Snowy Mt. Shasta Engagement Session at Bunny Flats Trailhead

EngagementsPortraits
Written By Jen Peterson
Couple in snowy landscape with dog and mountain backdrop. Close-up of engagement ring on pine. Joyful, intimate moments captured in nature.

Adria + Nick

There are some engagement sessions that feel beautiful… and then there are the ones that feel like you stepped straight into something extra epic.

Adria and Nick’s snowy mountain engagement session at Bunny Flats Trailhead was exactly that.

Nestled at the base of Mt. Shasta, this location gave us the most incredible backdrop—snow-covered ground stretching in every direction, towering trees, and that iconic mountain standing quietly in the distance. What made it even more magical? It was warm. Somehow, in the middle of a snowy landscape, we had the kind of weather that let us slow down, breathe, and fully enjoy every moment.

It felt like the best of both worlds—winter beauty with a hint of spring energy.

A Full-Circle Moment

One of my favorite parts of this session had nothing to do with the scenery (which says a lot, because… wow!). I had the honor of photographing Adria’s sister’s wedding back in 2022 (Cara & Brad), and getting to reconnect with Adria again felt incredibly special.

There’s something so meaningful about being invited back into a family’s story. It’s not just about documenting a season—it’s about witnessing the way love continues to grow and evolve over time.

And this session felt like a continuation of something familiar, yet entirely new. I can’t wait for their wedding day!

Why Bunny Flats Trailhead is Perfect for Engagement Photos

If you’re dreaming of a Mt. Shasta engagement session, Bunny Flats Trailhead is such an absolute gem. It offers:

  • Stunning views of Mt. Shasta without a strenuous hike

  • A mix of open snowy landscapes and forested areas

  • Easy accessibility, even in colder months

  • A peaceful, quiet atmosphere even with a packed parking lot

Whether you’re planning a winter engagement session or catching that transitional snow season like we did, this location creates a backdrop that feels both adventurous and intimate.

Including Your Dog in Your Engagement Session

Adria and Nick brought their dog, Riggins—and honestly, he might have stolen the show (just a little 😉).

Including your dog in your engagement photos is one of the easiest ways to make your session feel more like you. Riggins did amazing during portraits and added such a playful, relaxed energy to the entire experience.

Adria and Nick—thank you, truly, for trusting me not just with your engagement session, but with your wedding day ahead. It means more than I can fully put into words to be invited into such a meaningful season of your lives. I’m so excited for your wedding day and all the moments we’ll get to capture together. If your engagement session is any glimpse into what’s ahead, it’s going to be something really special!

A couple embraces tenderly in a snowy forest, eyes closed. Beside them, they stand smiling with their dog, surrounded by tall evergreen trees. Peaceful and loving.
A couple embraces affectionately in a snowy forest, surrounded by tall pines. They are dressed in casual winter attire, and a dog stands beside them.
A couple stands embraced in a snowy forest, smiling joyfully. A dog sits beside them. Tall evergreens and bright sunlight create a serene, happy atmosphere.
A couple embraces tenderly in a forest. The first image is a close-up of them with eyes closed, conveying warmth and intimacy. The second image shows them holding hands, walking on snow, surrounded by tall trees under a clear sky.
A couple in jeans embraces in a snowy forest, their foreheads touching affectionately. A brown and white dog sits beside them, conveying warmth and joy.
A couple joyfully walks through a snowy landscape with evergreen trees and a snow-capped mountain in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of an engagement ring on a pine branch. Beside it, a couple stands smiling on a snowy field with a forest and mountain backdrop.
A couple kneels in the snow with their dog, surrounded by trees, smiling warmly. A close-up shows their hands holding, featuring an engagement ring.
A couple in casual attire holds hands, standing in a snowy landscape with evergreen trees and a mountain backdrop under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a diamond ring on snow next to a smiling couple and their dog in a snowy forest. They are dressed casually, conveying warmth and joy.
A couple embraces tenderly outdoors, with a woman resting her head on a man's shoulder. Both wear white, conveying warmth and intimacy amidst tall trees.
A couple sits in a snowy forest, sharing a kiss while holding their dog. The setting is serene with tall evergreen trees surrounding them.
A couple enjoys a snowy landscape. Left: Black and white close-up, embracing. Right: Color, they stand with a dog among snow-covered trees, smiling.
A smiling couple embraces in a snowy landscape, surrounded by pine trees and mountains. The sky is clear, conveying a serene and joyful mood.
An engaged couple and their dog plays joyfully in a snowy landscape with tall evergreens and a snow-capped mountain in the background under a bright blue sky.
Couple embracing in a snowy landscape with evergreen trees and a snow-covered mountain in the background. They appear affectionate and serene.
A couple stands in a snowy landscape, gazing at each other warmly. Behind them, a snow-capped mountain rises above evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.
A couple in a snowy forest with a brown dog, surrounded by pine trees, convey serenity. In another scene, they embrace lovingly near snow-capped mountains.
A couple stands on snow, embracing and smiling, with a backdrop of snowy mountains and evergreen trees under a clear blue sky. Romantic and joyful atmosphere.
A couple kisses in a sunlit forest clearing, surrounded by greenery and patches of snow. They wear casual, light-colored clothing, conveying warmth and affection.
On the left, a couple embraces with their dog in a snowy forest, conveying warmth and tranquility. On the right, a dog’s paw rests gently on their clasped hands.
A couple embraces in a snowy landscape, with mountains and pine trees in the background. They appear joyful, smiling warmly under a clear blue sky.
A couple in casual clothes holds hands, standing on snow in a forest. A dog on a leash stands beside them. The setting feels peaceful and intimate.
A couple walks a dog on a forest trail. On the right, a black and white photo captures them kissing while seated with the dog, evoking warmth.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring delicately rests on the branch of a green pine tree, creating a contrast between the elegant jewelry and natural texture.
A couple embraces in a snowy landscape; the man kisses the woman while wearing casual clothes. Nearby, they sit on a log, smiling with a dog beside them. Pine trees and snow create a serene, joyful atmosphere.
A couple enjoys a snowy forest with their dog. Left: Both sit on a log petting the dog, smiling. Right: They walk holding hands, dog beside them.
A couple embraces on a snowy mountain slope with a dog at their feet. Evergreen trees surround them under a clear blue sky.
A couple holding hands and smiling back, walking a dog on a forest trail. They're surrounded by green trees and sunlight, conveying a joyful, serene mood.

Planning Your Own Mt. Shasta Engagement Session

If you’re considering engagement photos in Northern California, Mt. Shasta offers one of the most unique and breathtaking settings. From snowy winter sessions to golden summer evenings, it’s a location that adapts beautifully to every season.

And if you’re drawn to something that feels a little adventurous, a little unexpected, and deeply personal—this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Because the best sessions aren’t about perfectly curated moments.

They’re about stepping into your story… and letting it unfold.

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Jen Peterson

Hello There! I’m Jen, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Northern California. I love capturing the personal connections between my clients in a bright, fun, and creative way. 

http://jenpetersonphotography.com
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