Engagement Photos

What is an engagement session?

An engagement session is simply a portrait session capturing you as a couple. Think of it as “a day in the life” of your engagement!

Our extended engagement session package is shot at two different locations over a time span lasting up to two hours, this option really gives us the flexibility to shoot lots of poses, against many different scenes, and even change into multiple outfits. The resulting pictures are organized in a wonderful hard cover Guest Book that your reception guests will enjoy flipping through.

Should I have an engagement session?

Besides getting fabulous pictures, the enagement session is a perfect way for us to get to know each other before the wedding. After 7+ years of photographing weddings, we have learned that we are better able to capture your wedding day when we have built a relationship first. Are you a blinker? We’ll find out at the session! Once we have an engagement session behind us, we don’t need a warm up period on the wedding day — we’ve already worked together and are ready to roll.

What should I wear?

There are no hard, fast rules about what to wear.  Here are some suggestions… Choose clothing that compliments each other — but does not “match” exactly.  Make sure you look like you’re both dressed for the same occasion.  Think about clothing that will age better over the years (i.e. opt for solid colors over patterns/prints). It’s ok to pass on solid white and black. Feel free to bring a change of clothing – the first outfit can be more dressy and the other more casual.

What if it’s rainy? Can I reschedule?

Believe it or not, some really great pictures and memories come from a rainy day photo shoot. An overcast sky is the easiest light to shoot in!  We’re still waiting for a couple to volunteer to wear bright yellow rain coats and rubber boots! However, if you feel heavy rain and wind doesn’t flatter you, we can reschedule.

Can I bring my dog and/or kids?

Of course!  We love to incoportate your kids and pets into your photo session. Be the judge of whether or not you’ll need a “handler” to come along to take care of the little guys while we focus on pictures of just the two of you. We’ve heard ice cream is nice treat afterwards!

Want to do something different?

Here are some ideas we have had for engagement sessions that no one has opted for yet — dare to be different!

Rainy Day Seattle – As mentioned earlier, We’d love to do session with rubber boots, umbrellas, and a colorful raincoat!

Picnic at the Park – Think editorial shoot: red checkered cloth in a basket while you feed each other grapes

Cooking or Baking – Let’s get some photos of the two of you baking cookies in your kitchen

Retro-style – Pick an era and we’ll put our brains together to match outfits & locations to it

Evening – After sunset, we’ll work with twinkle lights and urban lights

On The Water – Rent a canoe or pedal boat and we’ll get out on the water!

Snowman – Brrr… Let’s head on up to Snoqualmie and bring a carrot nose for the snowman you’ll build.

Balloons – Let’s incorporate a big bunch of balloons into the session. Not a fan of balloons? What about cotton candy, ice cream cones, a parasol, or other fun prop?

Where should we go?

The best idea is to hit your own “stomping ground.” What’s your favorite coffee shop in your neighborhood? We’ll start there and move around! Or where was you first date? What spots in Seattle have meaning to you? If that’s not going to work out, here is a short list of some of our favorite locations to shoot Engagement Photos.  We have organized them into three categories to help you quickly select the location that fits your style.  We suggest picking two locations in different categories to give the largest variety in options. These are also great spots for bridal sessions, trash-the-dress, or locations for portraits on the day of your wedding. If you have any other ideas, drop a comment below!

Park/Landscape Locations

University of Washington Arboretum – floral, cherry trees in the spring, and greenery - example engagement at the Arboretum
Greenlake Park – lake with greenery and trees; lots of color in the fall
Discovery Park  – open fields and water views – example engagement at Discovery Park
Kerry Park and Parsons Garden – Space Needle view and floral/greenery – example engagement at Kerry Park
Ballard Locks – floral gardens, greenery, and trees - example engagement at Ballard Locks
Volunteer Park – greenery, Space Needle view, and brick watertower - example engagement at Volunteer Park

Urban/Industrial Locations

Pike’s Place Market  – “postcard” landmark photo opps, but too busy on summer weekends - example engagement at Pikes Place Market
Occidental Park – historic Pioneer Square brick buildings, urban greenery, fire station, and waterfall
University of Washington Campus – beautiful cherry blossoms in late March / early April – example engagement at UW Campus
Lake Union Park - water views, docks, landscape, and urban streets + the center for wooden boats nearby
Seattle Center – nearby EMP, sculptures, and landscape
Gasworks Park – city views, grassy areas, trees, and industrial features – example engagement at Gasworks
SAM Olympic Sculpture Park – beach, landscape, trees, sculptures, and nearby urban areas + railroad tracks - example engagement at Olympic Sculpture Park
University Village – outdoor shopping area - example engagement at Gasworks
Seattle Public Library - a great indoor option for rainy days! - example engagement at Seattle Public Library
Sodo Industrial area – graffiti, brick, and bright colored walls
Capital Hill – urban areas
Fremont – urban areas, water front, and a blue bridge

Beach/Waterfront Locations

Carkeek Park – at low tide the beach is large and beautiful
Alki Beach – view of the Seattle Skyline + grassy areas
Golden Gardens Park - one of the only sandy beaches in Seattle! - example engagement at Golden Gardens
Southlake Union Park – water views, grassy areas, docks, urban areas, and wooden boats
Madrona Park on Lake Washington - beach plus natural landscapes