We are so happy to share David and Jordana’s sweet Ballard Locks Engagement shoot with you.   

David proposed to Jordana at the Ballard Locks in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, WA. In front of the Salmon Wave sculptures, David got down on one knee and popped the question to Jordana. There were giddy and excited smiles between the two as Jordana said yes and they embraced each other with hugs and kisses. 

The Ballard Locks is a special setting as it has a fish ladder that allows for the essential annual passage of spawning salmon through the locks. A main function of the Ballard Locks is to prevent the mixing of sea water from Puget Sound with the freshwater of the lakes of the area. Acting as a saltwater barrier also helps to preserve the freshwater ecosystem. The Ballard Locks is a popular tourist attraction in Seattle, but on this fall day it was like David and Jordana had the park to themselves. Seattle is not always as rainy as you’ve heard it is, and this grey and overcast day stayed dry for the couples’ photoshoot. 

David and Jordana looked effortlessly cool in their matching attire on the day of their engagement. The pair each donned denim jeans with dark shoes, topped with army green jackets. Jordana accessorized with her own unique pieces, like sunglasses, earrings, and a few rings. Walking hand-in-hand along the pavement with beautiful fall greenery surrounding them, these two were all smiles. Jordana’s engagement ring was especially unique; a light blue teardrop shaped stone surrounded by diamonds. 

These two were up for anything during their engagement shoot: they laughed in a grassy field among geese, they ran down the sidewalk with linked arms, they cracked jokes and daydreamed of their wedding day. Throughout the shoot our team at Sound Originals witnessed how joyful these two are together. We can’t wait to see what is in store for their wedding day! 

We are so thankful to have been a part of David & Jordana’s proposal and engagement. Please enjoy their photos! 

Ballard Locks Engagement Photos

Ballard Locks Wedding

At the Ballard Locks is the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. The garden is quite a sight, at over seven acres, and with over five hundred plant species within its grounds. Our photo shoot was enveloped in the color of fall leaves, but the botanical garden is known for its seasonal fuchsia and lily blooms. The garden can accommodate up to fifty people, making it best for an intimate wedding. There are different factors to consider for an outdoor venue than there are for an indoor venue. Having a wedding outside can look very different at different times of the year in Seattle. During the summer months, the days can be relatively dry and the sun doesn’t set until nearly ten o’clock. Whatever time of year you’re planning your engagement or wedding, you can count on Sound Originals for stunning photos. Check out our other engagement blogs for ideas for your shoot!

Ballard Locks Closing

In the fall of 2022, the Ballard Locks closed for its annual maintenance and some additional gate work. The locks were closed to marine traffic from November 8th until November 23rd. While the larger lock was closed, the smaller lock remained available with priority going to emergency and government vessels. The Ballard locks are 105 years old and counting and this annual maintenance ensures that they stay in working order. Many of the mechanical parts of the Ballard locks no longer exist, which means that if the structure failed the locks would be out of commission for an undetermined amount of time. This thorough maintenance plan will help the locks continue to last. Luckily, while the locks were closed this did not impact the park itself.

Ballard Locks News

One of the best places to find news about the Ballard Locks is on their twitter page. Not only do they let the public know about major news, repairs, and closures, but they also showcase the fun that can be had at the visitor center. The visitor center does environmental education too. This helps guests learn about the important salmon ladder and the salmon’s annual spawn, which in turn help the robust underwater ecosystem of Seattle, like the resident Orca population. The Ballard locks has an annual scheduled barnacle cleanup that often makes the news. The tunnels of the locks are 800 feet and so a lot of barnacles accumulate over the course of a year, which can be very damaging to the vessels that pass through the locks. The Ballard locks are the busiest locks in the nation and beloved by tourists visiting Seattle. Many volunteers jumped at the chance to help preserve the inner workings on the locks.