Introducing Holiday Mini Photography Sessions: Capturing the Magic of the Season in the breathtaking Snoqualmie Valley

As the holiday season approaches, we at Erika Dirks Photography are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated offering: Holiday Mini Photography Sessions. This year, we are bringing the enchantment of the season to two picturesque locations within the Snoqualmie Valley and one beautifully decorated studio in Renton.

The holiday season is a time filled with love, joy, and cherished moments spent with family and friends. We believe that these moments deserve to be captured in beautiful photographs that will last a lifetime and looked back upon with love. Our Holiday Mini Sessions are the perfect opportunity to freeze those precious memories in time. Keep reading for more info!

Our first handcrafted location perfect for your next holiday mini session is magical downtown Snoqualmie. If you are looking for those classic holiday photos with a big tree, decorated streets and cute trains as your backdrop then this is your ideal location. With plenty of parking and lots of space to get creative, having your mini session here brings with it an energy of ease and enjoyment.

Our second amazing location is Tanner Landing in North Bend. This location is great if you have furry friends you want to include in your photos, are looking for that classic PNW look and want the option of shooting with the river, mountains and or pine trees as your backdrop. This location also has plenty of parking and is easy to access!

Our last location is a hidden gem located in downtown Renton. It is an indoor studio space that is decorated for the holidays. It is adorned with a lovely velvet green couch, green trees and gifts. There is another space decorated within the studio with frosted white trees and other miscellaneous white decorations. The parking is ample in this location. This is the perfect spot for you if you are looking to ensure warm weather and are looking for images that are a bit more on the themed side. Images below are from Peerspace, which is the booking platform for this studio.

What to expect from your mini holiday photography session:

Our holiday mini sessions are designed to be an stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your loved ones. Each session lasts 20 minutes, allowing us to capture candid moments, genuine smiles, and the unique connections shared between family members or other loved ones.

To make your photoshoot truly personal, you are encouraged to bring any props or festive items that hold special significance to you. Whether it's a favorite holiday ornament, cozy blankets, or even a cherished family pet dressed in their holiday best, these items can add an extra touch of sentimental value to your photos.

After your session, you can expect 10 high resolution, professionally edited images delivered in an online gallery just one week after your session! If you have ever had photos taken before you will know that this is a rare turn-around time, but we want to make sure you get your images as soon as possible!

Outdoor sessions are $200 and indoor sessions are $250 (to account for the cost of studio rental).

how to book your holiday mini session:

We are delighted to offer a limited number of spots for our holiday mini sessions in the Snoqualmie Valley and at a magical studio in Renton. Whether you're planning a holiday greeting card, surprise gift, or simply want to capture the spirit of the season, these sessions are the ideal way to commemorate this special time in your life.

To secure your spot and learn more about availability please reach out here as these kinds of sessions can fill up quickly! You can also visit my instagram to check out some of my recent work and send me a direct message on there.

I am so excited to be able to offer these holiday mini sessions and cant wait to hear from you. Lets create some magic together!

A Hidden Gem of Love: Eloping at Deception Pass

For couples seeking an enchanting and breathtaking location to elope, Deception Pass offers a captivating setting that combines the beauty of the Pacific Northwest's rugged coastline with the tranquility of lush forests. In this blog post, we will dive into the enchantment of eloping at Deception Pass, provide practical tips for planning your intimate ceremony, and inspire you with ideas to get the most out of eloping at this hidden gem.

Let me take you on a journey to Deception Pass…

Located in Washington State, Deception Pass State Park is a natural wonder that encompasses over 4,000 acres of scenic landscapes. Crazy right?! The centerpiece of the park is the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, a stunning architectural feat that spans a narrow strait, connecting Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. Explore the park's trails, beaches, and viewpoints to find your ideal elopement location. There is literally so much to see and explore here and I am sure you will find a spot (or two) that resonates with what you envision for your magical day.

The iconic Deception Pass Bridge

The Perfect Season to elope: Hint…there really isn’t one!

Deception Pass State Park offers distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer showcases vibrant greenery and longer daylight hours. Fall graces the park with a tapestry of rich colors, and winter offers a peaceful, secluded ambiance. Consider the atmosphere you want for your elopement when choosing the season that resonates with you. I do want to mention that the more sought after elopement dates are May-October just because of better weather. However, it’s important that your elopement is unique to you and so if you want to get all bundled up and possibly see some snowflakes, then you do you! I’ll be there with the hand warmers and hot chocolate. Whenever you decide to go, always make sure to check the forecasts before you go and bring appropriate gear.

Which location should you choose for your ceremony?

