Kate and Ian’s Dreamy Sunrise Engagement Session on Cape Kiwanda

There’s just something so magical about the Oregon coast at sunrise! I recently got to experience it with Kate, Ian, and their sweet bulldog, Angus, for their engagement session, and it was pure coastal bliss. We met up at Cape Kiwanda at the crack of dawn, with the sky slowly waking up in shades of pink and orange. I had my digital camera ready for the first light, but also brought along my film cameras, Polaroid, and my husband, Brian, joined in to capture moments on Super8 and film too! We were ready to catch every bit of that dreamy morning magic.

We kicked things off exploring the dunes and tide pools, with Angus happily leading the way. Watching Kate and Ian laugh together, hand in hand, in the early morning quiet was everything. I clicked away on both digital and film, getting those sweet, genuine moments while my husband filmed on Super 8 for that nostalgic, grainy vibe. Seeing them in motion on Super8 felt like a mini movie, with the ocean as the backdrop and Angus stealing the show with his adorable curiosity.

One of the best parts? For our second location we hopped in our cars and drove right along the beach! They were all about adding adventure to their session, and their Jeep and our Rav4 made it possible to reach McPhillips Point with all its epic rock formations. It was so much fun bouncing along the sand and capturing shots on Polaroid for a sun-washed, vintage vibe. Plus, they got to take a few Polaroids home as keepsakes, which made the whole experience even more special.

At McPhillips Point, the sun was climbing higher, casting a golden glow that was straight-up magical. We ran around in the surf, taking shots with my 35mm and 120mm film for that deeper, textured look, while my husband continued to capture the movement of waves and laughter on Super8. Each format brought something unique to the session: digital for crystal-clear details, film for those rich tones, and Polaroids for those instant, one-of-a-kind memories.

Some of my favorite film frames from this session:

We wrapped up the session with sandy shoes, a few Polaroids, and a heart full of coastal memories. I’m beyond thrilled to have documented this part of Kate and Ian’s love story through digital, film, and even Super8, thanks to my husband’s talents behind the camera. This Oregon coast engagement session had it all—adventure, a stunning sunrise, and the kind of love that feels like home. I can’t wait for their wedding next year, and feel so lucky to have shared this morning with them.