March 26, 2021
A Stormy March on Whidbey Island
This past March, Amaya and Zane braved freezing temps and gale-force winds for their Whidbey Island engagement session. As a Whidbey Island engagement photographer based in Washington, I live for these kinds of raw, unfiltered moments. The wind whipped through their hair, the waves roared in the background, and the entire session felt like a movie scene unfolding against the rugged Pacific Northwest coast.
They flew in from Texas, where winters look completely different. Instead of warm sunsets, they got moody skies and salt-spray air — the kind of weather that makes you want to hold each other tighter.
Why Choose Whidbey Island for Your Engagement Session?
Whidbey Island is one of the most underrated spots in Washington for engagement photos. From dramatic cliffs and driftwood-lined beaches to quiet forest paths, it’s got everything you need for an epic, adventurous session.
- Variety: Within a short drive, you can shoot on the coast, in the woods, or at an overlook with sweeping views.
- Moody PNW Vibes: Cloudy skies and sea winds create that dreamy, cinematic feel.
- Accessibility: Easy ferry rides + plenty of tucked-away beaches make it perfect for couples looking for intimacy without long hikes.
Whether you’re local or flying in like Amaya & Zane, Whidbey is worth the trip.
Embracing the Elements
Here’s the thing — windy sessions can be magic if you lean into them. Instead of fighting the gusts, we used them to create movement: hair flying, coats billowing, laughter in the chaos. The wind added personality to every frame, making the gallery feel alive and real.
If you’re planning your own Whidbey Island or San Juan Island engagement session, don’t stress the weather. The Pacific Northwest has a mind of its own, and that’s what makes your photos unique.
Tips for Couples Planning a Whidbey Island Engagement Shoot
Thinking about planning your own session on Whidbey or the San Juans? Here are some quick tips:
- Layer Up: Bring coats, blankets, or anything cozy — you’ll warm up between shots.
- Go With the Wind: Loose fabrics and flowy dresses photograph beautifully in gusts.
- Timing is Key: Sunset light on Whidbey is unreal, even when the skies are cloudy.
- Stay Flexible: Weather shifts fast — sometimes the best shots happen in the unexpected.
Amaya & Zane’s Windy Love Story
Their laughter never stopped, even as they held onto each other against the cold. The session felt less like posing for photos and more like documenting two people who are wildly in love, completely in their own world, and down for anything.
That’s exactly what I aim for as a Washington engagement photographer — to capture connection in a way that feels real, not staged.
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?
Whether it’s Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, or anywhere in Washington, your story deserves to be captured in a way that feels raw, adventurous, and true to you.
👉 Reach out here to book your Whidbey Island or San Juan Island engagement session. Let’s chase moody skies, crashing waves, and all the chaos in between.
