Point Defiance Rose Garden Bridal Session: Colorful Wedding Photography in Tacoma, WA

This bridal session was shot at the Point Defiance Rose Garden in Ruston, just outside Tacoma and about 45 minutes from Seattle, during peak bloom. I've been wanting to photograph more bridal portraits as I build the wedding side of my portfolio back up, and this garden is one of the most colorful spots in the South Sound once the roses are out. It's a hidden gem, and you don't need a permit to shoot here, which makes it an easy add for anyone planning engagement or bridal photos. This bride's dress is very girly blush pink with floral, sparkly appliqués, which made the whole session feel magical.

My photography style is colorful but true to life, meaning the deep pinks, corals, and greens in these photos show up the way they actually looked that day, and are a timeless edit that withstands trends. Shooting mostly around Seattle and the greater Puget Sound, I get to work with some of the most vibrant greens in the country, and this garden is proof of that. We moved through a few different rows chasing the best light and the most saturated blooms, letting her dress trail through the flowers for some of the shots.

I used the Nikon Z9 camera with a mix of the 50mm f/1.2 S prime lens and my personal favorite, the 85mm f/1.2 S lens.