Sarah knew exactly what she didn't want.
Her proposal had been photographed by someone else. The photos were sweet, but the sky was blown out to white and the water looked flat and gray. For a girl with a Nantucket heart, that was a big deal. Blue water and a real sky weren't a nice-to-have. They were the whole point.
So when I showed her a waterfront wedding I photographed at the Seattle Tennis Club, she lit up:
"YES! This is exactly what I'm looking for!"
Friends, I got goosebumps.
A Nantucket summer, right here in Mukilteo
Sarah and Sam are getting married in summer 2027 at Semiahmoo Resort. That also happens to be where I got married, so yes, I'm already emotional about it.
Sarah's style is East Coast, old money, Nantucket all the way: crisp whites, classic tailoring and hydrangeas everywhere. We bonded instantly over two things: hydrangeas and Summer House. (If you know, you know.)
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park was the perfect match. A white clapboard lighthouse, a driftwood beach and wide-open water views. All the Cape Cod feels, no cross-country flight required.
Why we postponed (and why I'd do it again)
Our first date came in cloudy. Cloudy days can be gorgeous, but at the water they usually mean gray skies and gray water. That was exactly what Sarah didn't want.
So I suggested we move it. I want my couples to LOVE their photos, not just like them. We picked a new evening, and the sky showed up for us.
The dock that tried to take me out
The sky cooperated. The wind did not. There was a small craft advisory, and the boat launch dock was bucking around like a literal bronco.
While Sarah and Sam looked completely effortless, I was doing some very unflattering pliés in second position, trying to hold steady without pitching myself (and my camera) into the Sound.
But who cares? We got the shots. That sunset on the dock has been stopping people in their tracks on our Google profile, with more than 2,300 views and counting.
If you've seen the counter on my homepage, "100 times I almost fell in the water trying to get the shot," this session alone added another 10.
Two little white dresses, one easy outfit change
Sarah brought two outfits, both little white dresses: a flowy midi for the lighthouse and hydrangeas, then a short dress with tie shoulders for sunset. Sam's outfit change? With the blazer, then without the blazer. Men have it so good.
Shoes off, champagne up
By the end of the night we really let loose. Shoes came off, toes went in the water, and Sam carried Sarah right through the waves. Then we popped the champagne. The best photos almost always happen the moment everyone stops trying.
Sarah and Sam, I cannot wait for Semiahmoo. Bring the hydrangeas. I'll bring the hype.
Planning your own waterfront engagement session?
If blue water and a real sky matter to you, too, let's talk. I'll help you pick the spot, the timing and the backup plan, and I'll do the wobbly pliés so you don't have to. Book a complimentary consultation.
Tips for a Mukilteo Lighthouse Park engagement session
Book the hour before sunset. The park looks west over the water, so the last hour gives you that pink-and-gold glow on the dock. Start at the lighthouse while it's still bright, then work your way to the water.
Watch the forecast, and be willing to move. Flat gray clouds mean flat gray water. If blue water is the dream, pick a backup date when you book.
Check the wind, too. A small craft advisory means a bouncy dock and windswept hair. Sometimes that's magic. Just wear shoes you can stand in.
Come in summer for the hydrangeas. They bloom at the base of the lighthouse and make the most perfect Nantucket backdrop.
Bring two outfits. Something flowy for the lighthouse and gardens, something shorter and easier to move in for the beach.
Plan for bare feet. The beach is part sand, part pebbles and driftwood. Kick off your shoes for the last few shots.
Bring something to celebrate with. A bottle of champagne at the end makes for real, can't-fake-it laughs.
Give yourself time to park. The lot sits right next to the ferry terminal and there’s an abundance of parking. Plan a few extra minutes to pay fee’s and walk to our meeting spot.
