Finding Love & Light in the Pacific Northwest: A Photographer’s First Trip to Seattle

When the world felt upside down, I booked a ticket to Seattle.

Kyle and I had our first date in Chandler, Arizona on June 17, just as summer and the pandemic were really heating up. The timing was far from ideal—he flew back to Seattle the very next day. But something about that first date stuck. He came back three weeks later, and we squeezed in a few more dates before he returned north again. That’s when it became clear: this wasn’t just a casual spark—it was the beginning of something real.

What followed were six long months of long-distance dating, during one of the most uncertain times in recent history. Navigating a brand-new relationship was already emotional enough. Doing it during a global pandemic, separated by hundreds of miles, made it even more intense. But somehow, it worked. We stayed connected through texts, video calls, and handwritten letters, getting to know each other one day at a time.

So when I finally made the trip to visit him in Seattle, it felt like a huge milestone. A leap of faith, yes—but also a chance to finally be in the same place, explore a new part of the country, and see his world through his eyes.

And, of course, to document the entire thing through my lens.

Starting in Seattle

We kicked off the trip in Seattle, where the energy of the city felt noticeably muted. Pike Place Market, usually packed with life, was eerily quiet—most of the vendor booths closed, the streets a little too still. It wasn’t the bustling first impression I had pictured, but in a way, it reflected the world we were all navigating at the time.

Still, I had to grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, just to check it off the list. From there, we wandered along the waterfront, the salty breeze off Elliott Bay offering a little clarity and calm. It wasn’t the Seattle I expected—but it was still beautiful in its own way. And most importantly, I was finally there with him.

That first night, we stayed downtown and had an incredible foodie-approved dinner at The Pink Door—equal parts charming and delicious—followed by a wine tasting at Wines of Washington Tasting Room and then some light sightseeing nearby. The next morning, we met up with a couple of my good friends for brunch, soaking in a little normalcy before the next stretch of our adventure.

From there, we caught the ferry to Bainbridge Island and headed over to his family's place in Suquamish, where our road trip around the Puget Sound would officially begin.

Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Forests & Crescent Lake

One of our first major stops was Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The air was thin and crisp, and the views stretched for miles across layered ridgelines. I was walking a peaceful paved trail, feeling totally at ease—until I turned a corner and startled myself with a grazing deer just a few feet away. (Clearly, nature and I still have some trust-building to do.)

That night, we stayed at the first—and likely last—Airbnb Kyle will ever be allowed to book. Hands down, it was the creepiest place I’ve ever stayed. Every wall and corner was filled with portraits, trinkets, and collectibles featuring one very specific theme: clowns. Everywhere. Staring. No thank you!

We checked out the next morning as quickly as possible, grateful to still be alive, and hit the road once again.

Our next stop? A very spontaneous and very cold swim in Lake Crescent—a shock to the system in the best possible way. I’ve never felt more awake, and honestly, it was the perfect reset after the haunted clown cottage.

Ocean Shores & the Edge of the World

We made our way west to Ocean Shores, where we stayed at the Quinault Casino, just steps from the sand. The wildness of the Pacific coast was humbling—windswept dunes, moody skies, and a seemingly endless horizon. It was the kind of place where you don’t need to say much. We just sat and listened to the waves.

Final Thoughts: Light in the Middle of Uncertainty

As a travel photographer, I often think in terms of light—how it hits a mountain range, how it fills a canyon, how it filters through trees. But this trip reminded me that light isn’t always visual. Sometimes it’s in the way someone makes you feel safe when the world is uncertain.

My first trip to Seattle wasn’t just a creative recharge—it was the beginning of something bigger. And I’m so grateful I took the leap.