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A few weeks ago, I traveled westward to photograph the Portland Oregon Couples Portraits of my wedding clients Caitlin and Leo.

Over the past eight years, Caitlin and Leo’s relationship has been shaped by their shared drive and support of each other’s dreams.

Caitlin and Leo met in Berkeley, California. Through their times of togetherness and being apart over the years, they’ve always encouraged one another to strive for their high goals. They recently settled in Portland, Oregon, purchased a house, and are going full throttle building their lives together. Caitlin is an attorney representing local unions and Leo is finishing up medical school.

Both are ambitious powerhouses who at the same time, are carefree and playful. This passion continues in how they support each other. Each gives the other encouragement, imagination, and a sense of joy.

Caitlin was beaming as she recalled how Leo elevates her life. Cailtin loves how Leo is so even-keeled in this thoughts. She loves how he completely present and focused he becomes on whatever person or task is in front of him. When they are together, she feels completely seen. In those moments, she senses that there is no place he would rather be. For Leo, the weight, demands, and intensity of medical school are lightened by Caitlin’s constant encouragement. She grounds him and reminds him that anything is possible.

Whenever one of them is faced with a challenge, they both commented on how the other has a wonderful knack for getting them out of ruts and into fun.

A common love for the outdoors runs deep through their relationship. Caitlin and Leo surf together, run trails, and have even gotten into skate skiing. Whether sipping beers on the back stoop of their home, Leo serenading Caitlin on his guitar, or venturing out to their favorite restaurant, their strong connection, comfort, and playfulness was undeniable during their photo session.

For them, it’s been a lovely ride they couldn’t imagine not taking.

It has been wonderful getting to know Leo and Caitlin over the course of this past year. I cannot wait to celebrate their relationship at their upcoming June wedding in Belgrade, Montana. Here are some of my favorite Portland Oregon Couples Portraits from our time together. Stay tuned. Their big wedding day approaches! -M