Mt. Baker Winter Snowshoe Engagement || Mt. Baker, WA || Madison + Alec
As we drove higher and higher up the winding Highway 542, we passed through forests and along steep mountain roads. The conversation jumped from one subject to another as I absentmindedly scratched their dog, Murphy, behind the ears, staring out the window and watching the trees pass. We talked about work, their wedding plans, beer, and their relationship. On a drive like that, there’s a lot of time to think about things.
I thought about their engagement; it wasn’t a question, it was a discussion. They talked about marriage and decided, together, that they were ready. They went together to get rings, which both of them wear. To me, their mutual decision to get married is an embodiment of the partnership and communication that they strive for.
I’ve known Madison for about a year, and I’ve gotten to know who she is, and what she values in a partner. Madison is fierce (she’s from New Jersey), but a lot of her fight comes from what she’s been through. Before her and Alec met, she told me, she had been through the most difficult breakup of her life.
“I was left without any idea of who I was, or what direction I was supposed to be going in. I dropped out of school, quit my job, and almost moved home to be with my family. Instead, I stayed here, got a dog, and started learning how to love myself…It wasn’t easy or pretty, but I learned what self love was, set standards for myself, and found out how tough I am. I was broken, but I grew into a stronger version of myself.”
It’s funny how the people who matter most to us have a way of coming into our lives once we stop looking, and are most ready to receive their love. She wasn’t expecting to meet her future husband that night at the Wild Buffalo while she was competing in their Lip Sync Battle competition, but here we are. She had no way of knowing that Alec, who was in the audience, was falling in love with her as she was on stage, determined to find her after the show.
She told me she never believed in fate until she met Alec.
“His love is truly incredible. It’s unconditional, it’s gentle, and it’s understanding. Alec is the kindest, most thoughtful, and most loving soul I have ever come across. He helps to bring me down when I need it, but he also allows me to be the strong woman that I am. I truly shine my brightest and laugh the hardest when I am with him.”
Together, they’re learning how to be partners, supporting one another, learning, and growing together.
As we pulled into the parking lot at Mt. Baker, I kept all of this in mind. This wasn’t just an engagement session, I reminded myself. It’s a record of their personalities, their love, and their partnership. And for the next few hours, I got to experience and be a part of it. We ran in the snow, threw snowballs for Murphy, and I got to see just how much fun they have together, while they opened themselves up for me.
The sun shined down on us as Alec wrapped Madison up in his arms. And as she snuggled into his chest, she started to cry.
“I can’t wait to spend the rest of our days together” she said.
Oh, and if you’re dying for more winter engagement inspiration, click here to see a gorgeous Snoqualmie Pass session at Gold Creek Pond!
