Michelle and Alex’s Cozy Oregon Coast Engagement Photos

Michelle and Alex wanted their engagement session to feel more like an elopement adventure than a traditional shoot—and the Oregon Coast was the perfect backdrop. We spent the afternoon hopping between three iconic spots, each one offering a completely different vibe and a chance for them to lean into both casual and elevated looks.

We started at Hug Point, where the rocky cliffs and tidepools set the stage for their more laid-back outfits. From there, we headed into the mossy green wonderland of Ecola State Forest for something a little more adventurous and Pacific Northwest-inspired. The towering evergreens gave us that moody, cinematic feel that’s so unique to Oregon.

For our final stop, Michelle and Alex changed into their “elopement-ready” looks for Cannon Beach. Alex wore a light-colored suit while Michelle stunned in a silk white dress, complete with gloves, a veil, and the chicest matching sunglasses. The wide open sand and Haystack Rock in the distance made the perfect backdrop for these editorial-inspired moments, and the wind gave us some dramatic veil shots.

Throughout the day, I documented Michelle and Alex’s story in a mix of mediums—digital, 35mm film, medium format film, Polaroids, and even Super 8 motion film. The digital frames gave us the crisp, versatile coverage that makes it possible to move quickly between changing light and landscapes. The 35mm film added a grainy, nostalgic feel, especially at Hug Point, where the ocean mist softened everything into a dreamy, cinematic haze. With medium format, we slowed down to create those fine art portraits that feel timeless—every detail of Michelle’s silk dress and Alex’s suit rendered with depth and richness that only film can give.

Some of my favorite film frames from their session:

Polaroids brought a playful, instant energy into the mix, with little snapshots they could hold in their hands right away—tiny keepsakes that will live on their fridge long after the wedding day. And of course, my favorite touch: Brian filmed their day on Super 8, capturing the movement of wind in the veil, laughter as they crossed tidepools, and the way Cannon Beach glowed as the sun set. Watching their connection play out across these different mediums tells their story in layers: nostalgic, artful, romantic, and joy-filled—just like Michelle and Alex themselves.