Audrey + Charlie’s elevated downtown Seattle engagement session!

When Audrey and Charlie booked me for their wedding, I felt honored to be a small part of their love story. Then, they also scheduled an engagement session, which is included in their wedding packages and is a perfect way to start building a photographer/couple relationship. Although they initially wanted their engagement shoot in San Francisco, where they currently live, they decided to stay local to Seattle, where their wedding will take place next year. The result? A romantic and modern engagement session in the heart of downtown Seattle.

The Story Behind this Elevated Downtown Seattle Engagement Shoot

Audrey and Charlie met while attending the University of Idaho and later moved to Seattle before settling in San Francisco. Their connection to Seattle runs deep, making it the perfect location for their engagement session. They’re tying the knot next year in Ballard. So, having an engagement shoot in the city felt like a meaningful way to honor this chapter of their journey.

What’s even better? Engagement sessions are included in all of my wedding photography packages. It’s a great opportunity for couples to get comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, these sessions create a chance to capture authentic, timeless moments in a setting that’s special to you. Learn more about my wedding photography packages here.

Choosing the Perfect Backdrop for this Elevated Urban Engagement Session

For Audrey and Charlie’s vision of a modern, elevated engagement shoot, we decided on a parking garage rooftop near the iconic Smith Tower. This location offered a unique blend of urban charm and views of the Seattle skyline. I love shooting here because it provides a “quiet above the chaos” vibe. With stunning architectural details and a neutral color palette, this spot perfectly complemented Audrey and Charlie’s formal attire.

From the top of the garage, we had panoramic views of the cityscape. I particularly love the way the evening light reflects off the nearby buildings of historic Pioneer Square. Additionally, this spot isn’t just beautiful; it’s also practical—we could park and shoot in the same location, avoiding Seattle’s downtown craziness.

Capturing the Seattle Skyline on Film and Digital

Before this elevated downtown Seattle engagement session, Audrey had her hair and makeup trial with Glammed by Victoria. So, she looked stunning and felt extra confident posing for her engagement photos. The couple’s formal outfits—a classically elegant white dress for Audrey and a sharp black suit for Charlie—truly elevated the urban setting.

I shot this engagement session half in digital and half in film, blending modern and timeless aesthetics. Shooting on film allowed me to capture the soft, romantic tones of the evening light. Meanwhile, shooting in digital ensured we could document every detail of the city backdrop.

During the session, we decided to venture down to street level, too. Navigating the streets of Seattle always feels like an adventure, but the risk paid off and resulted in some of my favorite shots. I particularly love the romantic shots we captured with Seattle’s historic urban buildings in the background.

Your Elevated Downtown Seattle Engagement Photographer

Audrey and Charlie’s elevated downtown Seattle engagement session was a lot of fun to photograph. From their sweet connection to the striking city backdrop, every moment felt effortlessly romantic. I loved the challenge of creating something different from my usual coastal sessions and showcasing the beauty of Seattle in an elevated way.

If you’re planning a Seattle engagement or wedding, I’d love to be your photographer. Let’s craft a session that reflects your unique love story and creates memories you’ll treasure forever. My 2025 books are filling up quickly, and my 2026 books will open on January 1, 2025. Contact me here to inquire about your wedding date!

For more inspiration, follow along and view my favorite shoots on my engagement, wedding, and elopement photography blog. Let’s create something timeless together!