After living so many places with the military, it makes me realize what a hidden gem we have here on Whidbey Island. This darling couple was stationed at NAS Whidbey and took advantage of it’s stunning vistas for an evening of wedding photos…and what a sunset we were given! It’s such a delight getting to meet local navy folk and talk about where their adventures have taken them….and spending the evening with Stephen and Aubrey was an absolute blast.
Everyone knows that the views here in the PNW are stunning when the vibrant sun sets over the horizon amongst the jagged rocks and cliffs….but there’s such a solemn beauty when the fog comes in a covers the cliffs in an eerie and magical shroud. Charles and Hallie opted for a sunrise session just over Deception Pass Bridge, and the cool mist made for such a haunting and dreamlike location. Loved the different vibe this session took on, and spending the morning with these two!
There’s so many things I could say about this deeply personal Whidbey sunset session, but sometimes the words never come out right and it’s better to let the photos speak for themselves. What I can say is that through all the ups and downs, ecstatic highs and devastating lows, Vincent and Diana made it abundantly clear will be there for each other to uplift, support and love unconditionally.
There’s something magical about the morning. The salt air tastes sweeter, the bird song is more melodic, and the sun casts its light over a day fresh with beauty. Cathy and Andrew made the trip north to Deception Pass to become husband and wife at first morning light, saying private vows on the beach and then exploring the natural rugged landscape.
Whether you’re a couple hopping the ferry over from Seattle, or a Vancouver duo looking to cross the border for a wedding celebration, Whidbey Island is the perfect escape for folks who are looking for a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just a short 45 minute jaunt from Seattle, Whidbey Island is a land rich with history, surrounded by beauty, romance and mystery. Waves crash upon the shore where eagles soar overhead, historic landmarks of lighthouses, barns and inns stand proud echoing the ghosts of past.
Hi Friends - I know this has been an incredibly stressful and uncertain time for due to how COVID-19 has changed not only our State of Washington, but the United States, and world. As a business owner who is centered on weddings, (and wife of an airline pilot), I understand how this health crisis has also been not only affecting our day to day lives, well-being and but also our careers and economy.
Leap Day may only come around every four years, but days more perfect than this past February 29th are far rarer (if not impossible) to come by. With Whidbey Island as their wedding destination, Jesse and Aelita traveled down from Canada to become husband and wife. Private, deeply meaningful and completely joy-filled, the two got ready at a darling water front home on West Beach,
With a Whidbey Island Wedding at the Wayfarer approaching later this summer, Trenton and Sarah made Rosario Beach the destination for their engagement session this fall. With the autumn light spilling over the coastal rocks, and the cool evening air, it was a gorgeous excursion for the three of us to explore the state park.
I feel like 2019 was a big year for the “intimate wedding” - a type of celebration of love where couples strip away all the pomp and circumstance of traditional events, and instead craft a meaningful and private exchange of vows. Mary and John did just that, gathering a small handful of loved ones and exchanging promises and rings on the cliffs of Rosario Beach.
Of all my years shooting weddings , Hannah & Robert’s big day was on of the most unique that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. A fairytale woodland wedding, a beautiful canopy garnished with a floral chandelier, electronic music thumping through the night…the combination of different elements made this night spectacular. The scene was set at Mount Baker Farm on stunning Orcas Island, where guests set up tents scatted throughout the campground.
Guys, this is my sister Elizabeth and her boyfriend Jeremy. They came up from California to Whidbey Island this summer to visit my little family and celebrate my twins’ 5th birthdays. It was also the first time I got to meet this fella in person - so as a photographer, what better way to haze and put him on the spot than an impromptu photo session. I borrowed a friend’s dress, and told J to dig through his luggage to find something to wear for photos near the water.
On a clear day on Whidbey Island, you can see Mount Baker’s snow-capped peak standing watch over the island. The drive from here is about 2.5 hours, but well worth every minute. With rocky peaks, dense forest and colorful wildflowers, in my humble opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful locations in Washington State. Janel and Coaltyn planned their intimate elopement at Artist Point, with her cousin and his two brothers as witness to their I-do’s.
ALL THE FEELS! I have known this beautiful bride since I was about 3 years old. We started out as neighbors in a sleepy little town in California, where her older sister Kristen became one of my best friends. We were always running around playing dress up, barbies, cat family, or drawing chalk on the sidewalk. (And after sleepovers, their dad would make the best pancakes ever.) Sadly, the wonderful M family moved around when I was in 4th grade - but I have been so blessed to have stayed close with them over the years.
Viva Las Vegas! Here in Washington, I have been absolutely spoiled with incredible scenery and diverse terrain - but sometimes it’s fun to just shake it up a bit! A few months ago, one of my favorite people (and fellow photographer) Kara and I came up with a crazy idea of combining girls’ weekends with locations we’ve always wanted to shoot at. The idea was to travel around the country being inspired by various landscapes, while enjoying a little wine, pampering and time to share a girlfriend getaway for 48 hours.
