The perfect rainy Seattle ferryboat engagement photos
When I sat down with Katie and Cody to plan their engagement photos, there were two things they wanted to make sure I captured during their session: their whimsical love for one another and their love for Seattle. Having recently moved to the PNW area, like myself, they wanted their photos to embody all that makes this rainy little corner of the US so incredibly romantic, dreamy, and down-to-earth beautiful. Beyond the magical, lush forests of the Olympic National Park and sublime, expansive views of the Cascade mountain range, downtown Seattle posses a one-of-a-kind urban beauty that rivals any other city.
And what could be more Seattle than a rainy ferryboat ride across the Puget Sound?
Windswept and in love on the West Coast
In true Seattleite fashion, we grabbed some coffees while we waited for our ferryboat to Bremerton to arrive and they shared more about their love story. Having spent the last decade together, they’ve both grown so much in the time they’ve shared—both individually and as a couple. They’ve been there for each other through the highs and lows of life: career changes, passion projects, health challenges, moving states, becoming paw-rents, and buying their first home. It hasn’t always been easy or beautiful, but their love for each other is real and honest and full of compassion and adoration. Katie and Cody are, in the truest sense of the word, partners. And they still look at each other with the sweetest love, like they still get butterflies.
As we boarded the ferry, we picked a cozy booth away from the crowds and the lovebirds snuggled up looking out at the cityscape. Though it was overcast, we could still see the Seattle Great Wheel and Space Needle in the distance. The buzz of the city was all around us as the ferry slowly pulled away from the coastline and into the open waters.
Once we were well on our way, we decided it was time to brave the rain and venture onto the upper decks. Because of the drizzle, we had the outdoor space to ourselves and were able to take full advantage of our short voyage across the Sound. They danced, snuggled, and took in the views—we were even lucky enough to see a few dolphins! It was an afternoon of windswept freedom and joyous love. Katie and Cody fully embraced the weather—the wind, the rain—and took a moment to celebrate this milestone in their lives together.
For this session, I was also lucky enough to bring along my husband Lee who is also the new resident wedding videographer at Emma Nicole Photography. As I took Katie and Cody’s engagement photos, Lee was able to simultaneously capture their love in motion, creating a one minute social media highlight video for the session. It’s such a joy to work with my own partner and to tell other beautiful love stories together. He’s done such an amazing job already and I can’t wait to see how he continues to grow in this new role.
If you’re looking for an integrated photo and video team for your wedding that works together seamlessly to deliver cohesive images and videos from your special day, look no further! Our love of documenting tangible memories is second only to our love for each other.
3 things to know when planning your Seattle ferryboat session
Planning an engagement shoot on a ferryboat in Seattle couldn’t be easier. There are three simple things you should know to set yourself up for success:
Ferryboat schedules and tickets
When it comes to when you should do your engagement session on the ferryboat, you’ll want to keep in mind high traffic hours and purchase your tickets in advance. In my professional experience, mid-week and mid-day timing tends to mean less crowds and more privacy. But, if you don’t mind a few onlookers and you want a little golden hour magic, you could opt for an early morning or sunset session—weather permitting. It’s up to you two and your personal comfort levels!
Parking in Seattle
I recommend walking on to the ferry rather than driving. This will allow you more flexibility and give you more photo time before, during, and after the ferryboat ride. And if you’re opting for the Seattle to Bremerton ferry, there are a ton of local spots you two can walk to before your return trip. You could even extend your session and add-on additional time for a few photos down at the beach or along the docks.
There are some convenient parking options in Seattle, including various public lots, street parking, and a limited number of terminal spots. To alleviate stress and ensure you make it on time, you can book parking ahead using apps like ParkWhiz by Flash or choose to use Uber/Lyft.
Embrace the Seattle weather
At the end of the day, no one can control the weather. And if you’re familiar with Seattle, you know that it can be overcast, rainy, and sunny all in one day. Embracing the weather—no matter what it is—and leaning into it tends to deliver the best photos! If it’s pouring rain, dance in it. If it’s windy, spread your arms and lean into each other. And if you get a coveted sunset, lean over the railings and take in the Seattle cityscape in all its glory. The perfect weather, the perfect session, it’s all what you make it. So let’s have fun with it!
