I have a love, hate relationship with shooting at the beach. Mostly a love relationship because you can get the most beautiful light, picturesque views, and gorgeous sunsets, but they always make me a little nervous because the weather can be really unpredictable. There have been times that I have gone to a beach session and have gotten crazy winds and cold, overcast weather the whole shoot. When it is overcast at the beach, it can actually make for some gorgeous images because you get nice even light, and even though I love that light I always miss the amazing light you get at sunset. For this session we headed out to Crystal Cove State Beach in Orange County. This beach is great because you can get the really amazing field like scenery and the sandy beach within a 5 minute walk. I got a little nervous as I was driving to the session because the closer I got to the beach, the darker the skies were becoming, and since it was early summer I was really thinking that we were going to get a sunset. My worry ended up being for nothing because this session turned out to be one of the best beach sessions I have had to date! We ended up getting the best of both shooting conditions! The shoot was mostly overcast (but not cold, yay!) and right at sunset the sun peaked out from between two clouds and gave us the most beautiful light. Lauren and Guy are so sweet together and dream to shoot. We had so much fun doing this shoot and they truly made my job easy. Their little guy should be making his grand entrance any day now and I cannot wait for them to get to meet him!

This was the moment right after the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.


Can she be anymore stunning?


The bangle was Lauren’s grandmothers and the stork bracelet was a gift from her mom. I love when couple incorporate such amazing details into their sessions.

Images: Erica Noelle Photography
Location: Crystal Cove State Beach, Orange County CA
Calligraphy: Kellie Yuki