Golden Hour Engagement Session in the San Juan Islands

Some sessions feel like an absolute DREAM while you’re living them—and this golden hour session, captured as a San Juan Islands engagement photographer, at Cattle Point Lighthouse was exactly that. Set on what feels like the edge of the world, with sweeping views of the sea and the iconic lighthouse behind us, this engagement shoot had all the elements my soul lives for: wildflowers, stunning lighting, true emotion, and a couple whose love practically radiated through my lens.

The Journey to Cattle Point

This session marked my first-ever shoot in the San Juan Islands, and the journey itself was an adventure. I ended my night prior to the session in Yakima at my parents’ house by staying up until 3 AM, in an attempt to be able to sleep in later in anticipation of a LONG day ahead. Unfortunately, my sweet fur baby, Forrest, had other ideas, so less than 5 hours later, I was fully awake. After breakfast and getting ready hit the road around 12:30 PM running on pure adrenaline and excitement. Don’t worry though, folks, I grabbed caffeine in the form of a good old fashioned flavored red bull on my way out.

The route took me through Seattle, up to Everett, and then to the Anacortes ferry terminal. The ferry ride to Friday Harbor? Absolutely stunning—and also longer (and pricier) than expected: about $80 round-trip and closer to 1.5 hours each way. But honestly? Totally worth every penny. Just make sure that if you’re a photographer or tourist, that you account for this when planning any travel there.

Liz + Kendall’s Windswept Romance

Liz and Kendall flew in from Los Angeles for their engagement session and absolutely brought the magic with them. We planned to initially start shooting around 7 PM, but unfortunately, I ended up with an even with the longer-than-expected ferry ride. Luckily, I arrived right in the perfect time to catch golden hour at its peak, before the sun dipped below the horizon.

Though most of the island was calm and still as can be (no breeze, at all!), the side where Cattle Point Lighthouse stands had incredibly strong coastal winds. Poor Liz was absolutely freezing—but you’d never know it. She powered through like a total pro, and the two of them made the most of every moment. As a fellow photographer, Liz knew exactly how to be present while trusting me to lead, and in the end, we captured stunning photos they’ll be able to cherish for a lifetime.

Spring Wildflowers + Fox Cubs? Yes, Please.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the timing of this session couldn’t have been better. If you’re dreaming of an engagement session in the San Juan Islands surrounded by spring wildflowers, I highly recommend late April or early May. Since it was also a bit chillier being in the Spring, there really wasn’t any other foot traffic or people to need to stress about. This made this location even a little bit better.

On the way out, we noticed a group of photographers camped out near a field. I assumed it was a styled shoot or content day, but no—it was a group of wildlife photographers capturing a fox and her cub playing in the wild. This unexpected, magical moment only added to the surreal vibe of the whole evening.

Planning Your San Juan Islands Engagement Session

Thinking about booking your own destination session in the San Juans? Here’s what I recommend as a San Juan Islands engagement photographer who’s navigated the ferry, wind, and golden hour magic:

• Reserve your ferry in advance. This ferry especially books in advance. When you do, build in AT LEAST a 30-45-minute buffer from your arrival time to when your shoot begins.
• Pack layers—it may be warmer inland, but Cattle Point can be incredibly windy
• Golden hour is everything—shoot for that light!
• Spring (Late April, early May) = peak wildflower season. This means white, yellow and purple wildflowers EVERYWHERE 😍 It’s a photographer’s dream.
• Allow time to explore the island—it’s worth it. I will definitely be planning more trips out there.

Want to know more about how my process works or how to get started? Contact me here and let’s plan it out together! ❤️

Let’s Plan Your Destination Engagement Next

Whether you’re flying in from LA, Chicago, or beyond, if want your session to feel like an authentic representation of you and your story, I’ve got you. I’m here to help every step of the way. From ferry times and wind patterns, to what to wear, to the best golden hour glow, I’ll help you plan a seamless and unforgettable session tailored to your story.

📍 Serving the San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier, and destinations across the West Coast and beyond.