From Fishing Trips to Forever: Dakota & James’ East Coast Island Engagement

Engagements, for engaged couples, Vancouver Island Photographer

5/06/25

Dakota and James holding each other at Es-hw Sme~nts Community park during their engagement session at golden hour

Let’s talk about a session that stunned. Es-hw Sme~nts Community Park in Nanoose Bay is one of those spots that doesn’t even feel real — like Ucluelet decided to sneak over to the east coast of the island and bring all its moody, wave-soaked charm with it. With the tide just right, and the beach nearly to ourselves, Dakota and James stepped into their first-ever photo session… and absolutely blew me away.

When we first met at the trailhead, they were a little nervous (which, let’s be honest, everyone is the first time they’re in front of the camera). But once we got rolling, those nerves faded into laughter, hand squeezes, and the kind of quiet comfort that only comes from years of shared memories and inside jokes.

Engaged couple skipping rocks during their engagement session at Es-hw Sme~nts Community Park in Nanoose

These two met at a house party in the summer — one of those carefree kind of nights that ends up changing your whole life. Four years later, they’re planning their wedding and prepping to say “I do.” And the proposal? Just try not to cry. James took Dakota to Sun Peaks, a place filled with memories of her late father — ski days, village walks, frozen rinks and all. On a walk through the snowy village, under a tree twinkling with lights, he asked her to marry him.

Their love story is the kind that’s built outdoors: fishing rods in hand, dirt bikes revving, camping chairs by the fire. Summer fishing trips are their thing — and it was so special to bring that energy into a beach session where water, wind, and west coast sky set the mood.

Engaged couple looking over the ocean views at Es-hw Sme~nts Community Park in Nanoose bay — This engagement session took place at Es-hw Sme~nts Community Park in Nanoose Bay — a hidden coastal treasure where forest trails lead to driftwood-covered shores and the ocean hums quietly in the background. The setting felt like something straight out of a love story: soft light, salty air, and two people completely wrapped up in each other. From barefoot beach walks to quiet, intimate moments under the trees, this session was full of laughter, tenderness, and everything that makes west coast love so magical.

Their outfits were simple, casual, and so them. But honestly? The best part of this session wasn’t the outfits, or even the stunning views — it was watching these two go from “we just want one good photo” to giving everything I hoped for and more.

And yes, we got that good photo. In fact… we got a whole gallery of them.

Can’t wait to see these two tie the knot and continue their forever fishing adventures. Dakota and James, thanks for trusting me with your first professional photos. I have a feeling they won’t be your last.

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