Courtney Bowlden Photography

The past few months have been a whirlwind in the best possible way. I've had the privilege of capturing some truly unforgettable weddings and portraits, and I'm so excited to finally share them with you.

Nearly two decades behind the lens, and I still catch myself tearing up during ceremonies, grinning at a couple sneaking a quiet moment together, completely in awe of the families who trust me to document the moments that matter most. That never gets old.

And the best part? There are still so many beautiful love stories ahead this season. I truly cannot wait. Make sure to follow along for more beautiful, inspiring photographs.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue:
Planning & Event Design: bride .lissoy and
Florist IG:
Catering:
Rentals:
Charger rentals:
Hair:
Makeup:
Stationary/calligraphy:
DJ:
Videographer:
Bridal salon:
Bridal shoes:
Bridesmaid Dresses:

A tip most people don't hear until it's too late: skip the spray tan before your wedding day, engagement session, or any photo session.

I know what you are thinking, but here's why I don't recommend them. A spray tan can look completely natural to the naked eye and still photograph very differently once it hits camera. Certain formulas pick up warm or orange tones under flash and natural light that just aren't visible in a mirror. And the areas that show it most are exactly the spots I love capturing up close: hands intertwined, knuckles, the backs of your arms, even your toes peeking out of a cute pair of slippers or heels. Those tiny lines and creases where product settles are truly impossible to edit out cleanly, especially in detail shots. I have also seen how spray tans have ruined wedding dresses and shirts. Especially when you are warm and sweating.

Some of my favorite images from any wedding are the small, quiet details. Hands holding hands, holding your veil or your beloved's face. A ring catching the light while holding your bouquet. I want those images to look like you, not like a filter that happened before I ever picked up my camera.

If you love a sun-kissed glow, my advice is to test any spray tan months in advance (never the day before) and keep it light. Make sure that it doesn't settle in your lines or wrinkles.

Your skin, your actual skin, is going to look beautiful in these photos. Let's not cover it up with something that won't translate the way you're expecting.

One of the biggest reasons I love photographing an entire wedding weekend isn't because it means delivering more photos. It's because it creates a completely different experience. Let me explain a little more in detail.

By the time the wedding day arrives, everyone is already comfortable with me and my camera. The nerves have settled, guests know my face and name, and couples naturally relax into simply enjoying the weekend celebration. It makes the photography on the wedding day feel effortless because it no longer feels like there's a camera following them. It just feels like another familiar part of the celebration, and it's one reason I always suggest adding this to your wedding day collection.

A welcome dinner also has an entirely different energy than the wedding day itself. The design can be different. The colors, the setting, and the atmosphere often tell another side of your story. It's usually more intimate, more relaxed, and filled with the conversations, laughter, hugs, and quiet moments that can be harder to find once the excitement of the wedding day begins.

Some of my favorite portraits of a couple are actually taken during the welcome dinner. There's no pressure or timeline rushing us, just the excitement of finally being surrounded by the people they love most. It's also one of the best opportunities to capture meaningful moments with family and friends in a way that feels genuine and unhurried or staged.

For me, documenting a wedding weekend has never been about adding another event to the gallery but telling a full story. The story that captures not only how your wedding looked, but what it truly felt like to spend an entire weekend celebrating with the people who matter most to you.

Design & Florals: .studio
Wedding Planning:
Venue:
Linens:
Photography: Courtney Bowlden Photography
Rentals: .studio | |
Venue:

Hiring a professional photographer is a lot like buying insurance. You don't think about it until something goes wrong, and on a wedding day, something almost always does. Hair and makeup runs late. A bridesmaid spills something on her dress. A piece of equipment fails at the worst possible moment. An experienced photographer has already been through all of it. That is what you are really paying for. Not just beautiful photos, but someone who knows exactly what to do when the day does not go as planned.

Vendors:
design & planning //
florals //
venue & catering //
videography //
dj // .entertainments
makeup //
hair //
dress //
paper goods & signage //
invitations //
rentals //
bartending //
bagpiper //

I remember after posting this photo of the couple pouring champagne in the champagne tower and how many weddings I photographed after were inspired to re-create this epic wedding moment.

For couples who don't love dessert, try a champagne tower photo opt at your wedding reception. It's fun and a great photo moment for a wedding.



Venue: Villa Cetinale
Workshop Host: AMV Retreats
Planning, Styling + Design: AMV Weddings
Florist: Flowers Living
Furniture/Tabletop Rentals: Preludio Noleggio
Hair/Makeup: Madeline Eleanor
Cakes: Sweetie Pie Cakes .love
Stationary: Inquisitive
Linens: Nuage Designs
Shoes: Harriet Wilde
Jewelry: Victor Barbone
Cookies: Sadie May Cakes
Styling Mats: Lindale Studios
Ring Boxes: Lovely Ring Boxes
Styling Accessories: Curated Trove
Ceremony Gown: Amsale
Ceremony Accessories: Megan Therese Couture
Couple: +

There are always a few different poses I like to do for "getting ready" photos of a bride or groom. This is one reason I like to have a clean room or a designated area to put everyone's bags and clothes in so that there is always one area that is clean and without a huge mess.
If you are wanting getting ready photos at your wedding, I recommend putting every detail you want photographed, like jewelry and other accessories, in a blog or bag and have a designated area for everyone to put their garment bags or things to keep the room clean.
If you know someone getting married that might want need to know this information, share this post to them or save it to come back to for later.

Venue:
Planning & Event Design: bride .lissoy and
Florist IG:
Catering:
Rentals:
Charger rentals:
Hair:
Makeup:
Stationary/calligraphy:
DJ:
Videographer:
Bridal salon:
Bridal shoes:
Bridesmaid Dresses: various brands including , , , and small boutiques
Groom & groomsmen attire:

I am so excited to be celebrating this super cute couple tomorrow at Newcastle Golf Club (.events). Not only are the views stunning at this wedding venue, but I am also working with an amazing wedding planning team () and some incredibly talented wedding vendors. Did I mention I am beyond blessed to have my best friend as my second photographer?

Last week I lost a very dear friend of mine. She was an incredible photographer that I have the privilege of being in a mastermind group together as well as working alongside her on multiple weddings. She was there for me in a very pivotal and emotional time for me. Over the last couple of years since I moved to France and then moving back to the states, I slowly lost touch with her, only messaging her once in a while when I would comment on a post of hers.
I have come to accept that I didn't get to say goodbye to her and it deeply hurts me to know that I didn't even know she was sick. Life is way too short to loose a friend this young. I want this to be a reminder to reach out to a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Check in on them. Tell the people you love how you feel about them. You never know when their last day will be.
The world lost an amazing and brilliant human being last week. Esther taught me so much about speaking up, having courage, doing the hard thing and having a positive outlook on life. I will miss her so much and can't believe she is gone. I am beyond grateful she blessed my life for the short 5 years of knowing her.
I took these photos of her when she came out to visit me in Paris back in 2023. Her light in this world is going to be incredibly missed.

I loved photographing this incredible wedding in Scotland. Not only have I known and worked alongside this incredible bride, but being asked to photographer her destination wedding felt so special. Alex and her team at are so incredibly talented at designing and planning weddings in Seattle.
Scotland is truly magical in so many ways. If you are looking for a destination elopement location, be sure to check out the amazing Carlowrie Castle in Edinburgh.

Wedding Vendors:
design & planning //
florals //
venue & catering //
videography //
dj // .entertainments
makeup //
hair //
dress //
paper goods & signage //
invitations //
rentals //
bartending //
bagpiper //