Newport Beach Engagement Photos With Drew & Randi
About six months ago I was driving up to Laguna Beach for an engagement session at Victoria Beach when I called my buddy who lives in the area to see if he wanted to grab pizza and beers after. He had to pass because he was heading to Los Angeles for an Empire of the Sun show but mentioned he had a spare ticket if I wanted to meet him after my shoot. I said hell yes and ended up partying all night in LA after the shoot.
That night I met Randi. She was telling me about her upcoming wedding in Temecula and I mentioned I shoot there all the time. Turns out she was getting married at Galway Downs, a venue I had literally just photographed the month before. We pulled up our calendars right there, and the only day I had open in October was her wedding day. Boom.
We locked in her Newport Beach engagement session with Drew shortly after. Now you might be asking yourself what any of that has to do with engagement photos in Newport Beach. Fair question. The answer is that sometimes the best bookings come from the most random nights, and this one started with an Empire of the Sun concert and ended with a wedding on the books.
Newport Beach Engagement Photo Locations
Look, I’ve shot engagement photos all over Orange County. Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, Corona Del Mar, Huntington Beach, downtown Laguna Beach. All great. But Newport Beach hits different, and after years of shooting couples up and down this coastline, I’m fully convinced there’s no better spot for engagement photos in Southern California.
Here are my go-to locations when I’m shooting in Newport:
That last one is genuinely on the list. A relaxed couple makes for better photos every single time, and if that relaxation comes from a cold beer on a patio somewhere in Newport, I’m fully on board with that plan.
Drew & Randi’s Newport Beach, CA Engagement Session
After sharing a bit about how Randi and I met, let’s dive into the engagement session itself. We kicked things off at one of my favorite spots: a bar. There’s something about a casual drink that eases everyone into the day and sets the vibe just right. After a couple of cold ones, we headed out around Newport Beach for some shots.
At one point, a security guard stopped us and asked if I had a permit to shoot there. I may have exaggerated a tiny bit:
“International wedding photographer who shot Brad Pitt’s first wedding to that actress from Friends.”
That bought us just enough time to keep rolling without missing a beat. Once that little hiccup passed, we moved the session to the beach, where the light, the waves, and the laughs made for an unforgettable engagement shoot. Fun, relaxed, and full of the kind of candid moments that make for a perfect start to their wedding story.
What Should I Wear For Engagement Photos At Newport Beach?
As a heterosexual man, I should probably never be giving fashion advice. Ever. But since you asked, here are some outfit styles previous couples rocked for Newport Beach sessions that came out amazing on camera:
- Flowing maxi dresses (for her): these look incredible when twirling in the wind or walking along the shoreline. Movement adds drama and makes photos feel effortless.
- Bold colors: reds, blues, or yellows pop beautifully against the sand and ocean, helping you stand out without being over the top.
- Light, neutral layers (for him): linen shirts, light chinos, or casual blazers look relaxed yet polished. They pair well with beachy tones and keep the vibe casual but sharp.
- Casual chic: a simple button-up with rolled sleeves and dark jeans strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style.
- Seasonal accessories: hats, scarves, or light jackets add visual interest and help break up the look for more dynamic shots.
At the end of the day, what really matters is your attitude. Pick outfits that make you feel good, reflect your personal style, and let your personalities shine. Comfort equals confidence, and confidence equals killer photos.
After rocking some blue hour shots at Newport Beach, we made our way to Whole Foods (yes, really) for a few post-session IPAs. Never thought I’d drink in a grocery store, but Newport Beach folks clearly have it figured out. Beer in a health food store somehow works.
Not entirely sure how to wrap up this little engagement photo recap, so I’ll just leave it here: goodbye. Fin.
Booking a Newport Beach engagement session?
Text me at 951-704-9503 or hit up the contact page and let’s find your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are just ideas. Every couple is different, and our goal is to help you capture a setting that tells your story, and looks amazing while doing it.
