When I say this session felt like a little slice of everything that matters — love, connection, rhythm, intimacy, a sense of place — I mean it with my whole heart. Kate & G’s engagement session unfolded like a love letter to their story: rooted in presence, sprinkled with nostalgia, and grounded in that effortless rhythm you only get when two people are simply meant for each other.

We started at Helen’s, the hidden little speakeasy tucked right next to Ahba in Laguna Beach — a space that feels cinematic with its mood lighting and secretive charm. It was late afternoon when we tucked into a corner table, and I watched as Kate leaned in over her drink, her laugh spilling into the room like it belonged there. G couldn’t stop looking at her. You could feel the quiet magnetism between them — the kind that doesn’t need a spotlight.

From there, we wandered the streets of Laguna, chasing light and chasing each other. We paused outside terra-cotta homes with wrought-iron balconies, crossed palm-lined intersections, dipped into unexpected corners where the vines curled just right. At one point, Kate spotted a patch of sidewalk that looked like a Wes Anderson film, and before I knew it, they were dancing mid-street. There was a sense of play woven into everything — the way she nudged him with her shoulder, the way he instinctively caught her hand.

What I loved most is that they were down for everything. These two aren’t afraid to be a little silly, a little dramatic, a little in love in front of the camera. They’d told me they wanted the session to feel natural, full of movement and laughter, like you could hear the joy in the photos — and they really meant it. Nothing about this felt forced. They let the afternoon unfold like a Sunday date — which, if you know them, is exactly where they shine.

The final stop was Table Rock Beach, one of those tucked-away coves that locals whisper about but rarely share. The descent down is steep and worth every step. By the time we reached the sand, the sun was low, casting its signature honey light across the cliffs and tide pools. Kate changed into her third look (yes — three, and she made each transition seamless), and together they ran barefoot into the golden tide, the ocean breeze doing its thing.

That moment — bare feet in the sand, wind in their hair, eyes locked in that can’t-believe-it’s-you kind of way — was everything. It was soft and cinematic and honest. You could feel the years between them, the stories, the comfort, the inside jokes, the dogs at home, the long bike rides, the Friday date nights, the full and complicated life they’ve built and the even fuller one they’re heading into.

Kate & G, I can’t wait for the next chapter. Photographing your wedding at Shady Canyon is going to be such a dream — but more than that, I just feel so grateful to be alongside you in this season. Your love is layered and grounded and so fun to witness. And your card collection (Kate, you know the one) is only just beginning.

Here’s to keeping things 0 or 100. To yogurt shops and sunset swims. And to never skipping dessert on the couch.

Locations We Visited:

Helen’s

A moody, tucked-away speakeasy behind Ahba on the PCH. The perfect starting point for a cocktail-fueled golden hour.

Laguna Beach streets

Terracotta walls, palm trees, hidden corners, and all the coastal charm. We let ourselves wander and followed the light.

Table Rock Beach

A quiet cove with warm cliffs and soft tide — the kind of place that feels like a secret even when it’s not. The light here? Unmatched.