Deception Pass presents numerous breathtaking ceremony locations to choose from. Consider exchanging vows on one of the park's sandy beaches, overlooking the majestic Deception Pass Bridge, or beneath the green canopy of the old-growth forest. Explore the park's trails to find hidden coves or cliffside viewpoints that offer unparalleled natural beauty. My favorite part would either under or on top of the iconic bridge or down by the water with the islands strewn about in the distance.

The view from the top of the bridge

Permits and Logistics at Deception Pass

Before your elopement at Deception Pass, make sure you are familiar with the park's permit requirements and any necessary logistical considerations. Research park regulations regarding ceremonies, photography, and guest limits. As you plan, take into account factors such as parking availability and accessibility for you and your guests. For example, the parking space on the bridge is quite limited, however the parking down at the beach is ample. It really just depends how many guests will be in attendance. Usually, elopements are just a handful of close friends and family, so parking isn’t usually an issue! :) I recommend to always check with the local park ranger to see if there are any special permits you might need.

Discover more about Deception Pass here!

How to Capture Magical Photos

Deception Pass provides such a picturesque backdrop for your elopement photographs. To make sure you get to capture the memories you have in this beautiful destination make sure to work closely with your photographer (aka me!) to showcase the beauty you will be surrounded in. From capturing the sun setting behind the bridge to framing your love amidst the towering trees, there are countless opportunities to create stunning and timeless images.

When You’ve Said “I Do”…

After (or even before) your ceremony, take advantage of the natural wonders of Deception Pass State Park by immersing yourselves in its beauty. Plan a romantic picnic on the beach, embark on a hiking adventure, or simply relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. Nearby accommodations offer cozy cabins or charming bed and breakfasts to complete your elopement experience or if the weather allows, set up a tent and really immerse yourself in the nature.

Nearby top rated accommodations can be found here!

Eloping at Deception Pass allows couples to embrace the raw beauty and serene ambiance of the Pacific Northwest. With its striking landscapes, from the iconic Deception Pass Bridge to the captivating shores and lush forests, this hidden gem provides a remarkable backdrop for an intimate ceremony and an unforgettable celebration of love. Allow Deception Pass State Park to set the stage for your elopement, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Always make sure to follow the leave no trace principles so we can continue to enjoy these sacred spaces. I can’t wait to help you plan and photograph one of the most special moments of your life Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. xoxo.

Adventure Elopement at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend, Washington

I had the pleasure of capturing the love shared between two beautiful souls, Amber and Chase, in their moody PNW elopement at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend, Washington. Their day was magical and we embraced every single moment of it. Their love for one another and for adventure shined through in our time together and I’m so excited for their future together. Personally, I’m all in for the elopement life, but I might be a little biased. If you’re not sure if it’s for you or are just wondering what an elopement is…keep reading!

You deserve to celebrate your love that way that you want to and you don’t need to spend $30,000 to do it.

What even is an elopement?

Is it running to Vegas, not telling a soul and getting married in a small eccentric white chapel on the strip by Elvis? Or is it running off into the mountains and having a small intimate gathering with a few close friends and family? The beautiful thing about elopements is that it can be anything you want it to be! While a traditional wedding focuses more on the guest experience, an elopement is focused on the couple’s experience. Also known as intimate, micro, or even destination weddings, elopements are perfect for those who want to capture their love in their own unique way.

How the term elopement has changed over the years…

Back in the day, elopements used to be done typically in secrecy, without a whole lot of planning and also tended to have a sense of shame around them. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the earliest use of the term Elope was in the 14th century. Back then it meant a married women would run away from her husband to be with her lover. This is because back in the day marriages were often pre-arranged by the parents and were more of a business affair instead of a romantic love engagement. The term has evolved and today it means celebrating your love in an intimate, romantic and personal way that is true to you.

Amber and Chase’s Adventure Elopement at Rattlesnake Lake

Is eloping right for you?

At this point you might be wondering if an elopement is in your future and if it’s right for you. Here is a list of why couples choose to elope:

• They want something small and intimate that can be shared just between them or with close friends and family

• They highly value adventure and experiences

• They want to save money to spend on their future beyond their wedding

• They are eager to explore new places and have a love of travel

• They want to avoid any family drama and the stressors that planning a big wedding can sometimes entail

• They want their marriage to be about them, not Aunt Jill or Grandma Sue

• They want something unique and different (don’t worry, you can still add in your favorite wedding traditions!)

In conclusion, eloping can be anything you want it to be. You deserve to celebrate the love you share with your partner in meaningful and special ways. If you’d like to know more about eloping and how to start planning (the non-stressful way) reach out to me! I’d love to give you all the tips and tricks.