We had the most amazing engagement session on a perfect evening at one of my favorite small coastal towns in Northern California, Half Moon Bay. The weather was warm, the sun was shining, and the skies were clear –making for an exquisite setting for this beautiful couple, Monae and Cecily, who brought their own warm energy to the session.

Location: Half Moon Bay, California

Half Moon Bay is located just south of San Francisco and is known for its small-town charm and incredible coastline views. From beaches to redwoods and forested hills to cliffs, this coastal town that looks out onto the Pacific is the perfect place for photos!

We first strolled the top of the cliffs to look at the coast and meandered near the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a few photos before wandering to the beach at sunset to put our toes in the water and pop a bottle of bubbles to celebrate the engagement of this beautiful couple.

The beach and crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean provided the perfect backdrop for Monae and Cecily’s playful yet intimate engagement session.

I cannot wait for Monae and Cecily’s beautiful wedding this October at the Bloc in Roseville, California.

Planning Your Beach Engagement Session

Thinking about having a beach engagement photoshoot? There are a few things to consider so your session will go smoothly, and your photos will come out exactly as you imagined (if not better)!

• Wear soft natural colors. Natural colors work well with the lighter background of the sand and help give a more grounded vibe to your images.
• Long and Flowy dresses create movement and texture for your photos
• Bring champagne to celebrate (of course!) and for a cute photo op
• Book your session just before sunset, so the lighting is soft and romantic (because really, who doesn’t love a gorgeous beach sunset!?)
• Bonus tip: Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to cozy up for sunset. Plus, you’ll probably be hungry by the end of the session.  

If you’re planning an engagement session in the area, contact me to start planning your session! I have a ton of recommended locations I share with my clients before we choose the perfect spot!