Golden light in the trees, tall grass wide shots, sunset on the beach, and a champagne pop to finish


Some sessions are special because the location is iconic. Others are special because the couple is pure joy to photograph. This one was both, and then it had an extra layer on top.


Working with Sarah and Philip meant a lot to me because our families have known each other for a long time. My dad filmed a ton of their birthdays over the years, so showing up to photograph this chapter of their story felt full circle in the best way.


Before the session, I had their family over for dinner so we could talk through wedding details and what they wanted their engagement photos to feel like. Originally we were considering a trip out to Moclips for coastal vibes, but we ended up realizing something simple: we can get beach, tall grass, and that “PNW nature” feel right here in Seattle. Discovery Park is one of those places that lets you do a lot without needing a road trip.


If you’re early in planning and want more examples of Seattle sessions, you can browse my engagement galleries here: Seattle Engagement Photos | Galleries & Ideas and then reach out when you’re ready: Contact

Romantic couple embraces in golden autumn sunlight during outdoor photoshoot.

Why Discovery Park is one of my favorite engagement locations in Seattle


Discovery Park is basically a cheat code for engagement photos in the city. You’ve got forest pockets, open meadow vibes, dramatic wide space, and then the beach all in one location. It’s perfect for couples who want variety but don’t want to spend the whole session driving around.


For Sarah and Philip, it was exactly the mix we wanted. We could start surrounded by trees and golden light, then move into tall grass for wide, cinematic shots, and finish at the water for sunset.


If you’re planning your own session and want help picking a location that fits your style, that’s part of what I do in every booking. You can read more about how I approach engagement sessions here: Seattle Engagement Photography Packages and Engagement Pricing in Seattle + Washington.


Their energy made the whole session easy (especially Philip’s goofiness)


Sarah and Philip have infectious energy, and Philip in particular has that goofy, playful vibe that instantly relaxes the whole shoot. I love couples like that because the photos never feel stiff. The session turns into a real experience instead of a checklist.


The best part is that this kind of energy creates natural moments on its own. I’ll give direction when needed, but when two people are genuinely having fun, the best photos happen in the in-between seconds. The laughing, the little looks, the way someone reaches for the other person without thinking about it. That’s the good stuff.

A couple and their golden retriever walk through a scenic meadow at sunset near evergreen trees.

We started in the upper park and found magic within ten steps


We began up in the upper area of Discovery Park, and we didn’t even have to walk ten steps before we found this incredible arch of trees. The sun was peeking through in the most perfect way. It felt like the park was doing half my job for me.


That’s one of the reasons I love Discovery Park for engagement photos in Seattle. You don’t have to force it. You can walk a short distance and find a scene that looks intentional and elevated without needing to overthink it.

We took advantage of that light right away and got a mix of photos that felt romantic and clean. Then we started moving into the tall grass.

A path winds through a scenic garden with flowering trees and natural foliage.
A romantic couple embraces on a sunlit path surrounded by blooming spring trees and white blossoms.
A romantic couple embraces under blooming spring trees during an intimate outdoor photoshoot.
A couple embraces in a romantic moment surrounded by blooming spring trees and natural light.
Romantic couple embraces on a wooded path surrounded by blooming spring trees and dappled sunlight.
Couple shares tender moments along a nature trail with flowering trees creating a magical spring backdrop.
A couple shares romantic moments among blooming spring trees in a natural outdoor setting.

Tall grass wide shots that feel epic without leaving Seattle


This is where the session really opened up. Once we hit the tall grass areas, everything felt bigger. We got those wide shots that feel cinematic and story-driven, while still keeping things natural.


I always want my couples to have a gallery that feels like a complete story, not just a series of close-ups. Wide photos matter because they set the scene. They show where you were, what it felt like, and they give the whole session breathing room.


Sarah and Philip looked incredible out there, and the combination of their energy plus the environment made it easy to create a mix of fun, romantic, and slightly editorial images all in the same stretch of the park.


If you want to see how I photograph couples across Seattle and Washington in different environments, my portfolio is a good place to start: Washington Photography Portfolio and Wedding Portfolio Seattle + Washington.

