I had the absolute pleasure of teaming up with Madeline Feigles and her fiancé for an unforgettable engagement session at Seattle’s iconic Discovery Park. From the moment we started planning, we knew we wanted something that felt intimate, creative, and unapologetically them. What unfolded was a golden hour shoot that blended emotion, artistry, and rock 'n roll energy—all wrapped in warm, cinematic light.

Crafting the Vision: The Mood Board Magic

Before the camera ever came out, we began with a collaborative process—building a mood board that captured their personalities and love story. Madeline sent me a few reference images, and from there, we curated a visual vibe together:

  • Soft, sun-drenched light
  • Natural textures like tall grass and cliffside backdrops
  • Outfits with a touch of edge (think leather jackets + soft fabrics)
  • A focus on movement and candid chemistry

The mood board served as our north star, helping us stay aligned with the story we wanted to tell visually. It also gave Madeline and her fiancé the confidence to step into the shoot knowing exactly what kind of magic we were aiming to create.

The Power of Golden Hour

Timing was everything. We arrived at Discovery Park with about 90 minutes to go before sunset—the sweet spot! As the sun began to dip, the light transformed the scenery into something almost ethereal. Warm hues danced off the tall grass, and soft shadows gave every frame a natural depth and romance.

We shot across three distinct zones in the park:

  1. The trails – where we captured cozy, quiet moments
  2. The bluff overlook – with epic windswept vibes and sweeping views
  3. The beach below – where the sky turned sherbet and the waves added movement and texture

Every click of the shutter felt like a perfect fusion of intention and spontaneity. Madeline and her fiancé brought so much fun and authenticity—it felt less like a photoshoot and more like a celebration of their connection.

Final Thoughts

This session reminded me why I do what I do. I thoroughly enjoy creating moments like these, and am honored to be apart of this journey!

Madeline, thank you for trusting me. And to anyone else dreaming of an engagement session that feels like you, let’s make it happen.

A couple shares a playful moment on a rocky beach at sunset with a lighthouse in the background.
Couple embracing and enjoying a romantic sunset moment on rocky beach with golden light reflecting off the water.
A romantic couple shares a tender kiss at sunset with golden light streaming behind them wearing plaid and dark clothing.
A romantic sunset moment at Discovery Park lighthouse in Seattle with the sun creating a warm backlit glow on the rocky beach.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach shore during a golden sunset over calm waters.
Two people stand together outside a white lighthouse building at sunset with warm golden light.
Romantic couple embraces in warm sunset light with woman wearing plaid shirt and man in dark sweater.
A romantic couple embraces on a rocky beach during golden hour with calm waters and a blue sky in the background.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach shoreline during golden sunset over tranquil waters.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment at sunset by the water while wearing casual clothing.
A couple enjoying a sunny day together in front of a house with yellow flowers in the background.
A couple embraces by the water against a blue sky and mountain backdrop during a romantic sunset photo session.
A couple explores a historic white lighthouse with red trim on a misty coastal afternoon.
A couple poses together on a rocky beach shoreline with mountains and blue skies in the background.