Sarah and Drew’s Newport Beach engagement photos capture the essence of their love story and playful chemistry. When they first reached out to me in October 2023, they mentioned how much they loved my storytelling and film photography style. This connection became the cornerstone of everything we worked on together. After booking me for their wedding, they decided to travel back to California for their engagement shoot, as Sarah’s family lives here and the beautiful weather made it an ideal setting.

Their Love Story 

Sarah and Drew’s love story began in college, where they first met as friends. After years of friendship, they realized their connection ran deeper and started dating soon after graduation. They’ve been together for eight years, and despite relocating to New York, their California roots remain strong. Their journey together has been filled with adventure, from building a thriving community in New York to planning their dream wedding back in California. Their bond is built on laughter, shared experiences, and a deep sense of partnership. They are truly such a special couple! 

At Home for Engagement Photos

Originally, we had planned to take the engagement photos at Crystal Cove. But when I arrived at Sarah’s parents’ home in Newport Beach, I immediately saw how perfect the surroundings were. Located in a private, gated community attached to a stunning golf course, their home held special meaning—it was designed and built by Sarah’s father, an architect. This made the shoot even more personal and intimate. The stunning property, vibrant flowers, and soft golden sunlight provided the perfect backdrop, making every shot feel special. 

Playful Vibes and Natural Chemistry

I loved how Sarah and Drew focused on each other throughout the entire engagement session process. For the engagement photos, Sarah chose a vintage slip dress, perfectly reflecting her love for timeless, classic styles. She LOVES all things vintage so it was important to her! Drew, with his funky and colorful shirt, brought a playful energy to the shoot. I loved capturing their unique chemistry–  as they focused less on the camera and more on just having fun with each other. This relaxed approach allowed their true personalities to shine through, creating some of the most authentic and joyful engagement photos I’ve had the pleasure to capture!

Film Engagement Session

As a result, I decided to shoot their Newport Beach engagement photos all on film to capture that timeless, organic feel. Especially after talking with the couple and getting to know their vibe, I knew this was the perfect approach to capturing their session.  Film photography brings a softness and warmth that complements intimate moments like these, giving the images a nostalgic touch that perfectly fits the casual, relaxed nature of the session.

Advice for Engagement Sessions

If you’re thinking about scheduling engagement photos, my advice is to treat it as a fun, carefree moment with your partner. Focus on being present with each other, rather than worrying about the camera. Sarah and Drew’s session was all about fun, playfulness, and capturing their chemistry—and it resulted in photos that truly reflect their love story.

Ready to plan your engagement photos? Check out this Coronado Island engagement here. If you’re looking to hire a documentary style photographer, I’d LOVE to be a part of making this moment special!