An evening spent with a lovely couple, picturesque mountain views in the background, and the golden sun setting over the water in one of the prettiest places in Washington – what more could you ask for? Alex + Julio’s sunset engagement photos on Lake Crescent were carefree, romantic, and filled with so much love + joy. Eternally grateful to have been able to capture so many milestones in Alex’s life, from her senior photos a while back to now documenting her recent engagement!
Alex + Julio’s Carefree Lake Crescent Engagement Photos
A romantic evening by the water
There’s truly nothing I love more than spending time by the water, especially when that water is the beautiful, brilliant waters of Lake Crescent. A highlight of Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent offers some of the most stunning views in the area, situated cozily in the foothills of the Olympic mountain range. So you better bet I fall in love with every damn session that takes place here.
This evening with Alex + Julio, capturing their engagement photos, was spent enjoying the views, basking in the light that the sun gifted us with at golden hour, and leaving all the cares of normal, daily life behind.
The locations: West Elwha Beach & Lake Crescent Lodge
We visited a lovely little section of Olympic National Park called West Elwha Beach, a sandy shoreline that lies along the mouth of the Elwha River. It’s a breathtaking, wide-open beach area with the potential for plenty of water activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, or the simple enjoyment of relaxing on the sand. Sunset on Elwha Beach is so often breathtaking, and we were gifted with one of the most beautiful sunsets & golden hours we could’ve asked for.
Earlier in the evening, we also took some photographs in front of Lake Crescent Lodge, a cozy lodge right on the water. It’s the ideal place to stay for couples eloping on the lake or in Olympic NP nearby, who want to find accommodations very close to their ceremony, and stay in the same place as their guests, as well.
A full-circle experience with Alex
Whenever I get to work with couples or families more than once, it’s always the biggest honor. The fact that they come back to me again after working together the first time means I’m doing something right – and to have the privilege to document people in different stages of their lives is an incredible thing.
I’ve been working with Alex since I took her senior photos, so their engagement session was one of those times that I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for such incredible clients. It blows my mind that I’ve photographed all of her milestones, and that I get to capture her & Julio’s upcoming wedding, too!
Their romantic engagement film
You know I’m a big believer in the power of film, especially when it’s in addition to just-as-beautiful photographs. Alex + Julio’s engagement film is one of my all-time favorites – you can watch it below!
I know that photos are often the main thing you consider when planning how your special day will be documented, but film adds an incredibly special extra layer to the memories you’ll relive forever.
Film has a way of capturing a moment in a way that photography simply can’t; through the voices & laughs of your loved ones, the ocean waves hitting the sand behind you as you have your first dance on a beach, the vows you so carefully wrote being read aloud to each other as a forever promise. Having a highlight film of your wedding day to look back on is a uniquely special experience you will never regret – only one you may very well regret not investing in once the day is done.
If you’re considering hiring a videographer for your wedding, or adding film onto your photography package with me, but are feeling hesitant – go ahead and read this article I wrote about Why You Should Hire Me for Your Wedding Video, Too.
Lake Crescent Elopement/Wedding Resources
Lake Crescent has so much to offer to both couples & families alike, whether you’re looking for a location for your engagement session, your elopement or wedding, or to capture some updated family photos. Below are some additional resources related to the Lake Crescent area that I know you’ll enjoy if you loved Alex + Julio’s sunset engagement photos on Lake Crescent as much as I did!
