Sofia and Jourdain flew all the way from Colorado to San Francisco for their engagement session, and I am so glad they did. These two have been together for years, and their story goes all the way back to elementary school. So when they got engaged, they knew they wanted their photos to feel just as special as their story.
They originally planned to shoot in the redwoods around San Francisco. But just days before, they pivoted and decided to head down to Big Sur for something a little more epic. It turned out to be the perfect call.
A perfect May day on the Big Sur coast
We met down in Big Sur in May, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Light clouds drifted across the sky and gave us the softest, most beautiful light as we explored the cliff sides. Birds circled around them, the waves crashed below, and right at sunset the whole sky lit up. It was one of those evenings that reminds me why I love this stretch of coast so much.
Why we love Big Sur for engagement photos
Big Sur is such a beautiful place for engagement photos, and such a special way to spend time together and do something fun. Towering cliffs, wild ocean, redwood canyons, and golden light all in one place make it feel cinematic without any effort. If you are dreaming of a coastal engagement session with a sense of adventure, it is hard to beat.
Make your engagement session an adventure
Here is my honest advice: an engagement shoot does not have to be quick and easy just to get it done. Make a date out of it. Go somewhere you have always wanted to go, and make it an adventure. These photos memorialize a very unique time in your life that you will never get back, and leaning into the full experience is the most amazing thing you can do. Sofia and Jourdain did exactly that, and it shows in every single frame.
Want to learn more about turning your engagement photoshoot into a full adventure! Check out this blog I wrote all about doing just that!
Planning your own Big Sur engagement session
A few things that made this session shine: we timed it for golden hour and sunset when Big Sur is at its most magical, we built in time to explore instead of rushing between spots, and we let the weather and light lead the way. Come with comfortable shoes, a layer for the coastal breeze, and an open, playful mindset.
I have shot many weddings, elopements and engagement sessions down in this beautiful area! Check out some of these blogs I’ve written that can help you plan your own adventure!
Top Big Sur Accommodations for Elopements and Intimate Weddings
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Garrapata State Park: Stunning Locations, Seasons, & Planning Tips
Ready to plan your engagement session?
If you are dreaming of a Big Sur engagement session, or an adventure somewhere else entirely, I would love to help you plan it and capture it. Reach out any time through my contact page.