While Whidbey Island is a popular weekend getaway destination for many folks in the Pacific NorthWest with it’s lush terrain, emerald waters and gorgeous mountainscapes, it’s also is home to to many military families stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Navy brought us here three years ago, and I’ve been pinching myself ever since. To me, this place is heaven. And it was also the perfect backdrop for Erica and Mike’s beautiful summer wedding. Mike is a pilot out here, and so these newlyweds planned their wedding at the historic Crockett Farm in Coupeville.
Courtney and Mandi’s Seattle wedding was an absolute dream. I mean, I seriously can’t get over it. Friday, the couple had an intimate ceremony with just family present, while the following day they had a festive celebration at the Rainier Chapter House with all their loved ones and friends. Every single wedding detail was so thoughtful and unique, from the custom printed stationary to the delicate embroidery on the inside of Courtney’s suit. Both the ceremony and reception venues were swoon-worthy, the flowers were incredible, the party was kicking -
Crockett Farm here on Whidbey Island is probably one of the most charming wedding venues out there. It’s so full of character and history, so I was beyond excited to return and photograph this beautiful couple’s big day. Lindsey and Austin were married this past Saturday in the lower area of the barn, with a reception following in the upper level, and it was such a fabulous affair filled with laughter and love.
70 degree day, golden sunlight, whales spouting in the distance and warm sand under toes…(yes, I shot barefoot.) Days like this past Friday are the perfect representation of why I don’t just love being a photographer, but why I love being a photographer here on Whidbey Island. With the talents of KH Color Design, Brandi Ballard Photography and a ridiculously likable and photogenic duo, we kicked off the weekend with a wonderful evening of photography on the beach.
Marriage is one of the greatest adventures a couple can embark on together, so when an engaged duo opt for a location as dynamic, beautiful and exciting as Rosario Beach, the English major in me smiles at the inadvertent metaphor. One of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer here on Whidbey Island is touring the coast with clients that often come from Seattle, Tacoma or even Portland.
I think it’s safe to say I’m officially obsessed with this ahhhhmazing bridal gown…and pair that with a beautiful couple and most gorgeous location, this Rosario Beach session had me itching to get home and go through this photo set. I first met Kaitlyn and Casey a few years ago (before they were even engaged!) at his navy deployment homecoming.
Heather & Laura’s message is one about love, and these two just radiate it for each other. These gorgeous women celebrate acceptance through their instagram channel, and working with them was such a wonderful experience - from learning about how they met, who played it cool, to future plans in store for them!
January is always a time of new beginnings for me; excitement and anticipation for the year to come. Christy and Jeff’s Rosario Beach wedding officially kicked off our 2019 wedding season, and everything about it made my creative heart so happy and full. This intimate elopement had so many person touches and creative aesthetics,
This gorgeous Pacific Northwest wedding is proof that a little (or in this case a whole lotta) rain can’t dampen the joy between two crazy-in-love people on their wedding day! Madison and Robert were married on the cliffs of Rosario, just a few minutes away from Deception Pass Bridge. Surrounded by their closest family and friends who traveled from all over the world to be there, the two of them exchanged rings and vows, while promising to be each other’s best friend and confidant for life.
Everyone loves the summers here on Whidbey Island, but sometimes I’ll all about dancing in that Washington rain and embracing a moody and romantic winter. Grace (who was totally channeling both Princess Buttercup and Jenny from Forest Gump with her ethereal boho look)
This was such a beautiful celebration on Whidbey Island at the lovely Comforts of Whidbey Winery! A combination of military tradition, tranquil lavender, and vintage touches amongst a serene backdrop made this afternoon wedding absolutely lovely. And what a family affair it was….
After 10 years of being married to a pilot myself, I've come to realize that aviation seems manifest in so many different areas of our lives. That's why I was so excited to head south to Kenmore Air for Jennifer and Jason's engagement session.
This pilot and his beautiful bride-to-be Liz recently relocated to Oak Harbor after being stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. Their easy going demeanors paired with their genuine chemistry and wide smiles made them an absolute delight to photograph.
There is something just so breathtakingly romantic about elopements here in the Pacific Northwest. The sea and sky as witness to private vows, the rocky cliffs and wooded trails as picturesque backdrops, and the golden summer light that lingers until 9:00pm.
J Hodges Photography is an award winning Whidbey Island Wedding & elopement Photographer serving oak harbor, The San Juan Islands, Port Townsend, Anacortes & Beyond.
















Drenched in golden winter light, and perched above the Salish Sea in a 120 year old military fort, Priscilla and Avery became husband and wife. Although Covid required pivoting from their original wedding plans, these two gathered with 3 of their closest friends (2 as witnesses and 1 as an officiant) and were married on a jaw-droppingly beautiful Whidbey Island Day. We spent the evening exploring the fort, and taking narrow dirt paths down to the ocean where they watched seagulls dive and ferries pass by. The entire experience was just magic; so unique, relaxed, joyful, and stunning. This is certainly a wedding day I’ll remember forever, and I am so grateful to have had the experience to work with these two wonderful humans.