Emily + Sam Snowy Engagement Session Near Mt. Hood

Emily + Sam met while playing volleyball at Oregon State and have been inseparable ever since. They booked me for their June 2027 wedding, and we actually already photographed their first engagement session at the beach last summer.

When I put out a call for a discounted snow couples session near Mt. Hood because I was dying to photograph in the snow, Emily immediately reached out to snag the spot.

We found a quiet, cozy location just off Highway 26, and honestly, we got so lucky with the timing. It had snowed several inches the weekend before, so there was fresh snow everywhere. The whole area felt peaceful and still in the best way.

A Playful Winter Engagement Session in Oregon

While their beach engagement session felt more romantic and intimate, this session was definitely playful. There was a snowball fight involved almost immediately, and by the end of the session, I had them fully rolling around in the snow just to switch things up a little.

One of my favorite prompts for couples sessions is super simple: holding hands and walking together, either away from me or alongside me. We usually do one version where they’re just chatting and laughing naturally, and then I tell them to “make it spicy.” Maybe that means a spin, a dip kiss, or something completely random that makes them laugh. It’s such an easy way to create movement and natural interaction during engagement photos.

Favorite Moments From Emily + Sam’s Session

One of my favorite images from this session is of Emily and Sam tucked together near the window of a little warming hut at the location. I stayed outside and photographed them just quietly interacting with each other, and it ended up feeling so cozy and intimate.

Another favorite was actually Emily’s idea – the two of them blowing snow out of their hands toward the camera. Such a simple concept, but it turned out so fun.

My absolute favorite photo from this session, though, is a wide shot of Emily and Sam standing together along a snowy trail. Every time I look at that image, I can almost hear how quiet it was out there.

At the end of most sessions, I like to step back and let couples just exist together for a minute without much direction. Those quiet in-between moments almost always end up being some of my favorite photos from the entire gallery.

Why Mt. Hood Is Perfect for Snowy Engagement Photos

Living in Oregon, snow sessions usually mean heading toward the mountains, and you really can’t go wrong around Mt. Hood. I haven’t visited this exact spot during spring or summer yet, but mountain engagement sessions in Oregon always feel a little adventurous and cinematic to me.

I’ll always love a coastal session, but snowy mountain engagement photos have such a unique vibe for couples who want something playful, cozy, and a little different.

If you’re planning an engagement session in Portland, Mt. Hood, Cannon Beach, or anywhere in Oregon, I’m always down to help you plan something that feels true to you as a couple. Whether you want windswept beach photos, cozy snow photos, or a session somewhere completely unique, I’m here for it.

I’m already counting down the days until Emily + Sam’s wedding in 2027.

Portland & Oregon Engagement Photographer

Looking for a Portland engagement photographer or Oregon wedding photographer? I photograph couples all across Oregon, including Mt. Hood, Cannon Beach, the Columbia River Gorge, and beyond.

If you’re ready to plan your own engagement session, you can inquire below!