Dramatic Oregon Coast Engagement Photos

Lesley + Jordan’s celebratory engagement photos in Cannon Beach and how you can start planning your Oregon Coast engagement photo session

Lesley and Jordan's Oregon Coast engagement photos at Cannon Beach will certainly be on the highlight reel replaying in my head for years to come. Together we worked to plan a perfect evening that celebrated this next phase in their lives by incorporating a few of the things they love doing most. I thoroughly love helping couples with every aspect of their time with me and especially providing travel recommendations. That may include anything from outfits, locations that make them feel at home, exciting activities, lodging recommendations, where to eat and so much more.

Some really cool things I learned through our time together is that Lesley works as a librarian after being a teacher wasn’t exactly what she expected. Jordan works as a concierge for all the executive happenings at a large tech company in Seattle (you might have heard of them before). The two unexpectedly met on Bumble in Texas and honestly initially bonded over gardening after Lesley accidentally had spent time gardening before the date… if you catch my drift. Speaking of unexpected, I would have never guessed Jordan grew up working on a longhorn cattle ranch. Having worked on a few horse ranches myself, I can appreciate the hard work that takes.

Why choose engagement photos at Cannon Beach?

Choosing Cannon Beach for your engagement photos is like stepping into a real-life postcard… like the kind my grandmother would always send me as a kid. The iconic Haystack Rock gives you a stunning backdrop that makes every shot look incredible, while the wide, sandy beach and grassy dunes offer plenty of space to capture those intimate, candid moments. The Oregon Coast is full dramatic cliffs, quaint beach towns, tide pools full of sea creatures, and even adds an extra layer of excitement if you love The Goonies or Twilight. Cannon Beach is not only the cutest town full of plenty of restaurants and shopping, it’s just a short hour drive from Portland (you know, on a good day).

Plus, the ever-changing weather and light can create a magical atmosphere, whether it's a glowing sunset or a misty morning. Cannon Beach isn't just a pretty place; it has a vibe of adventure and calm that perfectly captures the excitement and romance of an engagement. It's a spot where we can just have a damn good time documenting your love storing amongst one of the most breathtaking landscapes around.

What time of year is best for engagement photos at the Oregon Coast?

Arguably the best time of year for engagement photos at Cannon Beach is spring and fall. Summer in Cannon Beach brings countless visitors and finding any ounce of solitude can be difficult. Alternatively, winter can be incredibly stormy and cold. If that’s your thing though, winter could be the perfect time for year because the area is far quieter than in the busier warmer months. Spring and fall is the perfect balance between these seasons. In late spring, you can capture the fresh, vibrant colors of blooming coastal plants, while early fall, with its crisp air and fewer tourists, offers a more intimate and serene setting. This time of year also brings beautiful sunsets and the possibility of dramatic skies, adding a unique and romantic touch to your photos.

For Lesley and Jordan, late April was absolutely perfect and also presented a fantastic opportunity to simultaneously celebrate Jordan’s birthday. Despite the initial torrential downpour that had threatened our session, the weather had cleared up just in time. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the couple as they strolled along the beach together. We even saw a rainbow!

Deciding on your Oregon Coast engagement session outfits

When choosing outfits for an engagement session along the Oregon Coast, it’s all about balancing style with practicality. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, so it's smart to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove. Think cozy sweaters, stylish jackets, and even scarves that not only keep you warm but also add texture to your photos. As for colors, go for tones that complement the natural beauty around you—earthy hues like soft blues, greens, and neutrals work wonderfully against the backdrop of the ocean and cliffs. Avoid anything too bright or flashy that might clash with the serene landscape. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and look like yourselves, while also harmoniously blending with the stunning coastal scenery.

Activities for your engagement session in Cannon Beach

Deciding on the activities in you include in your engagement session is one of the single most important decisions you will make in the course of planning your session. Including activities that are personal to you in your engagement session at Cannon Beach is really the icing on the cake… it adds personality in a way that is uniquely meaningful to you.

Ideas to get you started:

• Start with a leisurely walk along the shoreline, holding hands and sharing laughs, if that's something you love doing together.

• If you're both adventurous, explore the rocks around Haystack Rock, the tide pools or take a hike through Ecola State Park.

• Love taking your dogs on adventure? Bring a frisbee and let’s play where the waves meet the sand.

• A cozy picnic with your favorite snacks can highlight those intimate, relaxed moments you cherish.

• Many of the local hotels offer bikes or pop in one the local shops and rent some.

• For the romantics, writing messages in the sand or dancing at sunset or even flying a kite.

For Jordan and Lesley, they were thoroughly looking forward to one of their favorite past times: building a fire and roasting s’mores. We spent many more hours into the evening just swapping stories and aspirations around the fire to end the night.

I couldn't help but be in awe of their bond. Lesley shared how Jordan had transformed her life in ways she never thought possible, while Jordan shared how Lesley had been the best part of his life for almost a decade. Throughout the evening we talked about everything under the sun - from how they found themselves selling their home in Texas so they could move to Washington to their dreams of homesteading together. They even shared the heartbreaking story of losing their beloved dog just weeks before.

Kind words from Lesley + Jordan…

“Heather is such a joy to work with! We had Heather photograph us at Cannon Beach and she made the whole process as seamless as possible, even going as far as to send us hotel recommendations and little comforting texts before our photoshoot. She is all about the details and making the whole experience as comfortable and natural as possible. I've worked with a lot of photographers and I really appreciate the care and passion that Heather has in her art.”

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