Ben & Maleka’s Seattle film engagement photography session was full of golden light, organic laughter, and the kind of moments that can only be captured on film. We wandered through Discovery Park and the nearby Magnolia neighborhood. No pressure, just a sense of fun and freedom. From the very start, these two brought such a relaxed energy, and that made every frame feel effortless.

There’s something special about engagement sessions shot entirely on film. You never know exactly how each image will develop — but that’s part of the charm. That anticipation, that unpredictability, is exactly what makes film magic.

Discovery Park Engagement Session in Golden Hour Light

Set against the quiet beauty of Discovery Park, this session unfolded slowly and softly. Light filtered through the trees as the sun dipped toward the Puget Sound. Maleka slipped off her shoes and walked barefoot through the grass, wearing an elegant off-the-shoulder white dress. Meanwhile, Ben’s green-gray shirt and khakis added the perfect balance of ease and intention. Together, they looked completely at home.

As their Discovery Park engagement session unfolded, I captured a blend of editorial portraits and candid in-between moments — the unposed smiles, the playful glances, the kind of connection that doesn’t need much direction. The golden hour light melted into rich tones on film, and the final gallery feels like a quiet love letter to this moment in their story.

Why Seattle Film Engagement Photography Feels So Personal

Ben & Maleka chose an all-film engagement session, and all in all, I couldn’t be more in love with the results. There’s something so nostalgic and grounding about film. Even the frames that aren’t “perfect” still tell the story — sometimes even more honestly. For me, those unexpected details are what elevate engagement photos into something especially memorable.

Every frame was developed at my favorite film lab, and watching their session come to life felt like a little miracle. Film has a way of leaning into the emotion of the moment, and you can feel it in the warmth, the softness, and the texture of the images.

Looking Ahead to Their Wedding at Fox Hollow Farm

I first met Ben & Maleka during their proposal shoot on Wood Island at Abby’s Landing (you can take a peek over on my Instagram), and I’ll be documenting their wedding day next year at Fox Hollow Farm — one of my favorite Seattle wedding venue locations for its romantic, tucked-away feel.

It’s a gift to be a wedding photographer who gets to walk with couples from one milestone to the next. Getting to know Ben & Maleka through these sessions — from surprise proposal to engagement photos, and soon their wedding day — is exactly why I love what I do.

Planning Your Seattle Film Engagement Photography Session

If you’re drawn to the timeless feel of film, let’s chat. I offer digital, hybrid, and full-film engagement sessions — each custom-tailored to your story and style. Whether you want something playful, romantic, editorial, or a little bit of everything, we’ll make it feel like you.

You can start by using my contact form to start a conversation. Let’s capture your story in a way that feels real, film grain, barefoot joy, and all.