It’s not every day that we get to hit pause on the whirlwind of wedding planning and take a moment to focus on ourselves—but that’s exactly what we did recently. After more than *four and a half years* of hustle, since our last team photo shoot which was right before COVID lockdown…countless weddings, and endless hours of coordinating dream days for couples, we decided it was time to do something just for us. And what better way to capture that moment than with a fun photo shoot with one of our absolute favorite photographers, Courtney Bowlden?
We can’t even begin to describe how much we’ve missed the creative side of things. As wedding planners, we’re always behind the scenes—making sure every detail is perfect, every timeline is seamless, and every moment runs smoothly. But every now and then, it's nice to take a step back and be in front of the lens for once.
Why Courtney Bowlden? …AND Gina Thresher of From the Ground Up Floral
When it came time to choose a photographer for this special shoot, there was no hesitation. We’ve worked with Courtney for years and have always been blown away by her talent, creativity, and ability to make people feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Her style is effortless yet stunning, with a beautiful blend of candid moments and artistic composition.
Courtney’s photography has a timeless quality, and the way she captures emotion, personality, and the magic of a moment is unparalleled. We knew she would be the perfect person to help us tell our story—and boy, did she deliver!
Likewise, we doubled up on the shoot to work alongside Gina, of From the Ground Up Floral. She is one of our absolute favorite florists, and we are lucky to call her a friend. Her floral work is absolutely amazing.
The Shoot: A Day of Laughter and Creativity
We gathered at a beautiful North Seattle studio; a cozy loft space that felt just right for this intimate and creative day. We wanted to capture the true essence of our team: a group of passionate, creative individuals who love what they do and who genuinely care for one another. But let’s be real, we also wanted to have a lot of fun with it!
Courtney had us laughing, posing, and of course, being ourselves. From the casual, relaxed moments to the more styled shots (hello, group hugs and mean mugs), she had the perfect ability to balance fun with sophistication. Each of us brought our own personality to the shoot, and Courtney was able to capture each team member's unique vibe while still creating an overall cohesive story.
There was an incredible amount of energy in the room. At one point, we were all laughing so hard because Ashley did not give a heads up on popping the champagne cork, that we thought the pictures would capture nothing but our goofy expressions. But those are the shots that we love the most—the ones that show us in our element: excited, playful, and connected.
The Result: A True Reflection of Our Team
Looking through the final images, we were all in awe of how Courtney managed to capture the essence of who we are. The photos didn’t just showcase us as a team of wedding planners—they told the story of friendship, passion, and a shared love for what we do. Every shot felt like a little piece of the journey we’ve been on together.
We can’t stop looking at the final gallery! It’s not just about the photos themselves, though (as beautiful as they are), but about how much fun we had during the shoot. It was a moment for us to slow down, be present with each other, meet Sara’s new baby, and celebrate the amazing work we’ve done over the past several years.
Why We Love Working With Courtney (And Why You Will, Too!)
If you’re planning your wedding and still looking for the perfect photographer, we cannot recommend Courtney Bowlden enough. She is a master at capturing authentic moments, and her photos feel like a work of art. Her ability to make you feel at ease in front of the camera is unparalleled, and she knows how to bring out the best in her clients. Whether it's a team photo shoot, an engagement session, or your big day, Courtney will make sure that every moment is immortalized beautifully. Working with a photographer who understands not only the technical aspects of their craft but also how to connect with people and bring out their best is so important, and Courtney excels in both. Plus, she’s just *fun* to be around!
A Huge Thank You
A massive thank you to Courtney for making this photo shoot such a memorable experience. You’ve captured more than just images—you’ve captured the heart and soul of our team. We're so grateful for your friendship and talent, and we can’t wait to collaborate again on future weddings (and maybe even more photo shoots!). Another huge thank you to Gina for providing floral for our shoot and being the kind awesome person you are!
So, here’s to more fun, laughter, and stunning photos in the future. For us, it’s back to the wedding planning grind—but we’ll always look back on this shoot with fond memories of a special day with a very special photographer.
Until next time, wedding lovers! 💕
Ashley, Christina Sara & Morganne
