When Savanna and Ben reached out about their dream of having an adventure for their Washington engagement photos, I was thrilled! When couples want to enjoy a whole experience during our session, I know it’s going to be a great time. What’s more important is I know it’s going to create a gallery all their own that they’ll cherish for years to come. We set out planning their Franklin Falls adventure shoot, and it was one for the books.
Washington Engagement Photos Adventure
Savanna and Ben are an adventurous couple who enjoy hiking, being outdoors, and hanging out with their dog. (In other words, my kind of people!) Since they planned an elopement in Leavenworth, they wanted to be sure to have varying scenery for their engagement photos while keeping on theme. Franklin Falls was a fantastic choice! Only an hour outside of Seattle, we didn’t have to drive far for a short, leisurely hike and beautiful views. The stroll through the forest gave us vibrant green and fun shots incorporating nature and the trees. The ultimate destination, however, were the falls themselves!
Tips for Engagement Photos at Franklin Falls WA
The very things that make Franklin Falls a perfect location for engagement photos also makes it a popular destination for hikers & other photographers. That said, I highly recommend planning for a sunrise or sunset photoshoot on a weekday to help lessen the crowds. Even then, expect to see other hikers and photographers at the bottom of the falls. I also recommend shooting for late spring to early fall for optimal weather and an easier hike with a stunning waterfall at the end. They close the gate for winter, which means a longer walk to the destination, and the water was pretty chilly even when I shot Savanna + Ben. They still had a blast splashing and exploring the falls!
Savanna + Ben’s Washington Engagement Photos
Since they were familiar with the area already, Savanna and Ben pointed out their favorite spots along the trail. I love getting to know the areas through my clients eyes and the conversations help us get to know each other! When it comes to intimate elopements or adventure engagement photos like theirs when you’re isolated with a stranger for a while, it’s important to choose a photographer you can relate to. Savanna explained it best in her incredibly kind and heartfelt testimonial:
“Its a lot of pressure to be one of 4 people at an elopement and to hike with your clients and keep conversation going, because the group is so small you cant really fade out and be a fly on the wall, like you can at large weddings. Tessa fit in so perfectly, she truly was part of our day, didn’t feel like having a vendor hovering over us but rather a friend.”
Waterfall Engagement Photos at Franklin Falls WA
Once we made it to the falls at the end of the trail, Ben and Savanna explored a little more and I snapped away. The water ended up being too chilly to swim (again, winter is doable but probably not favorable) but we had so much fun playing around. With water features like this, couples get to relax and the shots feel more natural. I had several poses to help guide them, but just being with each other, skipping rocks along the water, and taking in the beauty of Franklin Falls created a stunning gallery that honors who they are at their core. I had such a great time photographing this playful, adventurous engagement session!
Seattle Engagement Photographer
If you’re dreaming of engagement photos that feel like an adventure, you’re in the right place. Hey, I’m Tessa, a Washington based engagement and elopement photographer serving Seattle and beyond. I love helping couples create sessions that reflect their relationship and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From iconic spots like Franklin Falls to hidden gems around Washington, I’ll help you plan an experience that’s just as fun as it is meaningful. If you’re ready to start planning your Washington engagement photos, reach out here—I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
