Discovery Park Engagement: A Soft and Romantic Summer Engagement Session

There’s something incredibly calming about a summer engagement session filled with soft, neutral tones—especially when it takes place at Discovery Park. This session was a perfect reminder that sunshine isn’t required for beautiful photos. The slightly overcast skies gave us the most even, flattering light, and the entire experience felt relaxed, comfortable, and effortless.

As a Seattle engagement photographer, Discovery Park is hands down my favorite location, and sessions like this are exactly why.

Neutral Tones That Felt Timeless and Effortless

The couple chose a palette of soft, neutral colors for their engagement photos, and it could not have worked better for the setting. The tones blended beautifully with the coastal landscape, grassy fields, and muted summer greens, creating images that feel timeless rather than trendy.

Neutral outfits are always a favorite recommendation of mine—especially for Discovery Park—because they allow the scenery and the couple’s connection to take center stage. Everything felt calm, cohesive, and very true to who they are.

Two Outfits, Endless Variety

One thing I especially loved about this session was the couple’s choice to wear two outfits: one casual and one dressy. This is something I always encourage as a Seattle engagement photographer, because it adds so much versatility to your final gallery.

Their casual looks felt relaxed and natural—perfect for wandering through the grassy fields and along the park’s trails. The dressier outfits brought a more elevated, romantic feel near the water. Having both options means couples walk away with a gallery that feels well-rounded, giving them more flexibility for save-the-dates, wedding websites, framed prints, and albums.

It’s a simple choice that makes a big difference.

A Seattle Proposal with the Perfect Surprise

Their proposal story feels so perfectly them—and so perfectly Seattle.

They were in the middle of planning a Friendsgiving when, on the day of the proposal, one of her friends took her out under the guise of running errands for the dinner later that evening. What she thought was a simple day of preparation quickly turned into something much more meaningful.

Her friend drove her to Queen Anne, and she assumed they were picking up another friend in the neighborhood. Instead, when they arrived at Kerry Park, John was waiting for her—with one of the best views in the city behind him. It was there, overlooking Seattle’s skyline, that he proposed.

It was thoughtful, personal, and such a beautiful surprise—one that made their engagement feel deeply connected to the city they love.

Overcast Skies (and Why They’re a Win)

The day of their engagement session was lightly overcast, which honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. No harsh shadows, no squinting, and no one overheating in the summer sun. Instead, the light was soft and forgiving, allowing us to focus on movement, connection, and candid moments.

Seattle’s moody skies are one of its secret strengths, and sessions like this highlight why. The photos feel romantic, airy, and natural—exactly what so many couples hope for when they book a Seattle engagement photographer.

Discovery Park’s Endless Backdrops (and Wild Sweet Peas)

We explored several of Discovery Park’s most iconic backdrops, moving easily between open grassy fields, coastal views near the water, and quieter tucked-away paths. One of the highlights of the session was finding the wild sweet peas still in bloom—thank goodness for good timing.

Those soft pops of color added texture and interest while still complementing the neutral outfits perfectly. It’s one of the many reasons Discovery Park continues to be my favorite place to photograph engagement sessions—there’s always something special waiting to be discovered.

Engagement Photos with the Wedding Day in Mind

This couple’s wedding took place at Port Gamble, and their engagement session felt like a beautiful preview of the energy they brought to their wedding day—thoughtful, relaxed, and grounded in connection.

Engagement sessions are about more than just photos. They’re about getting comfortable in front of the camera, learning how to move together naturally, and creating images that feel like you. This session did exactly that.

As a Seattle engagement photographer, moments like these—soft light, meaningful locations, thoughtful styling, and genuine connection—are what make engagement sessions so special. If you’re drawn to natural tones, effortless beauty, and locations that offer endless variety, Discovery Park will always be one of my top recommendations in Seattle.