Any chance I get to work in the San Juan Islands feels like an absolute gift, and Melissa and Riley’s engagement session in Friday Harbor was no exception. There’s something about these islands — the quiet pace, the sweeping views, the salty air — that makes every session feel like a breath of fresh air. And photographing these two at the incredible Lime Kiln Point State Park made the day even more magical.

Lime Kiln Point, sometimes called “Whale Watch Park,” is one of the most iconic and scenic spots on San Juan Island. The rugged cliffs, historic lighthouse, deep blue water, and panoramic Salish Sea views create a setting that feels almost unreal. Whenever couples choose this location, I know we’re going to walk away with images that feel both intimate and wild — the kind of portraits that tell a story about love and place all at once.

For Melissa and Riley, this backdrop suited them perfectly. They have such an easy, joyful energy between them, and being surrounded by nature only brought that out even more. From the moment we started walking the paths, they fell into step naturally — holding hands, laughing, leaning into each other in that effortless way that comes from years of shared history.

One of the things I love most about photographing at Lime Kiln Point State Park is how much variety the location offers all within a short walk. We wandered between rocky shorelines, grassy overlooks, and spots framed by evergreens. The cliffs gave us those breathtaking ocean views, the lighthouse added its iconic charm, and the surrounding landscape wrapped them in that soft coastal light the Pacific Northwest is known for.

And because Lime Kiln is famously home to resident orca pods, I always keep my eyes peeled — I’ve seen whales here before during sessions, and it feels like the world’s most magical surprise when it happens. While we didn’t spot any this time, the possibility alone adds a sense of wonder to every moment.

As we moved through the park, Melissa and Riley settled into the kind of rhythm that makes an engagement session feel less like a photoshoot and more like a memory in the making. They climbed over driftwood, explored cliffside viewpoints, and were always up for any idea I threw at them. The wind caught Melissa’s hair in the prettiest way, and Riley never missed a chance to pull her close and make her laugh — those small gestures are always my favorite to photograph.

The late afternoon light gave everything a warm, golden glow — the water shimmered, the rocks softened, and the entire landscape felt peaceful. At one point, I stepped back just to take in the view: the two of them wrapped in a quiet moment, with the lighthouse in the distance and waves crashing against the cliffs below. It was one of those scenes that reminds me why I feel so blessed to work in this little corner of the world.

Melissa and Riley, thank you for choosing such a breathtaking location and for trusting me to capture your love. Your Friday Harbor engagement session was truly a joy, and documenting your connection against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Washington felt like an honor.

Congratulations to you both — I cannot wait to see where life takes you next.