A couple stands together in a golden meadow at sunset with evergreen trees in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment in a golden sunlit field during sunset.
A romantic couple embraces in a sunlit field wearing white and floral clothing during an intimate photoshoot.
A series of romantic outdoor photos showing tender moments between a couple in warm sunlight.
Close up view of hands embroidering colorful floral patterns on white fabric using needle and thread.
A couple stands together in a golden meadow with evergreen trees in the background during sunset.
A couple walks through a golden autumn field at sunset with tall grass and trees in the background.
A couple sits together on grassy hill during golden hour autumn photoshoot in a park.
Golden autumn trees line a peaceful walking path in a natural park setting during sunset.
Romantic couple embraces in golden sunlight while wearing white shirt and floral dress during outdoor photo session.
A hand with an engagement ring is raised against a bright blue sky background.
Close up of hands reaching towards each other against blurred autumn foliage background.
A couple walks hand in hand along a serene nature trail surrounded by evergreen trees at dusk.
A panoramic view of a rural landscape with evergreen trees and autumn foliage against a cloudy sky.
A couple embraces in a tender moment outdoors during golden hour while wearing white and floral attire.
A tree-lined pathway at sunset creates a golden silhouette against the warm evening sky.
A couple embraces and spins joyfully in a park at sunset among bare trees.
A couple holds hands while walking together on a path during golden hour sunset.

Sunset on the beach and Rainier showed up for us


After the meadow photos, we headed down to the beach for sunset. And yes, Rainier was out.

If you’ve lived in Seattle long enough, you know how that goes. Some days you can’t see it at all, and other days it shows up like it’s trying to be included in the photos. This was one of those days, so of course we had to take advantage.


I shot a lot of this portion on my 70–200. I love that lens for beach sessions because it gives you that compression that makes the mountain feel like it’s right there. It’s a simple trick that can completely change the feel of a photo. The background looks huge and intentional, and the couple still stays the focus.

This is also why I recommend sunset sessions to so many couples. You get softer light, calmer energy, and a more romantic feel without trying too hard.

Romantic couple embraces on a rocky beach overlooking calm blue waters and distant mountains at sunset.
Scenic coastal engagement photo session with Mount Rainier and Puget Sound views in Seattle.
West Point Lighthouse stands majestically on rocky shores against a pastel sunset sky in Seattle, Washington.
West Point Lighthouse in Seattle stands against a cloudy sky with its white tower and brown trim at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces and laughs together during a sunset photoshoot outdoors.
A couple shares an intimate embrace during golden hour, with the person wearing a white shirt hugging their partner in a floral dress.

Ending the night with a champagne pop (and a perfectly fitting label)


We finished the session with a champagne pop using a bottle labeled “Do Epic Shit,” and honestly it felt extremely on brand for them. Sarah and Philip are the kind of people who want to do epic things with their lives. That label was basically a summary of their energy.


The champagne pop also gave us a fun “finale” moment. Something playful to end the session on, and it always creates real reactions. No stiff posing. Just a genuine moment to celebrate this season of life.

A dark textured background with scattered coffee beans and a small tag creates a rustic coffee-themed composition.
Couple in white outfits sharing romantic moments on a beach at sunset with wine glasses.
A joyful couple celebrates with champagne outdoors, showing off a ring in a series of candid engagement photos.
A couple celebrates with champagne on a beach at sunset with driftwood and a lighthouse in the background.
A hand wearing an engagement ring is held up against a dark background.
Couple stands together at sunset near a lighthouse on a rocky coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.
Couple celebrates with champagne at sunset near a lighthouse on rocky coastal cliffs.
A couple enjoys champagne together near a lighthouse on rocky coastal terrain at sunset.
A couple poses with champagne glasses in front of West Point Lighthouse on a rocky beach at sunset.
A romantic couple shares intimate moments by the ocean during a sunset photoshoot series.
A romantic couple embraces on a beach at sunset wearing white outfits for their engagement or wedding photos.
A romantic couple embraces in a tender moment against a soft outdoor backdrop during a wedding photoshoot.
Lighthouse on rocky breakwater with red roof against cloudy sky at sunset in West Seattle.
A series of sunset photos showing colorful skies with silhouettes of mountains and birds in flight.

Planning your own Discovery Park engagement session in Seattle


If you’re considering Discovery Park for your engagement photos, here are a few things I’d recommend:


Start in the upper park first.

The trees and trails up top can give you that golden light look if timing is right.


Build in time for the tall grass portion.

This is where your gallery gets those wide, epic images that feel very PNW.


Finish at the beach near sunset.

It’s calmer, softer light, and you get a completely different vibe from the forest and meadow.


Be flexible with weather.

Seattle does what Seattle does. Sometimes you get Rainier, sometimes you get moody clouds, and both can look incredible.


If you want help planning your session from start to finish, that’s exactly what I do. Start by browsing my engagement work here: Engagements and then send me a message here: Contact Weddings by Andre.


And if you’re also actively wedding planning, you can check out my main site and wedding pricing pages here:

Weddings by Andre Home and Wedding Photography Packages Seattle + Washington

A couple in white outfits walking along a rocky beach with a lighthouse in the background at sunset.