Courtney Bowlden Photography

I'm a wedding and portrait photographer from the US living in Paris, France. I started my business in 2009 and have branched out into photography education and social media marketing as a way to help other photographers and businesses grow and flourish. I love helping others achieve their dreams with great headshots or branding material, education or one on one coaching. I love capturing memories but I also love helping other entrepreneurs achieve success in their businesses. This is how I would like to be remembered when I retire (which won't happen anytime soon).

 We’re dying to know – what made you dive into the world of weddings?
I was shadowing other photographers and kind of just fell in love with it. I loved capturing all the moments and being able to tell a story throughout the day with photographs.

Tell us about how you started your business?
I originally started taking photos of my kids because they were so wiggly and busy that a regular point and shoot camera wouldn't capture them. I had a couple gal friends who were photographers and they asked if I wanted to learn how to use the camera on manual instead of auto, so of course I said yes. I love learning new skills and always try to get better at anything I put my time and passion into. I think it was after shadowing another photographer for a year that I really thought I could make a living off it, so I continued taking classes and going to seminars and learning online. 15 years later, I am still learning and growing but also helping other photographers learn and grow their business as well. It's been an amazing adventure.

What's the secret sauce behind bringing that touch of elegance to your projects?
I think about what I would like when I get my photos taken. And it's always changing too, which is fun. I add things here and there, like notes or checking in on people to let them know I care. I love making people feel seen and heard, so having consultations beforehand to help get to know each other is really fun as well.

Any wild, funny, or heartwarming tales from your wedding adventures?
Ha! I have WAY too many, I could write a book. I don't even know where to begin to be honest. I think one of my first favorite wedding stories, which I tell all the time when talking to brides with long veils, is one that happened at Swiftwater Cellars. If you know where Swiftwater Cellars is, it's a very windy area. My beautiful bride had the most beautiful long veil in her hair. I had the couple positioned in front of this gorgeous wooden door (which has now been replaced) and the wind picked up just as I was taking the photos and just as the veil was lifted out of her hair. We were able to catch the veil before it blew away, but I also got her awesome reaction as well. Even though my editing skills are much better now and the photo is pretty old, I still love it so much. It's definitely a favorite of mine. And because of this event, I always tell my brides to add extra bobby-pins in their hair to secure the veil.

Advice you want to give couples about the wedding planning process?
Make sure you not only click with your vendors, but that you like their work as well. I hear so many sad stories of couples who hire someone because they liked their website or they had a referral from someone, but ended up not getting along with the vendor. It makes me sad to hear this because you spend your very special day with them. I think there is a lot of misconception about hiring someone around certain criteria like "they know my venue" or "they live close by to the venue" but really it should be that you love their work and you get along with them.

What trends do you hope to see or want to see in 2024?
I am really loving colorful weddings. I love classy weddings, but after 4 or 5 years of just white roses and green florals, I love seeing couple's bringing in pops of color and personal touches into their wedding details. I still love having dogs at weddings, or grandma's being the "flower girls." It's a great way to include grandparents. I love it!

Spill the tea – what's the next big thing in weddings that has you buzzing with excitement?
Oooh, I honestly don't know. What I really love seeing these days are smaller, more intimate weddings. Not making weddings another big college party, but really being intentional about who you invite to your wedding because their presence means something to the two of you.

 We love working with you, why do you love working with us?
What is there not to love?! Y'all are so dang fun, great communication through the whole process (and don't overload my email with things that don't pertain to me either). I love how fun you ladies are and love your vision. Really, the communication on the wedding day is just the best. I never feel like I am out of the loop and I always know what's going on. You ladies are so on top of it!

Anything else we must know about you?
I just love that I have been able to work with Elegant Affairs over the last few years!

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.