Kat and Jon are such a special couple to me. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them several times now, documenting different milestones throughout their love story. At this point, it feels like we’ve gone everywhere together! This time, I got to photograph their one-year wedding anniversary at Mount Hood, and I had a lot of fun reconnecting with these two and celebrating another chapter of their journey. Here’s a little look at our history together and their wedding anniversary photoshoot.
Documenting Kat and Jon Through the Years
I first met Kat and Jon when I photographed their engagement session at Cape Kiwanda. It was a really meaningful day, especially because Cape Kiwanda is where they first said “I love you”. As I got to know them more, I learned that all three of us shared a similar story of having fallen in love with the PNW after moving here from different parts of the country. That session was the start of something special, and I’ve loved getting to know and work with them ever since.
The next time I got to photograph Kat and Jon was for their Reber’s Riverside wedding. That day was full of so much joy and perfectly reflected their fun, free-spirited personalities. From sabering a bottle of champagne to jumping in the lake, they were fully and authentically themselves, and I loved getting to be part of it all.
After their wedding, we continued to stay in touch, and they even modeled for a photography workshop I was running. Then, one year later after getting married, I got to take them out for their anniversary photoshoot. I don’t always get the chance to continue documenting my couples through so many different seasons of their lives, so getting to share that kind of connection with Kat and Jon has been really special. I’m so grateful our paths crossed and that I’ve gotten to be part of their journey over the years.
Why Kat and Jon Decided on a Wedding Anniversary Photoshoot
When Kat and Jon booked their wedding package with me, they also decided to include an adventure session. This is always an option for my elopement or wedding couples, and it usually involves heading somewhere fun outside of your venue in your wedding clothes for some more photos.
Most couples choose to do this around their wedding day, but Kat and Jon decided to do things a little differently. Instead, they saved their adventure session for their first wedding anniversary and turned it into a chance to celebrate one year of marriage together. I thought this was a fun idea and felt fitting for them, especially knowing how creative they are and how much they like doing things their own way.
The Details That Made Their Anniversary Photoshoot Special
When Kat and Jon’s wedding anniversary photoshoot finally came, I knew that it would have some absolutely incredible scenery, but what made it extra special were all the thoughtful details they included throughout the morning. Here are a few of my favorite moments.
The Story Behind Their Location
When it came to choosing a location for their wedding anniversary photoshoot, Kat and Jon knew they wanted Mount Hood and a sunrise session. When they told me their plans, I immediately knew where I wanted to take them: the same place where I eloped!
I had always wanted to experience sunrise there, with the sun coming up behind the mountain, so getting to share that experience with them felt extra special. It was another little layer in our connection, and I’m so glad I got to bring them somewhere that holds so much meaning for me, too.
Thoughtful Nods to Their Wedding Day
One of my favorite things about their anniversary photoshoot was all the fun little nods to their wedding day. It started with Jon’s outfit, which actually was his wedding suit. Kat decided to bring a piece of her mom along with her by wearing her dress. They also had a handfasting ceremony during their wedding, so Kat brought along the rope they used and attached it to her hiking backpack as we made our way to the location.
After sunrise, they had a cute picnic and settled in with coffee, bourbon, and homemade cinnamon rolls that Jon had made, all with some pretty incredible views of Mount Hood around us. The cinnamon rolls were especially meaningful because they had chosen them instead of a traditional wedding cake on their wedding day.
As the session came to an end, we hiked around, explored, and watched the sunrise over Mount Hood. It was a beautiful way to end an already really special morning.
What a Wedding Anniversary Photoshoot Can Look Like
When it comes to a wedding anniversary photoshoot, there are a few logistical things to consider, but otherwise, it can look however you want. My sessions typically last around two hours. That may mean sticking to just one location, but depending on what you have in mind, multiple locations are totally possible in that timeframe. I’m also more than happy to add time if we need to to match your vision. Beyond that, you have a lot of freedom to make the experience your own.
You can choose a location that feels epic and adventurous, somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, or a place that holds special meaning for you and feels a little more intimate and quiet. You can wear special clothes (like your wedding attire), bring along an outfit change, or include little details that represent your relationship. At the end of the day, it’s your anniversary, so you get to celebrate it in whatever way feels the most like you.
It was really special getting to add another chapter to Kat and Jon’s story with their wedding anniversary photoshoot. They’re just so effortless together, and I loved getting to document that connection one year into their marriage.
Getting to document the love that couples share is one of the things that brings me so much joy. Whether it’s an engagement session, their wedding day, or a year later on an anniversary adventure, I never take for granted that I get to be part of these moments.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate your own relationship and create some new memories together, I’d love to help you plan an anniversary session that feels like you. And if you’re curious what that could look like, take a peek at my portfolio for a little inspiration!
