Jessica Alderson of Alder Photography is based in Leavenworth, Washington, a picturesque town “nestled in valleys that run along the Cascades” that “boasts some gorgeous views,” she says. Needless to say, Alderson was happy to accommodate adventuring from a wedding couple that wanted to explore the scenes before their ceremony.

“As a wedding photographer, I know all too well that the day slips through your fingers in an instant,” Alderson notes, “so I encourage my couples to find time for themselves to just relax into the day and enjoy one another.”

That usually happens during the couple’s first look or first portraits of the day, as was the case here. “Between the excitement and anticipation, the bride and groom were so present and full of love that there was a calm tenderness floating around,” Alderson recalls. “The bride’s dress was such an elegant and detailed addition to the view, and her natural demeanor amplified the moment. Instead of the snow-capped mountains and the changing larches, I decided to have her stand alone above the town to capture the essence and warmth of her. She was so effortless, confident and beautiful that all I had to do was stand back to capture that moment.”

(Photographed on a Canon 6D and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens at f/5, 1/800 sec. and ISO 125.)

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libby.peterson@emeraldx.com.