When a client asks me to photograph on the beach, I never say no. Being that I grew up in Wisconsin, having the ocean within just a few hours drive for me is something that still astonishes me. When I moved to North Carolina, I knew that I would love the proximity, but I don’t take advantage of it quite as much as I would like. With life, work, my pup, and everything else – we don’t make it to the beach super often. But how could I turn down a morning beach engagement session?

So when Caitlyn reached out and said they would be spending their week down at Topsail Beach, and they were wondering if I could come down and grab their engagement photos there – there was no hesitation. I was absolutely there. After some timeline consideration; with their vacation in mind, and the sweltering North Carolina summer heat, we decided on doing their session at sunrise.

I geared up, grabbed my things, and started the trek from Raleigh to Topsail beach at 3 AM. When I arrived, the sun was just beginning to crest the horizon and it made for the most beautiful sunrise. We were unsure if we we’re going to get the golden sun that comes in the mornings, or just clouds but either way we were excited.

As we crossed the wooden paths through the dunes, the beach opened up and it was a beach photographer’s dream. No one was there. It was magical. We made ourselves comfortable and started having fun.

With beach engagement sessions, I love to focus on movement. This can mean running on the beach, playing in the water, or just being silly in the sand. The beach is fun, and the session should be too. With the ocean as our backdrop, her beauty on full display, coupled with the sounds of the waves, it couldn’t have been better.

We finished up just as the sun started to reach her early morning peak, and we made our way back to Brad and Caitlyn’s rental. I have photographed Brad and Caitlyn a number of times, and I am so grateful to have clients who continuously choose to return to me. It warms my heart, and I love experiencing so many things with them.

Grateful for clients who love the beach, love our adventures, and love HNP.