A Seattle Surprise Proposal at Juanita Beach Park

Every once in a while, I get to photograph a moment so special and so meaningful that it feels almost unreal to be standing behind the camera. Sydney and Cole’s Seattle surprise proposal at Juanita Bay Park was one of those moments — the kind that stays with you long after you’ve delivered the gallery and moved on to the next project. This day was magic in every sense of the word, and being a part of it felt like the sweetest full-circle moment.

For those who don’t know, I’ve been photographing Sydney for years. I still remember when she was a high school senior in Bellingham, full of energy and dreams, and I had the privilege of documenting that season of her life. Watching her grow into the woman she is today has been such a joy. So when I found out that Cole was planning a proposal — and wanted my help — I didn’t hesitate for a second.

This wasn’t just any engagement session. It was a styled shoot turned proposal, a beautifully crafted surprise that Cole had been planning down to the very last detail. Sydney’s sister and I teamed up with him to coordinate everything, making sure the setup felt natural enough that Sydney wouldn’t suspect a thing, but still special enough to feel worthy of such a big moment. Cole was so thoughtful in every decision — from the location to the timing to the post-proposal celebration — and it was clear from the beginning how deeply he loves her.

We chose Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland as the perfect spot for this Seattle surprise proposal. If you’ve never been, it’s one of the most peaceful nature spaces in the area — with waterfront boardwalks, tall grasses that sway with the breeze, and soft light that hits just right, especially near sunset. It has that calm, romantic atmosphere that feels almost cinematic, and Cole knew it would be the perfect place to begin this next chapter with Sydney.

When they arrived, Sydney thought it was simply a styled shoot — something fun, something pretty, something she had done many times before. She had no idea what was actually waiting for her. As we walked along the boardwalk, I could see Cole getting more and more emotional, working up to the moment he would get down on one knee. You could feel the anticipation hanging in the air, that electric mix of nerves and excitement.

Then, in the middle of the tall grasses with the softest golden light behind them, Cole turned to her, took her hands, and dropped to one knee.

Sydney’s reaction was priceless — complete surprise, disbelief, and then overwhelming joy as she realized what was happening. Her hands flew to her face, tears welled up, and you could just see everything click into place. It was such a raw, real moment, the kind you can’t stage or predict, and I felt so honored to be the one documenting it.

After the sweetest “yes!” and a few quiet moments where they soaked it all in, we continued photographing around the park. The energy had completely shifted — everything was brighter, lighter, more sparkly. Sydney kept laughing and crying at the same time, and Cole could not stop smiling. That post-proposal glow is something I will never get tired of capturing.

But the surprises didn’t end there.

Cole had also planned a celebration with their closest family and friends. When we arrived at the second location, everyone was waiting — cheering, hugging, crying, and completely overjoyed for the two of them. It was the perfect ending to a perfect Seattle surprise proposal. The love in that room was palpable, and seeing Sydney so surrounded and supported made the moment feel even more meaningful.

As I packed up my camera at the end of the night, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful. Moments like this remind me why I love what I do. Watching someone I’ve known for so many years step into such a beautiful new chapter — and being trusted to document it — is one of the greatest honors of this job.

Sydney and Cole, thank you for letting me be part of your story. I cannot wait for your wedding. If this day was any indication, it’s going to be absolutely incredible.

Can’t wait for their wedding!