Carrie & Ethan
Carrie and Ethan were living in NYC and planning on traveling to Los Angeles for some wedding related to-do’s, so it was the perfect time to schedule their engagement session. Their wedding is at the gorgeous, Bel Air Bay Club and they wanted a beach engagement session in Pacific Palisades.
We starting brainstorming some location ideas and ultimately decided on Palisades Park and Will Rogers Beach. Palisades Park is a personal favorite location of mine because of the gorgeous ocean views and the iconic walking paths lined with giant palm trees. The final part of their engagement session was at Will Rogers Beach, which made for some dreamy golden hour beach vibes.
Carrie and Ethan’s engagement session was photographed in the winter and even though we’re in southern California, it was an unusually cold day. Like pro’s, Carrie and Ethan handled the cold like champs (aka, like New Yorkers). They ran up and down the beach to warm up, which made for some fun, candid photos! Working with Carrie and Ethan was a DREAM and I’m so excited to share their beautiful wedding blog soon!
Tips for Beach Engagement Sessions
Timing is Everything: Schedule your session during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times creates a flattering, romantic atmosphere and enhances the natural beauty of the beach.
Dress for the Location: Choose outfits that complement the beach setting. Light, flowing fabrics in neutral or pastel colors work well. Also, consider going barefoot or wearing casual sandals which adds to the relaxed beach vibe.
Embrace the Elements: It is good to be prepared for changes in temperature, wind and water. Use the wind to your advantage by adding it into your poses by letting hair and clothes flow naturally. Don’t be afraid to get wet — playing in the waves can create fun, candid shots. Also, water shots are best towards the end of the session.
Use Props Wisely: Simple and real props can enhance the beach theme without overwhelming the photos. Consider items like a neutral blanket, a beach cruiser or even a vintage surfboard.
Plan for Comfort: Bring essentials like water, towels, and a change of clothes. Being comfortable will help you relax. Also, know your location beforehand to identify the best spots and crowded areas.
![A couple enjoying the panoramic ocean view from Palisades Park during an engagement session.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_558.jpg)
![A couple walking hand in hand during a photo session at Palisades Park.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_512-3-1.jpg)
![Couple sharing a laugh at Palisades Park in Santa Monica.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_500.jpg)
![A couple kissing under a large tree during their engagement session in Santa Monica.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_533.jpg)
![A couple holding hands showcasing the engagement ring at Palisades Park.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_527.jpg)
![A couple kissing under an iconic tree at Palisades Park.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_555.jpg)
![A couple laughing under a canopy of trees in Palisades Park during their engagement shoot.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_554.jpg)
![A couple sharing a kiss during a photo session at Palisades Park in Santa Monica.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_504.jpg)
![A couple smiling while taking a portrait during their engagement session.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_507-1.jpg)
![An engaged couple walking together during a photo session at Palisades Park.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_517.jpg)
![A couple kissing with an ocean view from Palisades Park.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_560.jpg)
![An engaged couple posing for a photo while standing under an iconic tree in Palisades Park.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_549.jpg)
![A couple holding hands and enjoying the ocean view during an engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_567.jpg)
![A couple playfully jogging hand in hand in the sand at Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_583.jpg)
![A couple walking hand-in-hand during an engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_574.jpg)
![A couple enjoying a kiss during an engagement session at the beach in the Pacific Palisades.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_572.jpg)
![A couple being silly during their engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_586.jpg)
![Golden sand at Will Rogers State Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_566.jpg)
![A couple smiling at each other during a photo session at the beach in Pacific Palisades.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_570.jpg)
![A couple jogging while holding hands on the sands of Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_582.jpg)
![An engagement ring and a couple smiling during their engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_596.jpg)
![A couple dancing during golden hour at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_588.jpg)
![A blissful couple and an engagement ring at the beach in Santa Monica, Ca.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_597.jpg)
![A engaged couple having fun during their engagement session at Will Rogers beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_591.jpg)
![A woman hugging her fiance during their engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_603.jpg)
![An engaged couple playfully twirling on the sands of a Santa Monica beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_592.jpg)
![A couple holding hands during an engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_631.jpg)
![A couple standing together with the ocean breeze blowing at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_615.jpg)
![An couple kissing during golden hour at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_617.jpg)
![A couple sharing a stroll during a sunset at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_626.jpg)
![A couple enjoying a moment together during their engagement session at Palisades beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_618.jpg)
![A couple embracing each other at the beach in Santa Monica, Ca.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_611.jpg)
![A couples hair blowing in the wind during an engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_616.jpg)
![A couple holding hands during their engagement session at Will Rogers Beach.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_631-1.jpg)
![A couple enjoying a quiet moment together at the beach in Pacific Palisades.](https://teresamariephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5017/2024/07/santa-monica-engagement-session_619.jpg)
Sunset Love: Beach Engagement Session In Palisades
Sunset Love: Beach Engagement Session In Palisades
July 9, 2024