Engagement Session Along the Central California Coast

Tenaya & Simon’s Engagement Session was Dreamy, Adventurous and Incredibly Romantic.

If you’ve been dreaming of an adventurous and immersive engagement session, one that utilizes storytelling to document your love story, you’re in the right place. We get to slow down and spend half a day together. Imagine you’re on a date, going places you love, while I tag along to capture moments as they naturally unfold. Plus, I capture it all on digital and 35mm film. 

T & S’s engagement session was the perfect example of this half-day adventure. We spent the afternoon together frolicking through meadows, sand dunes, and the beach, celebrating their recent engagement. There is something so natural and beautiful about their love. Both surfers, creatives, and lovers of the outdoors, their energy was carefree and infectious. They were down for anything–climbing up sand dunes and fully jumping into the ocean in their clothes– and came prepared with props: their Toyota tacoma truck, a vintage polaroid camera, flowers, and a speaker so they could jam to their favorite tunes while we shot. I had never had so much fun being a third wheel.

Nostalgic Tunes in the Truck

We started down Swanton Road, north of Santa Cruz, California, and pulled off the road to take photos using their truck. The gold autumn sun could not have been more perfect for our session. It poured through the surrounding trees and haloed them in the most magical and soft light as they lounged inside the truck together, danced outside the window, and strolled in the field. There was something so nostalgic about them dancing to oldies music outside their truck, holding each other close. It felt like being in a movie. 

A Cliffside Frolic

Our next stop was along the cliffs overlooking the beach, where hundreds of bright green clovers had popped up in the November rain. They did a quick outfit change– T chose a long white dress for a casual bridal look. Without hesitation, they laid down in the clovers and soaked in the sun, simply enjoying each other’s company. The sunlight lit her hair as the wind swept it around her face, and all the while they danced, spun, and laughed.

Diving into the Sunset

Now approaching golden hour, it was time for the grand finale of their session at Scott Creek Beach, a beach at the base of a hill along Highway 1 near Davenport, CA, rugged and surrounded by sand dunes and dramatic cliffs. At this point, we had spent a couple hours shooting together, so they were feeling relaxed as they ran around the beach and climbed up the dunes. 

I offered to take some portraits of T in her veil since these were essentially their wedding photos too. They planned to elope in Baja, just the two of them, so these photos represented not only their engagement but them entering into their marriage as well. The golden light mixed with the ocean breeze made for the most lovely and dreamy portraits. 

Last but certainly not least, these two jumped fully into the ocean at sunset, clothes on, and with the biggest smiles on their faces. I couldn’t help but admire their bravery and dedication as they plunged into the freezing cold water, holding each other up, then falling back down into the waves. Over and over again they jumped in, then ran around the wet sand, having the absolute best time. The sun dropped low on the horizon, right above where they played in the waves, lighting them up from behind and casting the richest, orange-yellow light across the surface of the water and the sand. It was pure magic. Cinematic, dreamy, and so romantic. 

Afterwards, as they shivered in each other’s arms, they told me how comfortable it had been simply because they spent the day doing things they normally do together, and focused more on each other than my camera. This is the exact environment I hope to create for every couple during their couple or engagement session.

Booking Your Dream Engagement Session

Here’s what you can expect when you book my signature storytelling experience: 

• We’ll spend anywhere from 2-4 hours together.
• You get to pick 1-3 locations that are meaningful to you, whether it’s the beach, a bookstore, or your home. 
• You can stick to one outfit, or bring options to switch it up.
• Bring props that represent you: your truck, a record player, a guitar, a book, your dog.
• We can tailor the session to your vibes as a couple, whether you want it to be casual, adventurous, artsy, etc. It’s all about you.

Let’s first get to know each other so that I have all the details needed to tell your story, honestly and with intention, and so that you feel safe, comfortable, and free to be exactly as you are. It always takes a little time to get comfy in front of the lens, which is why this session length is perfect. It’s important to choose locations and environments that you enjoy spending time in, or activities you love to do together, so that it feels natural. I don’t believe in stiff posing. I use natural movement and prompts to help guide you, letting your genuine connection and individuality be what leads the way. The results are photos that feel like you. Read more about the Lorraine Michelle Photo experience here.

Let’s Capture Your Love Story 

Whether you’re planning an engagement, a wedding, or couple photos just because, and are looking for a photographer who will capture the in-between moments and emotional depth that makes your love story unique, I’ve got you. In the meantime, check out more beautiful moments from Tenaya and Simon’s session over on Instagram!