If you’re new here, you should know, I’m a huge proponent of dog-friendly engagement sessions. Not only are pets part of the family (and absolutely deserve a cameo), but they also help couples relax in front of the camera. And honestly? I just love an excuse to smoosh a pup’s face for a few hours. When I started chatting with Sam and Tyler, we knew their German Shepherd, Milo, had to be included.

Finding the Perfect Dog-Friendly Location

Including your dog in your engagement session means picking the right location (check out this entire blog post I wrote about how to include your pup and the best locations!), and lucky for Sam and Tyler, Washington state is full of dog-friendly gems. After considering a few spots, we landed on a beautiful stretch of the Sultan River, near Snohomish. It’s tucked just enough off the beaten path to feel secluded, but still close to home. With one brewery and some growing neighborhoods, Sultan, Washington has some truly magical backdrops for photos. Milo wasted no time frolicking his way through it.

Sam and Tyler showed up in perfectly coordinated outfits, matching cowboy boots, a breezy white summer dress for Sam, and a relaxed black polo for Tyler. We snapped a few photos along the road before heading to the water, where Milo immediately took a well-deserved drink break. The good news? The views were close by, so we didn’t have to hike far before finding photo-worthy scenery.

Planning Ahead for Your Pup on the Wedding Day

One of my favorite parts of the afternoon was hearing all about their wedding plans. To make sure Milo can be part of their portraits, Sam and Tyler hired a dog handler to bring him to the venue after the ceremony. I always recommend this for couples who want to include their pup in the big day but aren’t sure how to make it work logistically. It’s a stress-free way to include your furry family member.

Spending the afternoon with Sam, Tyler, and Milo was a blast, and I can’t wait to hear how it all unfolds on their wedding day. Fingers crossed for another visit to the Sultan River soon. This spot (and this sweet trio) completely stole my heart.