Palos Verdes Cliffs Sunset Engagement
There’s something so special about getting to photograph people you genuinely connect with. It brings an entirely new level of comfort, ease, and joy to a session—where every laugh, every embrace, and every fleeting moment just feels so natural. And that’s exactly how it felt photographing Mel & Destin’s dreamy engagement session on the cliffs of Palos Verdes in Los Angeles California.
Mel and I had already crossed paths on one of my previous trips to California, and we became fast friends. So when Destin popped the question just a few weeks before I was set to pass through California on my way to Hawaii, we both knew we had to make an engagement session happen. Everything about it felt perfectly timed. The excitement, the golden California light, the way these two look at each other—it was pure magic.
We met up just before sunset to capture the classic California cliffs and ocean views that make Palos Verdes such an iconic location. From the moment Destin and Mel stepped out of their car, you could feel the love radiating between them. Some couples just have that energy—the kind where you don’t even have to direct much because their chemistry speaks for itself. And these two? They had it in abundance.
Why Palos Verdes Is the Perfect Engagement Session Location
If you’re looking for a stunning, effortlessly romantic engagement session location in Southern California, Palos Verdes has it all. Towering cliffs that drop dramatically into the Pacific, golden light that kisses the horizon just right, and that salty ocean breeze that instantly makes you feel like you’re on a coastal adventure. It’s wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful—perfect for couples who want photos that feel organic, cinematic, and true to life.
One of my favorite things about shooting here is the variety of backdrops in just one location. One minute you’re on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, the next you’re wandering through windswept grass, and before you know it, you’re running barefoot on the shore with the waves crashing behind you. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay long after the session is over, just soaking it all in.
And that’s exactly what made it the perfect setting for Mel & Destin’s engagement photos.
Golden Hour & Natural Chemistry
If you’ve followed my work for a while, you know I am obsessed with golden hour light. There’s just nothing quite like that soft, glowy warmth right before sunset—especially when paired with a stunning coastal landscape.
As the sun dipped lower, the entire scene became drenched in the most perfect golden tones, wrapping Mel & Destin in the dreamiest, most romantic light. But what made this session truly special wasn’t just the location or the lighting—it was them.
From the moment we started shooting, these two were completely in their element. Whether they were twirling on the cliffside, running hand-in-hand through the tall grass, or simply taking a quiet moment to soak in the view together, every interaction felt effortless. That’s what I love most—capturing couples as they are without forced poses or anything that feels stiff or staged.
They laughed. They embraced. They got lost in the moment. And that’s what makes engagement photos so special—it’s not just about how they look, but about how they feel.
The Beauty of Unscripted Moments
One of my favorite moments from this session? Watching these two completely let go and just be.
Engagement sessions should never feel like a performance. They should feel like an experience—one that allows you to truly connect, forget about the camera, and enjoy each other’s company.
Mel & Destin were up for anything. They ran. They danced. They tackled the cliffs with so much energy that I found myself sprinting up and down the hills trying to keep up with them (and let me tell you—I do not love cardio, but for these two, it was absolutely worth it. 😂).
At one point, they took a pause, wrapped up in each other’s arms, and just stood there watching the sun melt into the ocean. No words. No movement. Just a quiet moment of appreciation for where they were, who they were with, and the incredible journey ahead of them.
It’s moments like these that turn a simple engagement session into something truly unforgettable.
Why Your Engagement Session Should Feel Like You
One of the biggest things I focus on with every couple I work with is making sure their photos feel authentic to them. Your engagement session isn’t just about capturing pretty pictures—it’s about documenting the love, connection, and dynamic that’s unique to you.
Maybe you’re the type of couple who loves adventure—running barefoot through the sand, climbing cliffs, and embracing the wind in your hair. Or maybe you prefer slow, intimate moments—cozying up with a cup of coffee, walking hand-in-hand, and sharing quiet laughs. Whatever it is, your photos should feel like home.
For Mel & Destin, that meant embracing the energy of the ocean, soaking in every second of golden hour, and simply being present with each other. And that’s exactly what we did.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
As I look back on this session, I’m reminded of why I do what I do. I want to create a space where my couples feel completely themselves—where the focus isn’t on perfect poses, but on real, unfiltered love. That’s where the magic happens.
Mel & Destin’s engagement session in Palos Verdes was everything I could have hoped for—breathtaking scenery, golden light, and two incredible humans who made the entire experience effortless. And the best part? This is just the beginning of their love story.
If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels more like an experience than a photoshoot—something that truly reflects your love and energy—let’s make it happen. Whether it’s the cliffs of Palos Verdes, the beaches of Malibu, or a hidden gem somewhere in between, I’m here to document your love in a way that feels timeless, effortless, and true to you.
