The Snowball Ambush Engagement Photo Session – Big Sky Montana

Big Sky, Montana | Winter Engagement Session

I’ve photographed a lot of love stories, but I’m not sure any have started quite like this one.

We were walking around Big Sky, bright midday sun bouncing off fresh powder, the kind of light that makes snow look electric blue. They were hand-in-hand, still riding the high of being newly engaged, when she stopped, bent down, packed a snowball with the stealth of someone who had been planning this for miles, and absolutely smoked him on the side of his shoulder.

His face. My camera was already up (because I live for these moments), and the next eight minutes were pure chaos: snow flying, laughter echoing off the mountains, dodging, chasing, tackling, kissing with snowflakes still stuck to their eyelashes. Zero hats, zero golden hour, one hundred percent them.

I just stood there turning into a human icicle, firing off frames like my life depended on it, because honestly? It kind of did. This is why I do what I do.

There’s something about winter engagements in Montana that hits different. The cold makes you brave. It makes you cling to each other a little tighter, laugh a little louder, and apparently, throw snowballs with shocking accuracy.

These two reminded me that the best sessions aren’t perfectly posed or perfectly timed with sunset. The best ones are the ones where someone decides love looks a lot like a snowball ambush… and the other person can’t stop smiling long enough to even pretend to be mad.

So here’s to the ones who play, who tease, who refuse to take love too seriously. Here’s to fresh snow and the people brave enough to start the fight.

(And yes, she still claims victory.)

Lovers, if you’re dreaming of a winter session that feels less like a photoshoot and more like the best day ever, let’s talk. I’ve got frostbitten fingers and a full heart, and I’m ready for you.

Shoot me a message → 2026 + 2027 dates are open and already going fast.

All my love (and snow down my jacket), Alyssa

Alyssa Johnson Photography | Montana Elopement & Wedding Photographer Based in Bozeman | Available worldwide | Currently thawing out