A Portland Oregon Coastal Engagement Session by Destination Wedding Photographers Ryan & Denise

The very best part of what we do is documenting love stories for our couples, but when it’s for a member of our own family it’s like a delicious cherry on top of the world’s greatest ice cream sundae! Hillary is my “baby cousin” (the youngest of eight on my mom’s side) and I have to admit, it felt very surreal to be photographing her engagement session. I can still remember her as a little girl, but I can’t help but be in awe of the beautiful, intelligent and kind individual she’s grown into. She’s the kind of person I’d be happy to call a friend so it feels like even more of an honor that I get to call her “family.” It has been such a joy to watch her find the love of her life in Graham. And guys, they make a great pair! He’s got that perfect witty sarcasm that compliments her warmth and sweetness in just the right measure. Graham popped the question last Christmas while they were visiting us in Phoenix and they asked us immediately if they could bring us to Portland over the summer to do their engagement session in their beautiful home state. Get out of the 100 degree temps in August? Yeah, let’s just say they didn’t have to twist our arms too much. ;-)

Spending the day exploring the Oregon coast with these two was an absolute BLAST! From frolicking on gorgeous country roads to hiking through hills covered in tall grass to epic coastal views – it was an adventure we won’t soon forget! Since Graham is an avid surfer, we finished up our time on picturesque Cannon Beach to get our toes in the sand, open a bottle of wine and touch the waves. The chill in the wind and the icy cold water presented a bit of a challenge, but luckily these two lovebirds didn’t mind snuggling up for some extra warmth. (They may have been extra thankful for the warm blanket in between shots though. Ha ha!) Since Hillary had her heart set on a few shots in the waves, Graham rolled up his pant legs and carried her in while she giggled and shouted “I love you!” over the crashing of the waves! Watching Graham brave the waves was probably my favorite moment. That water was COLD, but he didn’t complain a bit, he just wanted to make sure Hillary would get the photos she was dreaming of. We can’t WAIT for their Maysara Winery wedding next summer!

(Please click here if you’d like to be notified when the rest of their photos are online.)

Check out a few of our favorites from our time with them: