Bellingham Engagement At Larabee State Park

Savannah and Arne’s Bellingham engagement session was one of those Bellingham evenings that felt like it belonged in a movie—soft light, ocean views, and a couple who couldn’t stop laughing together. We decided to spend the day at Larrabee State Park, just outside Bellingham, and it was the perfect choice. Set on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain, Larrabee is Washington’s very first state park, known for its “postcard views” of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands, rocky shoreline, and incredible sunsets. It’s one of those places where the mountains meet the sea, and every direction you look feels like a painting.

We started their session wandering the trails and overlooks at Larrabee State Park, with the trees opening up to glimpses of the water below. As the afternoon unfolded, we made our way down toward the viewpoints where you can watch the sun slowly sink into the bay. Larrabee has over 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline and some of the dreamiest spots for watching the light change over the islands. By the time sunset rolled around, the sky was glowing and the water was catching every color—gold, peach, and soft blue. It was the perfect backdrop for their photos and for their story.

During their Bellingham engagement, we captured the couple sharing special moments that reflected their unique bond.

Savannah and Arne met back in high school, and you can feel that long history between them. There’s a comfort and familiarity in the way they move together—a blend of best friends and soulmates that’s really beautiful to witness. They’re such a fun, silly couple; there was no shortage of goofy moments, inside jokes, and bursts of laughter during the session. But there’s also this deeply romantic, tender side to them that shows up in the quiet moments—like when they thought I wasn’t really shooting and they’d just pull each other close and sway a little while watching the waves. It’s fun to watch that balance of playful and deeply in love, and it makes photographing them such a joy.

This Bellingham engagement session showcased their authentic connection as they enjoyed laughter and love in the breathtaking surroundings.

One of the things I love most about sessions at Larrabee State Park is how much variety you can get in one place. The park spans more than 2,700 acres on the western side of Chuckanut Mountain and includes forested trails, rocky bluffs, tidepools, and quiet little coves along Samish Bay. We took full advantage of that—starting in the trees, then heading out to the open viewpoints where the cliffs drop down to the water. As the wind picked up near the bluffs, Savannah’s hair and dress caught the breeze in the best way, adding just the right amount of movement to their images.

As we explored, I noted how the Bellingham engagement atmosphere added to the romance of their session.

Throughout the day, we talked a lot about their plans for the future. After the wedding, Savannah is headed to optometry school, which I love so much for her. It’s such a big, exciting step, and you can tell how proud Arne is of her and how ready he is to stand by her side through this next chapter. There’s something extra special about photographing couples who are on the edge of so many big life changes—marriage, new cities, new careers. Their engagement photos at Larrabee felt like a little pause in time, a chance to breathe and soak in this in-between season before everything shifts into the next gear.

These moments together during their Bellingham engagement made for beautiful photographs.

As sunset got closer, we made our way to a lookout point that stretches out over the ocean. Larrabee State Park is famous for its sunsets over Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands, and that evening absolutely lived up to the reputation. The sky softened into layers of color, and the water turned to glass. Savannah and Arne stood together at the edge, silhouetted against the light, and it was one of those quiet, cinematic moments I wish I could bottle up.

With the stunning sunset, this Bellingham engagement allowed for incredible opportunities to capture their love.

What I loved most about this session was how fully Savannah and Arne leaned into being themselves. They weren’t trying to look “perfect” or overly posed; they were just present—teasing each other, holding hands, getting a little emotional when they talked about the future, and taking in the view together. That’s the magic of a place like Larrabee State Park: it invites you to slow down, breathe, and really feel where you are and who you’re with.

Every detail of the Bellingham engagement added depth to their story, making it truly special.

By the time the sun slipped behind the islands and the last bit of light faded from the sky, it felt like we’d packed a whole day of memories into a few hours—laughing on the trails, standing on the cliffs, watching that incredible sunset over the water.

As we concluded their Bellingham engagement session, it was clear that they had created lasting memories.

Savannah and Arne’s engagement session at Larrabee State Park was such a sweet glimpse into who they are as a couple—fun and silly, deeply romantic, endlessly supportive of each other, and excited for the big adventures ahead. I left that evening with a full memory card and an even fuller heart, so grateful I get to be the one to document this chapter of their story.

Savannah and Arne’s Bellingham engagement was a beautiful expression of their love and excitement for the future. In reflecting on their Bellingham engagement, I felt fortunate to capture such authentic moments.