We’re very excited to share Lea & Andrews’s beautiful Discovery Park Engagement shoot with you.
We cannot think of anything better than an outdoor sunset photo shoot on a crisp fall day in Seattle to capture a couple’s engagement! Lea and Andrew had so much fun laughing together as they danced on a bed of fall leaves and ran through grassy fields. Our photographer suggested a lot of movement throughout the session to capture how dynamic these two are together. We captured moments where these two were strolling together hand-in-hand and stopping to share a kiss along the way. We also captured moments where they were cuddled up on a picnic blanket, they are such a precious couple! Our team at Sound Originals wants every couple to feel like themselves during an engagement shoot, so we share subtle tips along the way to ensure we are only capturing the most relaxed and natural smiles.
The warmth and joy of Lea and Andrew’s love was captured during that perfect golden hour, when the warmth of the sun glows bright and golden. During this autumnal time of year, the landscape at Discovery Park was shades of green, yellow, orange, and brown. These two picked a few of their favorite pieces from their wardrobe so that their outfits complemented their organic background. Lea picked earrings and a watch to accessorize with, while Andrew picked out a beloved necklace. All of these elements were captured in our detail shots, including the pièce de résistance, Lea’s glistening engagement ring.
Discovery Park is located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. At over 500 acres, it is the largest park in Seattle. With such sizable grounds, Discovery Park gave our couple a lot of options for the backdrop of their engagement pictures. While we captured images of them moving along trails in the park, we had grassy bluffs overlooking Puget Sound too. In some of our shots we even captured ferry boats in the distance, which really added to the magic of the day.
We are so thankful to have been a part of Lea & Andrew’s engagement announcement. Please enjoy their photos!
Discovery Park Engagement Photos
Discovery Park Map
Discovery Park is the biggest park in Seattle, so it makes sense that you would want to consult a map of the park before your arrival. There is ample parking here, as the park features three parking lots. When you first arrive, there is a visitor’s center where you can learn about the wildlife in the area. There are a few different hiking trails at Discovery Park of varying distances, topographies, and viewpoints. The shortest trail is just half a mile long, if you had a day to spend here you could hike up to six and a half miles. If you drive to the farthest and smallest parking lot you will reach the West Point Lighthouse. While Discovery Park has a lot of water views of the Puget Sound and Shilshole Bay, a trip to the lighthouse and the beachfront trail is the closest you’ll be able to get to the water. There are stairs and trails throughout the park, so you will want to be sure to bring good footwear.
Discovery Park Events
Typically, the events at Discovery Park are environmental education programs. Discovery Park is a part of Seattle’s Parks and Recreation system, making it a venue that offers outdoor ceremonies. If you are planning to have your ceremony here, then you will need to submit a reservation. The capacity for an outdoor ceremony at Discovery Park is 35 people. Therefore, it is best suited for more intimate ceremonies. Your guests will be in awe at the views of both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
To have an event at Discovery Park, like a wedding, you first need a permit. The permit guarantees that no other events are held on the same day and time as yours. However, this permit does not close Discovery Park to the public; public access remains open.
Discovery Park Wedding
Booking Discovery Park for your wedding starts with this Seattle Parks and Recreation form. You can submit your application up to a year in advance, so it is best to start these plans early to ensure you book the date and time you want for your special day. There is no water or electricity available for weddings at Discovery Park, so you’ll want to be sure to plan on alternative power sources, like battery operated lights. For parking, Discovery has multiple parking lots and street parking before the entrance of the park.
The cost for a wedding at Discovery Park varies. The base cost is $135 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. Seattle Parks and Recreation requires that a parks attendant is present, and this attendant costs $30 per hour. If you are planning to get a caterer, then there is a $75 fee as well as an insurance requirement. But if you went with a pot-luck style picnic, then there would be no additional charges.
