Oak Harbor Engagement

This Oak Harbor engagement session with Colin and Devon was such a fun one for me—and it reminded me just how much I love being by the water. I’ve always felt at home on the beach, and this day in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island had that perfect mix of salty air, soft light, and a couple who couldn’t stop laughing together.

From the very beginning, Colin and Devon were so easy to photograph. They have this playful, affectionate energy that comes through in every frame—lots of inside jokes, genuine laughter, and sweet little in-between moments. An Oak Harbor engagement session like this is exactly why I love what I do: two people completely comfortable with each other, in a place that feels relaxed and real.

Oak Harbor is the largest city on Whidbey Island, tucked up in Island County, and it has such a classic Pacific Northwest coastal feel. Think harbors, marinas, parks along the shoreline, and beaches where the tide stretches way out at low tide. We spent most of this Oak Harbor engagement session on the beach, with the water and sky wrapping around them in every direction. Places like Windjammer Park and the surrounding shoreline offer those wide-open views, walking paths, and sandy stretches that are perfect for wandering with bare feet and a camera in hand.

One of the things I loved most about this Oak Harbor engagement session was how stylish Devon was. She showed up in outfits that were both chic and comfortable—pieces that moved beautifully in the wind and worked so well with the colors of the beach. Soft neutrals, airy fabrics, and layers that caught the breeze made everything look so effortless. If you’re planning your own Oak Harbor engagement session, Devon is a great example of how to do it right: choose outfits you feel amazing in, that complement the landscape rather than compete with it.

When Devon first emailed me and mentioned that they wanted to include Colin’s jet in their session, I was instantly excited. Oak Harbor is a proud military town and home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, so incorporating that part of their story felt really special. I had never photographed anything quite like that before, and I loved the idea of blending something so bold and powerful with soft, romantic portraits of the two of them. We started our Oak Harbor engagement session at the beach and then moved to the jet, letting the wind work its magic with Devon’s hair and outfits as Colin stood beside her in uniform and casual looks.

It was a little windy that morning—very on-brand for Whidbey Island—but honestly, I think it made the photos even better. The wind added movement and personality to the images, from Devon’s hair blowing around her face to the way her dress and layers flowed as they walked along the sand. Whenever I’m photographing an Oak Harbor engagement session, I secretly hope for a bit of breeze; it gives everything that dynamic, cinematic feel you just can’t fake.

What really made this Oak Harbor engagement session so special, though, was Colin and Devon themselves. They’re one of those couples whose connection is obvious within minutes: the way they look at each other, the way they tease and then soften, and the way they slip so naturally into little moments of affection. Nothing about their session felt stiff or posed. We walked, talked, laughed, and let the session unfold as the morning went on, with plenty of time for them to just be themselves.

As we wrapped up, we talked about their upcoming wedding and how excited I was to see them again. At the time of this Oak Harbor engagement session, they were planning a summer celebration at Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands—another one of my all-time favorite places in Washington. You all know how much I love it there. Getting to photograph their love story from this coastal Oak Harbor engagement session all the way to their island wedding felt like such an incredible gift. (You can actually see their beautiful Roche Harbor wedding here: Devon & Colin – Roche Harbor Wedding Photographer.)

If you’re dreaming about your own Oak Harbor engagement session, here are a few quick tips inspired by Colin and Devon’s day:

• Choose outfits that move well in the wind and complement the beach tones—think soft neutrals, denim, and airy fabrics.
• Embrace the breeze. Wind is part of the charm on Whidbey Island, and it can add so much life to your photos.
• Mix locations if you can—start at the beach, then wander into town, the marina, or a spot that ties into your story, just like Colin’s jet did for them.
• Most importantly, focus on each other. The best images from any Oak Harbor engagement session come from those unscripted, genuine moments.

Looking back on this Oak Harbor engagement session with Colin and Devon, what stands out to me most is the combination of place and personality: the calm of the beach, the history and pride of Oak Harbor, and a couple who clearly adore each other. It’s the kind of session that stays with you long after you’ve packed up your camera—and it makes me so grateful for this work and the stories I get to tell along the way.