For many couples, an engagement session is the first time they’re photographed together in a way that feels intentional and unhurried. Most arrive with a mix of excitement and a quiet question in the background: Will this feel natural?
That’s completely expected.
I see engagement sessions as something deeper than photos. They’re a chance to slow down, build trust, and experience what it feels like to be together in front of the camera — without pressure — before your wedding day arrives.
What to Wear (So You Can Relax Into the Moment)
What you wear matters less than how you feel in it.
The most important thing is comfort. When your clothing allows you to move easily and feel like yourself, your body softens — and that ease comes through in the images.
Choose pieces that reflect your personality:
- If you love timeless, understated looks, a flowing dress or tailored layers in natural tones feel effortless and elegant.
- If you’re playful and expressive, color, texture, and meaningful accessories are welcome — they bring energy and joy into the session.
I recommend choosing two outfits:
- One more casual
- One slightly more elevated
It gives variety and lets the session unfold like two experiences in one.
Earthy tones — beige, sage, olive, sand, camel, soft browns — photograph beautifully in the Pacific Northwest and work especially well in natural settings. I’ve created a Pinterest board with outfit inspiration and color palettes if you’d like a visual starting point.
If you’re planning to use your engagement photos for save-the-dates or your wedding website, we can also gently align the colors with your overall wedding aesthetic.
And if you’re ever unsure — I’m always happy to help you decide.
Choosing a Location That Feels Like You
Location sets the tone, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. The best places are the ones that allow you to breathe, move, and be present with each other.
Here are a few directions couples are often drawn to:
Waterfall & River Energy
Franklin Falls, Wallace Falls, Twin Falls, Snoqualmie Falls
Urban & Architectural
Ballard Avenue, Pike Place Market, Washington State Ferry, downtown rooftops, studio rentals, Kerry Park, Queen Anne, Gas Works Park
Forest & Trail Feel
Discovery Park, Carkeek Park, Rattlesnake Ledge, Heybrook Ridge
Mountain & Open Views
Gold Creek Pond, Rattlesnake Lake, Hurricane Ridge
Lakes & Shorelines
Green Lake, Seward Park, Lake 22, Gold Creek Pond
Coastal & Beachy
Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, Carkeek Park, Deception Pass, Pocket Beach
If you’d like guidance, I often suggest locations like Discovery Park, Rattlesnake Lake, North Bend, or Hurricane Ridge — places that offer beauty without distraction and allow the experience to unfold naturally.
What the Session Will Feel Like
You won’t be asked to pose or perform.
My approach is gentle and documentary-inspired. I’ll guide you into simple movement — walking, pausing, standing close, breathing together — and then step back.
The camera fades quickly. What remains is how you feel together.
Many couples tell me afterward that the session felt grounding — like a pause in the middle of planning, a reminder of why they chose each other in the first place.
And that ease carries directly into the wedding day.
