Rachel & Alec’s Huntington Beach Pier Engagement Session


A romantic sunset engagement session beneath the iconic Huntington Beach Pier during their Southern California vacation.


There’s something special about photographing couples while they’re on vacation. The excitement of exploring somewhere new, the relaxed energy of being away from everyday life, and the chance to create memories together in a beautiful place always make for an unforgettable session.


Rachel and Alec were visiting Southern California and reached out wanting to celebrate their engagement with a sunset session at Huntington Beach Pier. With golden light, gentle waves, and one of California’s most iconic beach locations, it was the perfect setting for their engagement photos.


From the moment we met, these two were incredibly easygoing and completely focused on enjoying the experience together. Rather than treating the session like a photoshoot, they embraced it as a fun evening at the beach, which allowed their genuine connection to shine through in every image.


One of my favorite parts of photographing at Huntington Beach Pier is the variety it offers. We started beneath the pier, using the weathered wooden beams and repeating lines to create dramatic and timeless portraits. The soft evening light filtering through the structure added depth and texture while keeping the focus on Rachel and Alec.

As the sun continued to lower, we moved closer to the shoreline where they walked hand in hand along the water, shared laughs, and enjoyed the ocean breeze. The reflections in the wet sand and the warm golden tones of sunset created the perfect backdrop for romantic, natural moments.


Of course, no engagement session is complete without showing off the ring. Rachel’s beautiful engagement ring caught the last light of the evening perfectly, creating one of my favorite detail shots from the session.

As sunset approached, we finished with some stunning backlit portraits along the beach. The glowing sky, crashing waves, and long shadows created a dreamy California coastal feel that perfectly captured this chapter of their story.


Rachel and Alec, thank you for trusting me to document such an exciting season of your lives while visiting Huntington Beach. It was an absolute pleasure spending the evening with you both, and I’m so excited for everything that lies ahead as you begin this next chapter together.


Congratulations again on your engagement!

Planning an Engagement Session at Huntington Beach?


Whether you're local to Southern California or visiting on vacation like Rachel and Alec, Huntington Beach Pier offers an incredible backdrop for engagement photos. From the iconic pier architecture to beautiful ocean views and unforgettable sunsets, it’s one of my favorite locations for couples sessions.


If you're recently engaged and looking to capture your story, I’d love to help create a session that feels natural, fun, and uniquely you. Reach out to start planning your engagement session today.