Engagement sessions should feel like you. Relaxed, joyful, and full of the quiet, in-between moments that make your relationship one of a kind. Annie and Jacob’s Newport Beach engagement photos at Crystal Cove brought all of that to life. As the sun dipped low and wildflowers bloomed along the bluffs, they ran barefoot through the sand, laughing like only best friends do. College sweethearts turned Ironman training partners, their love is rooted in adventure and connection. Every photo felt effortless, playful, and deeply them. It was not about posing perfectly. It was about presence. Outdoorsy, carefree, and completely in love.

Why Newport Beach Is the Dream Spot for Engagement Photos

If you are looking for an engagement session location in Orange County that offers a little bit of everything, Newport Beach is it. With wide open beaches, coastal trails, wildflower-covered cliffs, and gorgeous sunsets, it’s the perfect setting for your photos.

Crystal Cove in particular gives you those classic beach views and a bit of rugged beauty. Come April or May, the wildflowers start to bloom along the coastal paths, giving everything this dreamy, sun-soaked glow. It is peaceful, cinematic, and effortlessly California.

Whether you want to run around barefoot in the sand, hike down to a quiet cove and have a picnic, or just take it slow and soak up the view, you have space to breathe and be present with each other. That presence is exactly what makes the best photos.

Capturing What Makes You Feel Like You

One of the best parts of planning your engagement session is knowing that it does not have to look like anyone else’s. Your relationship has its own rhythm, energy, and inside jokes, and your photos should reflect that. It is not about stiff poses or copying a Pinterest board exactly. It is about finding a photographer who takes the time to understand who you are, what lights you up, and how you naturally connect with each other.

When you are truly seen by your photographer, the whole experience changes. You are able to relax, be yourselves, and have actual fun in front of the camera. And that is when the magic happens! Because at the end of the day, these photos are not just for Instagram. They are for you, a celebration of your relationship, exactly as it is right now. You are creating a memory. One that looks and feels like you, down to the smallest details.

Making It Personal

When we started planning Annie and Jacob’s session, we knew we wanted movement, color, and space to let them be themselves. We scheduled it for spring, aka peak wildflower season in Orange County, and explored some of the prettiest little pockets of Crystal Cove.

There was no pressure to perform or pose perfectly. Just lots of running around, piggyback rides, real laughs, and sun on their faces. The best kind of session, where it feels like you are just hanging out, and the photos are a beautiful bonus.

Adding 35mm Film to Your Newport Beach Engagement Photos

For Annie and Jacob, adding 35mm film to their session brought a nostalgic, timeless feel to their photos. Film captures a unique texture and warmth that digital photos can’t always replicate, giving your session a raw, emotional vibe. Whether it’s the soft grain or rich colors, 35mm film complements your surroundings and adds a classic touch, making your photos even more personal and unique.

Thinking About Booking Your Own Newport Beach Engagement Photos?

If you are looking for an Orange County engagement photographer who will get to know you and make your session feel easy, personal, and fun, I would love to chat! Whether you are planning a laid-back beach day or something a little more adventurous, let’s make it all about your connection and what makes your relationship special.

Reach out to learn more about my couples and engagement photo packages and let’s start planning your dream session.

Check out this blog for ideas on how to create a session thats unique to YOU. Connect with me on IG!

XO, Karissa