Adventurous & Fantasy-Inspired Engagement Session in Fort Bragg


When Ryan and Abby told me they wanted an adventurous, fantasy-inspired engagement session, but weren’t sure where to go, I was so excited to help them plan the perfect experience. After exploring different ideas, we landed on Fort Bragg, with a stop in the redwoods for a hidden waterfall hike—a journey that felt straight out of a storybook.

Outdoor portrait of a person smiling in front of a rock wall wearing a light blue dress shirt and brown pants.
Close-up black and white romantic photo of a tender embrace, with engagement rings visible on their hands.
A woman in a flowing red dress with sheer sleeves poses outdoors against a rocky cliff and greenery background.
A couple embraces on a beach at sunset with mountains in the background, person in red dress gestures playfully.
Couple poses together on forest path surrounded by tall redwood trees and lush ferns in dreamy sunlit setting.
A couple in formal attire hold hands while splashing in the ocean waves at sunset, with her wearing a flowing red dress.

Sunrise & A Casual Start to the Adventure


We kicked off the day with a spontaneous stop along the road at sunrise, capturing quiet, intimate moments in the soft morning light. In their casual outfits, Ryan and Abby embraced the crisp October air, setting the tone for a day full of adventure.


Two people walk together on a dirt path through golden fields with mountains visible in the distance under blue sky.
A couple shares an intimate romantic moment at sunset, with warm lighting casting a golden glow on their joyful expressions.

Fantasy in the Redwoods: A Storybook Moment


Next, we ventured into the redwoods for a short hike to a hidden waterfall, where the session took on a truly magical feel. Abby wore a stunning flowy red gown, while Ryan donned a simple tunic, perfectly fitting the fantasy aesthetic. The most unique touch? Ryan brought his own sword, a nod to their Lord of the Rings-inspired wedding theme. With dramatic lighting and a glowing lantern, the photos felt like they belonged in an epic tale of adventure and romance.

Person in a red dress rests peacefully on a large moss-covered rock in a dreamy forest setting.
A couple stands together holding hands on a fallen log in a misty redwood forest, captured in black and white.
A couple in red dress and beige shirt pose together on a forest path with sunlit trees in the background.
A couple in vintage-inspired clothing stands in a sunlit forest clearing, with the woman holding a rustic lantern.
A bearded person in medieval-style clothing sits on a rock in a forest setting with a wooden staff nearby.
Two people in autumn attire walking along fallen logs in a sunlit forest path carrying a vintage lantern.

Golden Hour Magic on a Secluded Beach


After a day of exploring, we arrived at the Fort Bragg coastline just in time for golden hour, and this was hands down my favorite part of the session.

The beach was completely empty—just the two of them, the waves, and the setting sun. Barefoot in the sand, they laughed, ran, and embraced as the sky turned golden. The entire moment felt free, effortless, and intimate, capturing their love in the most natural way.

Two silhouettes walk along a misty beach shoreline at sunset with mountains visible in the distance.
A couple embraces during sunset at the beach with golden sunlight reflecting off the ocean water.
Black and white photo of two people jumping and moving on wet beach sand with reflections.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple embracing outdoors with soft lighting and a dreamy atmosphere.
Two people standing in shallow water wearing a flowing red dress and khaki pants, creating mirror reflections on the surface.
A couple in formal attire embraces on rocky coastal cliffs with ocean waves and mountains in the background at sunset.

A Day to Remember


Beyond the photos, this session was a full adventure—traveling, talking, and stopping for lunch and dinner in Fort Bragg. It was one of those days that felt truly special from start to finish. If you’re dreaming of an adventurous engagement session in Fort Bragg, the redwoods, or along the Northern California coast, let’s create something just as magical!

A couple stands on coastal rocks during golden hour sunset at the beach as waves crash behind them.
Two people in casual attire walking along a beach at sunset with waves crashing on the shore.
A couple embraces on a cliffside overlooking a misty oceanscape in black and white.
Monochrome beach portrait featuring a bearded man in a light colored shirt with a woman in dark dress in background.
A romantic couple embraces on the beach during golden hour sunset, with warm lighting creating a dreamy atmosphere.
Two people standing in shallow ocean water at sunset with reflections on the wet sand beach.