A moody, windswept winter ferry ride
Cameron and Amanda’s Seattle engagement photos perfectly encapsulate the romance, moodiness, and rich storytelling you get from a city by the sea.
All photos by Voyage and Vine.
Starting at Lincoln Park
We knew we wanted to take the Fauntleroy Ferry to Vashon Island, which gave us the perfect opportunity for some fun, wintery photos at Lincoln Park. The fall colors were making their final gasp, which gave us just the slightest hint of orange pops to play with.
Running to the ferry
Honestly, I can’t imagine taking Seattle engagement photos without involving a ferry. Something about the lapping waves, smell of the sea, strong breeze, and stories you can tell about every passenger just screams “this belongs in a movie.” We used this opportunity to live out our best Grey’s-Anatomy-meets-Titanic dreams for these photos.
What to wear for your Seattle engagement photos
For Seattle engagement photos, what you wear should feel grounded, earthy, and a little tactile -something that belongs in the mist and evergreens rather than standing apart. Knits, wool, and soft layers photograph beautifully here. Think ribbed sweaters, brushed wool coats, relaxed tailoring, and pieces with visible weave. These textures catch light gently, adding depth without pulling focus. Neutral tones work best in this landscape: warm creams, stone, oatmeal, charcoal, soft black, muted olive.
I am also OBSESSED with the detail on Amanda’s dress; the scarf so beautifully caught the wind and added the perfect amount of drama to an otherwise classic fit.
In the fall and winter months, layering is your advantage. A wool coat over a knit, a scarf with subtle texture, leather boots with a worn-in feel – all of it adds movement and flexibility without looking styled for the sake of it. Skip anything overly crisp or high-contrast; this light is soft and forgiving, and your clothes should be too. Try not to match each other perfectly, but to live in the same visual world. When your clothing feels comfortable, tactile, and true to how you move through the city, the photos follow suit.
Planning Seattle engagement photos
A ferry engagement shoot offers ample storytelling opportunities. The waiting, the crossing, the quiet movement between places all becomes part of the story. Walking on is almost always simpler: fewer logistics, more flexibility, and the freedom to move easily between decks. You can drive on, but it adds layers – loading times, unloading priority, etc. For photos, walk-on usually wins.
Timing also matters. Early morning and late afternoon sailings tend to be the calmest visually. Morning ferries bring softer light, and fewer crowds, especially on weekdays. Late afternoon into early evening can be beautiful too, but it’s best to avoid peak commuter hours. The best sessions offer enough time to and space to walk, talk, and forget that you’re being photographed at all.
