Tucked away in a quiet cove, where steep cliffs meet sand and sea, the magic of the southern Oregon coastline unfolds for us. Secret Beach. Finally I see it with my own eyes. A foggy blend of brine and mist curled around the jagged rocks behind me as we took in what nature offered. I knew the sun was going down, but I couldn’t see it; only the blue-gray light cast over the ocean, through the mist, and onto the scene filling my frame.

Sydnee and Bailey are preparing to have their intimate beach wedding tomorrow, so I can see both the ecstatic excitement and the weight of anticipation and commitment on their faces… in their mannerisms. They had originally wanted to tie the knot right here on Secret Beach, but settled on another beautiful and more accessible beach for their closest loved ones. But I knew how important Secret Beach was to them, and when I suggested a day-before session, things just organically fell into place.  

As we approach the end of the trail above the beach, dirt gives way to volcanic rock. The three of us descend down the rock side, rope in hand, and jump down to the wave lapped sand. Bailey lands first, and Sydnee isn’t a second behind him.

Immediately, Sydnee & Bailey exchange an uninhibited embrace. With arms outstretched, they swing and twirl, a carousel of affection beneath a dewy sky. I adore couples who play, and these two are young lovers in natures playground! Now, I follow them as they dart back and forth across the sand. Tag it is! And as the giggles fade into soft smiles, I catch the two of them stealing glances at each other. The gulls above bear witness to this tender love, and the seals watch curiously between kelp dives. I feel immersed in the moment, and I’m documented it all.

Watching beauty and love unfold in front of my eyes and lens is why I do what I do -animated embraces, sweet nothings, sandy toes, and salt-laden hair- all pass across my shutter. I am honored to join their dance for an hour or so on the day before one of the most important they will have yet experienced.  Their warmth and playfulness is contrasting perfectly with the mist and chilly ocean waves, and I am soaking it up!

Dusk is approaching and a bright idea crosses Sydnee’s face- her “what if we… jumped in the ocean!!!” face. Though the sun took its warmth with it, and we can feel the goosebumps on our arms, I shoot my “YES!! THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR!” face right back to her. 

Without a second of hesitation, Sydnee and Bailey track start into a full sprint. They crease through the smaller waves, father, farther, then dramatically fall together. I can still hear their squeals, their raw laughter, through the splashing water.

As Bailey carries Sydnee out of the ocean, dripping, shivering, grinning, and more in love than ever, I smile and tear up a bit. 

Secret Beach in the fog is ethereal, the ocean is alluring, and the blue-hued rocks of the Oregon Coast never fail to deliver a stunning blue hour… but I am admiring the love-flushed beauty of these two in front of me. Now it’s time to climb back up the rocks, trek out, and rest up for tomorrow’s elopement adventures.