Mariah & Justin’s Oregon Coast Engagement Session in Florence, Oregon
Oregon Coast Engagement Photographer | Kate Holt Photography
If you’re searching for an Oregon Coast engagement photographer who captures joyful, candid connection, Mariah and Justin’s engagement session on the Oregon Coast is the perfect inspiration. This coastal engagement session in Florence was filled with laughter, movement, and those real, in-between moments that make engagement photography feel effortless and true to you.
A Love Story Rooted in Adventure
From the moment they met at a New Year’s Eve party in Portland, Mariah and Justin’s relationship has been full of energy, joy, and connection. Nearly two years later, they’ve built a life together in Eugene, but their hearts are always pulled back to the coast.
For couples who love adventure, movement, and meaningful locations, the Oregon Coast is one of the most stunning places for engagement photos—and Florence holds a special place in their story.
Starting Their Engagement Session at River Roasters
We began their engagement photography session at River Roasters, a cozy waterfront coffee shop that made the perfect relaxed starting point.
This is one of my favorite ways to begin an engagement session—keeping things casual, giving couples time to connect, and letting those natural interactions unfold.
We grabbed coffee, started chatting, and within minutes it felt like we’d all known each other forever. Mariah’s personality is pure sunshine: bubbly, joyful, and completely contagious. And Justin? The way he looks at her is the kind of love you can’t fake. It’s steady, it’s real, and it’s so obvious how much he adores her.
Coastal Views & Unexpected Magic
Next stop: Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail.
If you’ve ever been, you know this view does not mess around. Sweeping ocean cliffs, crashing waves, that fresh coastal air, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop mid-sentence and just take it all in.
Mariah and Justin leaned into it completely, laughing, holding onto each other, soaking up the moment.
And then… the most random, adorable thing happened! A little bunny hopped right across the trail like it had been cast specifically for their session. We all laughed, slightly in disbelief, because honestly… what are the chances?
The Oregon Coast really said, “I got you.”
A Real-Life Fairytale: The Hobbit Trail
Then came one of my favorite parts of the day, Mariah and Justin brought me to their favorite spot: The Hobbit Trail.
And WOW.
Walking into this trail feels like stepping straight into a storybook. The trees curve overhead into this dreamy, glowing tunnel, the light filters through in the softest way, and everything feels just a little bit magical.
This wasn’t just a pretty location, it was their place. And you could feel that in every moment.
Dancing into the Dreamiest Sunset
To wrap it all up, we headed back to the beach near Heceta Head Lighthouse… and the sunset absolutely showed off.
It started soft and golden, then turned bold, like liquid sunshine spilling across the water. And then, out of nowhere, the sky exploded into cherry reds and cotton candy pinks that looked almost unreal.
Mariah didn’t hesitate! Shoes off, straight into the water, laughing as the cold Pacific waves rushed over her feet. Justin right behind her, grabbing her hand as they ran down the shoreline, then picking her up, cuddling her and swinging her ‘round when the cold became too much.
These are the moments that define engagement photography—real, unscripted, and full of life.
The Start of Something So Beautiful
What I loved most about this session wasn’t just the views (although… WOW), it was them. The way they show up for each other. The way they laugh. The way everything feels easy when they’re together.
This session wasn’t about posing perfectly, it was about creating an experience they’ll always remember.
Next, they’ll be heading back to Portland to say “I do” at St. John the Apostle Church, followed by a celebration at Arc Light Venue with 120 of their favorite people (including family flying in from California!).
But this day?
This windy, magical, laughter-filled day on the Oregon Coast?
This one was just for them.
And it was perfect.
Looking for a wedding photographer?
Please do reach out if you are! Click the link below to fill out our contact form.
