There’s something undeniably special about capturing the energy of a love that feels like pure adventure. Liv and Zach’s connection is the kind of love that makes your heart race. The kind that reminds you of the magic of young love and all the intense feelings that come with finding your person. From reuniting after long-distance to their clear obsession with each other, it was so much fun to document this chapter of their relationship through these Laguna Beach couples pictures. The nostalgia of it all — that raw, real love — is exactly what I live to capture, and I’m so grateful they let me freeze this moment in time for them.

A Love That Grows Stronger Over Time

Liv and Zach’s love story started back in college, where they were friends for a whole year before something more sparked between them on a trip to Mexico with two other couples. Zach kissed Liv and whispered, “I love you,” marking the moment their friendship turned into something much deeper. Fast forward a little, and Liv graduated and moved back to Orange County, while Zach stayed in his hometown. Long-distance is never easy, but for these two, it only made their bond stronger. Zach even came to California for a whole month to be with Liv — the perfect opportunity to capture the feeling of their reunion after being apart for so long.

A Moment Captured in Time on Laguna Beach 

For this session, we wanted to capture the raw emotion of finally coming together after being apart for so long. That magical moment when you’ve missed each other and can finally close the distance. We ran along the beach, freezing that exact feeling when love feels like it’s bursting at the seams, and time slows for just a second as you get to hold the person you’ve been longing for. Laguna Beach, with its moody, gloomy sunrise that day, was the perfect unique backdrop for this reunion and made for the most beautiful beach couples pictures.

The Details of Their Love

Zach gave Liv a locket that she wears every day, engraved with the words “Always and Forever.” These aren’t just words to them — they’re a promise they live by. The locket became a symbol of their love and the connection they share. We captured it in the sand and in the rocks, letting the details tell their story.

Liv and Zach are both adventurous souls who love to travel. They brought photos from some of their trips together, and we incorporated those moments into the session. It was important to them to capture the essence of their adventures, their shared experiences, and the love that was built during their travels. 

35mm Film: A Nostalgic Touch

I’m always excited to offer 35mm film as an add-on to my couples sessions, and for Liv and Zach, it was the perfect touch. There’s something so nostalgic about the grainy texture and soft tones of film. It captures those raw, in-between moments with such authenticity. Adding film to their session gave the photos a timeless, vintage quality, blending perfectly with the overall mood we wanted to create. It was the perfect way to reflect their love story — modern yet classic, and always full of emotion.

Documenting Your Love Story Is A Tangible Gift for the Future

As a photographer, my goal is always to provide you with more than just pictures. I want to create a tangible gift that you can look back on for years to come. Something that takes you back to that exact feeling, whether it’s the quiet moments, the big hugs, or the spark of a reunion like Liv and Zach’s. These photos are memories that will stay with you and remind you of how far you’ve come together.

I believe in a true-to-color editing style because it’s timeless. I want your photos to hold up for years to come, just as vibrant and authentic as they were the day we captured them. My photography style is documentary, film-inspired, and always focused on the raw, real moments — like the ones we were able to capture for Liv and Zach, where every detail told a piece of their love story.

Whether you’re reuniting on a beach at sunrise or celebrating an intimate moment, I want to create something that will make you feel those emotions again, no matter how much time passes.

Let’s Tell Your Story Together

If you’re a couple who values real moments, adventure, and capturing the raw details of your love story, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re looking for Laguna Beach couples pictures or a couples session somewhere else in Southern California, let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out, and let’s make some magic!

XO, Karissa

Check out this unique couples session and this one to get some inspo for yours! Follow along on IG!