There’s something magical about photographing couples along California’s Central Coast — where rugged cliffs meet turquoise waves, and the light dances through the fog just right. For V + D, who call Monterey home, there was no better place to capture their love story than right here along the iconic Big Sur coastline.
V + D are locals to the Monterey Bay area, and their story is one of those that instantly makes you smile. They met at work six years ago and immediately clicked — the kind of instant connection that only deepens with time. After getting engaged in sunny Florida, they knew they wanted their engagement photos to reflect home: the wild, breathtaking beauty of the California coast that holds so many of their memories.
They’re getting married on Valentine’s Day (how romantic is that?), and they reached out to me to photograph their engagement session locally — a way to celebrate their roots and this next big chapter in their journey together.
Choosing Garrapata State Beach
When we were planning their engagement session, Garrapata State Beach stood out immediately. If you’re looking for engagement or couples photography in Big Sur, Garrapata is a dream spot — it’s the perfect blend of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and lush coastal mountains. The scenery changes with every turn of the trail, offering endless possibilities for romantic, cinematic photos.
V + D wanted a “romantic film vibe,” and Garrapata delivered. The session started off with a bit of rain, which honestly added to the mood. But as soon as we arrived, the clouds began to lift, revealing that magical low fog that only Big Sur can pull off. The air felt fresh, the waves were crashing hard, and the light had that soft, glowing quality that photographers dream about.
A Session Full of Laughter, Music, and Magic
From the start, V + D couldn’t stop smiling. You could feel their excitement for what’s ahead — a new chapter, a lifetime of adventures together. They danced, laughed, and hiked around the coastline, soaking up every moment.
I played some Tame Impala (one of their favorite artists) as the soundtrack to the evening, and it set the perfect tone — moody, romantic, and free-spirited. As the sun dipped lower, the sky lit up with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and soft red. Cotton candy clouds rolled over the ocean, and the fog caught the light just right, creating a soft halo around them. It honestly felt like a scene out of a dream — the kind of sunset you never forget.
By the end of the session, we were all a little speechless. It was the most breathtaking night I’ve ever seen along Big Sur. Watching V + D wrapped in the glow of that pastel sky, laughing and holding each other close, I couldn’t help but think — this is what love looks like.
Planning Your Own Big Sur or Monterey Engagement Session
If you’re dreaming of engagement or couples photos that feel authentic, cinematic, and true to you, the Central Coast is the perfect backdrop. Whether it’s Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, Pacific Grove’s rocky shores, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s charming coves, Carmel Valley's golden grasses or Monterey’s iconic coastline, every location has its own kind of magic.
The best part about shooting locally is how every session feels unique — the light, the weather, the tide, and of course, the love story in front of the lens. Some days bring fog and moody tones, others bring radiant sunsets and crashing waves. Either way, it’s pure California romance.
So if you’re recently engaged or simply want to celebrate your relationship with a couples session, let’s plan something beautiful together. Bring your favorite playlist, your hiking shoes, and your person — and we’ll create something timeless.
Because at the end of the day, these are more than just photos. They’re your memories — your laughter, your adventures, your love — frozen in time along one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.
