A Love Story – Capturing Timeless Moments at the Washington State Capitol

Hi there, and welcome to my very first blog post! I’m so excited you’re here.

I’m Marie, a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Washington, and I have such a big heart for capturing love in all its real, raw, and beautiful forms. Whether it’s a couple giggling during golden hour or a sweet stolen glance between vows, my passion lies in freezing those tiny moments that make up your biggest memories.

To kick things off on the blog, I want to share something really special — a recent shoot I hosted at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. And it wasn’t your typical engagement session…

A Styled Shoot with Real Love

This session was actually a styled model shoot I organized, featuring real couples who are getting married — and let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as it sounds.

I wanted to create a space that felt fun, romantic, and relaxed — a chance for couples to enjoy a beautiful setting and just be together, while I captured all the authentic emotion between them. Even though it was styled, nothing about it felt posed or staged. The laughter, the gentle touches, the sweet in-between moments — all of it was so real.

Hosting the shoot at the Washington State Capitol gave us the perfect backdrop. The elegant architecture, grand staircases, and soft evening light created an atmosphere that felt straight out of a romantic film. Every frame was filled with that classic, timeless feel I love so much in engagement photography.

Why Engagement Sessions Are a Must for Your Wedding Photography

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of the wedding photography journey. They’re easygoing, personal, and a great way for us to connect before your big day. Plus, they’re such a beautiful way to celebrate this exciting chapter in your life — no pressure, just love.

Whether it’s at a stunning location like the Washington State Capitol or somewhere that feels meaningful to your story, my goal is always the same: to create space for you to be yourselves and capture what makes your love unique.

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A Few of My Favorite Moments

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Here are just a few of the moments I loved most from the day:

• 📷 Golden Hour Kisses – The soft light wrapped around each couple like a warm hug.
• 📷 Marble Staircase Romance – So timeless. So elegant. And the perfect contrast to their natural chemistry.
• 📷 Unscripted Joy – From bursts of laughter to quiet cuddles, these moments stole my heart.

If you’re reading this on mobile, you can also check out more highlights on Instagram!

Let’s Tell Your Story Next

Thank you so much for following along with this first blog post — it means the world to have you here. I can’t wait to use this space to share more love stories, inspiration, and a peek behind the lens.

If you’re newly engaged (or just thinking about photos to celebrate your love!), I’d love to chat about how we can bring your story to life through timeless, heartfelt imagery. Whether you’re looking for a Washington engagement photographer or beginning your search for someone to capture your wedding day with care, I’m here for you. Let’s make some magic! ✨

Warmly,
Marie
📸 @marienelsonphotography

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✨ Let’s tell your Story

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