There’s something about a golden hour engagement session at Solana Beach that feels like magic. The way the light kisses the ocean, the soft sand beneath your feet, and that dreamy coastal glow that makes every frame shimmer. Solana Beach is the perfect setting for documenting a love story.
Solana Beach offers the best of both worlds. It offers rugged cliffs, reflective tide pools, and soft open sands that catch the light beautifully. During Golden Hour, everything transforms. The ocean turns into liquid gold, the sky deepens into shades of coral and lavender, and the light flatters everyone. That’s why I always recommend scheduling sessions during Golden Hour; especially at spots like Solana Beach.
Aubree is a photographer herself, so she knows how special it feels to be on the other side of the lens. From the beginning, she envisioned a session that was not only romantic, but something that reflected their connection and playfulness.
We started their golden hour engagement session at Solana Beach with soft light spilling across the cliffs and ocean breeze brushing through Aubree’s hair. Their first look was casual and cozy: barefoot in the sand, laughing, holding hands, and running along the shoreline. The way they moved together made it feel like I was photographing pure joy.
But halfway through, Aubree had a surprise for Isaac. Aubree turned to Isaac, holding something behind her back; a small ring box. With a huge smile, she got down on one knee and proposed to him.
Isaac was completely stunned. You could see the surprise, then the emotion flood his face. It was such a raw, heartfelt moment — the kind of emotion you can’t stage or plan. Aubree wanted to return the proposal gesture, to let Isaac feel the same love and intention he had shown her. And yes, he said yes, again!
This part of the session captured everything I love about photographing couples; the spontaneity, the emotion, and the way Golden Hour wraps everything in warmth. If you’ve ever considered a Golden Hour engagement session at Solana Beach, this is your sign to make it happen.
After the surprise proposal, we shifted vibes to something more intimate and relaxed. We transitioned into their second look that was meant for them to get in the water. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in lushish hues of blues and pinks, Aubree and Isaac waded into the waves.
The ocean shimmered with that soft, glowing light that photographers dream about. They held each other close as the waves rolled in, laughing between splashes, their silhouettes outlined by the setting sun. Every detail, from the glow of the sunset to the sparkle in their eyes, felt like a reminder that love stories deserve to be told with intention.
Being trusted to capture moments for another photographer is such an honor. Aubree understands how much heart and effort goes into creating meaningful imagery, and it made this experience even more special. We shared an unspoken understanding of the light, composition, and rhythm of the moment. Most importantly, we shared an appreciation for the story unfolding in front of us.
As the last bit of sunlight melted into the horizon and the waves calmed, we wrapped up with saltwater hair, sandy toes, and hearts full of joy. Some moments are meant to be lived fully, this was one of them.
