I always get excited when couples take me somewhere new, which is exactly what Lauren and Zac did with their sunset Laguna Beach engagement session. They’re planning their wedding in the PNW, but because California is home for them, they wanted their engagement photos to also reflect this part of their story.
That meant a trip down to Orange County, and I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. We explored the rocky shoreline, stopped to check out the tide pools, and wandered the beach together. It was such a fun session and a beautiful place to document this season before their wedding day. Here’s a little glimpse into their engagement session, along with a few ideas for making your own engagement photos feel a little more personal.
The Story Behind Their Laguna Beach Engagement
A Parisian Proposal
Lauren and Zac’s Laguna Beach engagement story actually started halfway around the world in Paris. They planned a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, but just as they settled in, it started raining. Most people ran for cover, but they stayed and embraced it. With the Eiffel Tower lights sparkling above them, Zac proposed to Lauren. They described it as a really simple, beautiful moment that even reminded them of the early days of dating in rainy Eugene, Oregon.
Exploring the Laguna Beach Coastline
For their engagement session, Lauren and Zac chose Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach, a place Lauren had actually grown up going to. It ended up being a really great location, with sandy shoreline mixed with rugged rock formations along the coast.
The tides were also in our favor, which meant we got to spend time tide pooling and checking out sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones along the rocks. It made the session feel a little more interactive and fun as we moved along the coastline.
Halfway through the session, Lauren changed outfits, going from a more casual beach look with jeans to a flowy white dress that fit the coastline vibe perfectly. Overall, their session was a ton of fun to photograph, with a really easy, relaxed energy throughout the afternoon and into the sunset.
How to Make the Most of Your Engagement Session
I had a great time documenting Lauren and Zac’s Laguna Beach engagement session, and it’s something I always recommend to my couples if it’s something they’re considering. Engagement sessions are the perfect way to warm up in front of the camera before your wedding day, get comfortable with your photographer, and document this season of life in a really intentional way.
If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your engagement session, here are a few things to think about.
Make Sure the Timing is Right
If you’re planning to use your engagement photos for save the dates, it’s helpful to plan your session early enough to give yourself plenty of time for editing and design. I usually recommend scheduling your session at least 8 to 10 months before your wedding if that’s the plan.
If you’re not working within a specific timeline, you’ve got a lot more flexibility to choose a season, location, or time of day that feels right for your experience. Either way, you’ll want to schedule your session with plenty of time before your wedding so you can really enjoy it and be present in this season of your relationship.
Choose a Location That Holds Special Meaning
Engagement sessions feel even more personal when they take place somewhere meaningful. For Lauren and Zac, that was Crescent Bay, a beach Lauren had grown up visiting. But for you, that could be your first date spot, a favorite hike, or anywhere that already holds a bit of your story. It doesn’t have to be dramatic to feel special. It just has to feel like you.
Include an Activity You Love
Your engagement session doesn’t have to just be photos for the sake of photos. It’s also a chance to bring in something you already enjoy doing together. For Lauren and Zac, that meant tide pooling along the coast, but it could also look like a picnic, a walk through your favorite city, flying kites, or even something a little more adventurous like rock climbing, if that feels like you. It’s less about what you choose and more about having fun and documenting that natural sense of connection and joy.
If you want more ideas for planning your engagement session, I have a blog with lots of tips to help you feel prepared and relaxed going into it!
It was so special to travel down to Laguna Beach for Lauren and Zac’s engagement session. The whole day felt truly effortless and fun, and I can’t wait to document their wedding in the PNW!
I love helping couples document their love through engagement sessions. It’s such a great way to preserve this season of life, and it gives you even more memories to look back on for years to come.
To see what an engagement session with me as your photographer can look like, feel free to browse through my portfolio.
