselves.

We began in the forests toward the south end of Wallowa Lake. The winter snows hadn’t fully melted, but it was surprisingly sunny and warm for March. After a while there, we down to Wallowa Lake Park at the foot of the lake. The crowds of summer were nowhere to be found and the lake was still and peaceful. It was absolutely magical the way the snow-capped mountains reflected in the calm water! As the sun began to set, we headed into Enterprise to finish our time near a pond out on the sunlit hills. As beautiful as our settings were, it was David and Grace who made the afternoon unforgettable. They were so natural together—laughing easily, moving effortlessly, and making my job feel less like directing and more like simply witnessing something real.

Before we even headed out for the session, David and Grace took me by Grace’s family home—the place where the girls would be getting ready on the wedding day. Walking through their beautiful, light-filled house (with an epic view of the mountains!), it was hard not to imagine how exciting it would be to have such a perfect space for pictures on the morning of their wedding. And then, in a moment I’ll never forget, Grace’s mom hugged me goodbye and even sent me off with a little coffee money for the drive home. It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world—it made me feel like more than a photographer, but like a welcome part of their story and their family. I hadn’t even taken a single photo yet, and I felt like, “I’ve found my people!“

Driving home that evening, with the sun setting behind the mountains and a tasty drink in my cup holder, I couldn’t stop smiling. Sessions like this remind me that photography is so much more than taking pretty pictures—it’s about connection, trust, and the stories we get to step into for a season. David and Grace, thank you for inviting me into yours. I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding day alongside you!

Now the water was really still and we didn’t have to be so high up to see the reflections!