Semiahmoo Engagement: A Fall Engagement

This fall engagement session was styled by the fantastic women at Fringe in Bellingham, and I’m still thinking about how beautifully everything came together. If you didn’t already know, Fringe Boutique in downtown Bellingham offers engagement session styling — and it’s truly one of the best-kept secrets for couples who want to feel confident, polished, and completely themselves in front of the camera.

During the semiahmoo engagement session, the couple felt at ease thanks to the styling by Fringe.

Shamralee went into the boutique and had all of her outfits styled by the Fringe team, which made such a difference. Instead of stressing about what to wear or second-guessing choices, she was able to trust professionals who understand how clothing photographs, how pieces work together, and how to elevate a look without it feeling forced or overly styled. That confidence always shows up in photos.

I’ve never fully understood how Instagram works, but I’ll forever be grateful for it because it’s how Shamralee found me. From the very beginning, getting to know these two felt easy and natural, and photographing their engagement session at Semiahmoo Resort felt like the perfect fit for who they are together.

The semiahmoo engagement photos captured their love perfectly against the stunning backdrop.

Semiahmoo Resort is one of my absolute favorite places for engagement sessions in the Pacific Northwest. There’s so much variety in one location — open green spaces, water views, quiet paths, and of course, the beach. I especially love photographing couples near the water, which might be because I’m a California girl at heart. There’s something grounding and romantic about the shoreline that always slows things down and allows couples to really settle into the moment.

Choosing Semiahmoo Resort for their engagement was a decision that highlighted their unique story.

One of the biggest gifts of this session was the weather. It was an overcast fall day, and honestly, that’s ideal for photos. Overcast light is soft, even, and incredibly flattering. There are no harsh shadows, no squinting, and skin tones photograph beautifully. The colors feel richer and more true to life, and the overall mood becomes timeless and romantic rather than high-contrast or overly bright.

This day became memorable not just as an engagement, but as a semiahmoo engagement experience.

When couples worry about cloudy days, I always remind them that some of the most beautiful engagement photos happen under soft gray skies. This session was the perfect example of that — calm, cozy, and effortlessly beautiful.

Even under gray skies, the semiahmoo engagement was a beautiful experience.

Styling played a huge role in how cohesive and elevated this session felt. For engagement sessions, I always recommend choosing colors that photograph well and complement the environment rather than compete with it. Earthy tones, soft neutrals, rich fall colors, and muted hues tend to work best. Think deep greens, warm browns, creams, soft grays, rust, and subtle patterns. These tones add depth without pulling attention away from connection and emotion.

Choosing clothing for their semiahmoo engagement added to the day’s joyful atmosphere.

Shamralee’s outfits were a perfect balance of texture and color — nothing too busy, nothing too trendy. That’s one of the reasons working with a styling boutique like Fringe can be so helpful. They understand how fabrics move, how layers add interest, and how outfits photograph from every angle. It allows couples to feel like the best version of themselves without feeling like they’re wearing a costume.

Textured outfits during the semiahmoo engagement contributed to the visual storytelling.

Engagement sessions aren’t about perfection — they’re about presence. They’re about slowing down, getting comfortable together, and creating space to just be before the whirlwind of wedding planning takes over. Sessions like this one at Semiahmoo Resort remind me why location, styling, and light matter — not for the sake of aesthetics alone, but because they create an environment where couples can relax and connect naturally.

Every semiahmoo engagement session I photograph reflects the couple’s authenticity.

Between the overcast sky, the calm water, and the thoughtful styling, everything came together in a way that felt honest and effortless. This session felt less like a photoshoot and more like an afternoon spent together, walking, talking, laughing, and enjoying a place that invites you to slow down.

A great semiahmoo engagement allows couples to be themselves, reflecting their personal connection.

Semiahmoo Resort continues to be one of my favorite spots for engagement photos because it offers so much variety without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and timeless — the kind of place that allows your story to unfold naturally. And when you pair a location like that with great styling and soft fall light, the result is something that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

The essence of their love during this semiahmoo engagement was palpable and inspiring.

This session was a perfect reminder that you don’t need perfect weather or complicated plans to create meaningful engagement photos. Sometimes, all you need is a beautiful place, thoughtful styling, and the willingness to show up as you are.

The simplicity of the day made the semiahmoo engagement truly special.

A quick outfit change for more photos.  I loved these colors, especially for their fall engagement.