Cloudy Engagement session at Treasure Island Beach | Jordyn and Matt

silhouette of man spinning woman at sunset at Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie

When I had my first phone call with Jordyn and Matt, I just knew I was going to love working with them. They were on a last-minute vacation with their family, shouting above the background noise to coordinate a spur-of-the-moment engagement session at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach, California. This spot is one of my absolute favorites, with stunning tide pools and an incredible mix of backdrops it’s even been the setting for a few maternity sessions I’ve done!

Even though the classic California sunset didn’t make an appearance, Jordyn and Matt lit up the beach with their vibrant personalities and magnetic connection.

A Sweet Meet-Cute Story and the Beginning of Their Love

These two lovebirds first connected over a mutual love of line dancing and live music. Their meet-cute story is straight out of a movie: not only did they grow up in the same city, but they had even attended the same church at different times—talk about fate! With such a small-world connection, it didn’t take long before their families and friends met early on and were soon tearing up the dance floor together at Moonshine Beach.

After just 10 beautiful months together, Matt surprised Jordyn with a proposal during a spontaneous trip to San Diego, although not so spontaneous, since their friends and family were secretly waiting to celebrate in Mission Beach. Jordyn told me that during the proposal, the only words she could get out were, “wow wow wow and this is crazy!” That kind of overwhelming joy is the kind of love that photographs beautifully.

After exploring the scenic gardens above Treasure Island Beach in their casual outfits, Jordyn and Matt did a quick change before running down to the sand. The two frolicked, dipped, kissed, climbed, and danced like a couple straight out of a storybook.

My favorite part? Hands down, when they jumped into the ocean and got absolutely soaked by epic waves. (Okay, maybe tied with their choreographed first dance practice on the beach, a nod to their meet-cute at Moonshine Beach.) It was pure joy.

Looking Ahead to Their Wedding at Coto Valley Country Club in Trabuco Canyon

I’m beyond excited for Jordyn and Matt’s upcoming wedding at Coto Valley Country Club in Trabuco Canyon, California. I’ve photographed a wedding at this venue before, and it’s the perfect match for a couple like these two, full of love, warmth, and personality.

When I asked them what they were most excited about for their big day, Jordyn said, “We are so in love and ready to be married!” With a love like that, you just know their wedding day is going to be absolutely unforgettable.

man and woman cuddle next to plants above Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man and woman dance in the fog above Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man kisses woman on the cheek above Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man lifts woman at Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man wraps arms around woman at Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man and women's feet on the beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man and woman stare at each other on beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man and woman crawl across rocks at Treasure Island Beach
man and woman get hit by wave a Treasure Island Beach
bw man and woman run down Treasure Island Beach by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie
man and woman sit on Treasure Island Beach and watch sunset by California Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie

Whether you're planning a spontaneous engagement session on the beach or a full wedding weekend in Southern California, I'm here to document your story with warmth and intention. Planning your engagement or wedding in Laguna Beach, Trabuco Canyon, or anywhere in California? Let’s chat and create something magical together.

Or check out some other beach engagement sessions below!

xx,

Jennifer Lourie