A miles-long shoreline, secluded coastal plains, beautiful streams, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, canyons, and majestic hills, this is what this engagement session with my gorgeous couple, Bailey and Koleman, was all about. We did this fun session at Montana de Oro Park State Park, Los Osos, California. it was an absolute pleasure to photograph these love birds. With such an exquisite location and breathtaking backgrounds, I knew that I would have a tough time picking favorites. Besides giving me the loveliest poses, Bailey and Koleman used their engagement session as a chance to spend some quality time together. And that’s one of the many things I love about engagement sessions. The couples are so relaxed, and they don’t have a worry in the world. As an engagement photographer, I love it when that reflects in the images too. Just pure love and bliss!   

Bailey & Koleman’s Story

Knowing and understanding my couples better helps me translate beautiful stories into images. That’s why I always ask them about their journey together. When I did that for Bailey and Koleman, I received great answers. The bride-to-be told me, “We’ve been friends since middle school (back in Oregon). Neither of us can actually remember more specifically than that! We started dating in high school.” It’s almost like these two have loved each other from the beginning of time. My couple told me that they had been talking about marriage for a while, so while Bailey knew that a proposal was coming, she still got a beautiful surprise when Koleman surprised her with an evening at an Airbnb-style converted school bus. “We had take-out Thai food and played cards and stayed up to look at the stars. It was super fun”, they recalled. What a unique way to make it official!

Speaking about the things he loves about Bailey, Koleman said, “Her generosity. She’s always looking out for other people and wants people to be comfortable and happy.” About her groom-to-be, Bailey said, “Koleman is the most patient and considerate person you’ll ever meet. He’s always thinking about other people before himself. He has so much fun in life – even doing mundane things like going to the grocery store or cleaning out his car.” Honestly, I can totally vouch for that. Bailey and Koleman are two of the kindest and warmest people I’ve met. 

My couple loves to cook and bake together. They also love hiking and chatting with each other along the way. Lately, these two have been enjoying going to drive-in movies. “There aren’t many of those in Oregon, so it’s awesome to have one so close!” Bailey and Koleman told me.

Montana de Oro State Park Engagement Photographer

On the day of Bailey and Koleman’s engagement session, we had so much fun together. The bride and groom had been super excited to have their engagement session done, and when the time came, they put in all the efforts to make it incredible. They donned two different looks for the shoot, and both of them blended super well with our surroundings. From the earthy shades of the rocks and sand to the green of the moss to the clear sky and sparkling water, we had everything going for us to nail this session. And, so we did! 

The best part was witnessing the couple express their love for each other by embracing, holding hands, and planting gentle kisses on each other. I also loved how they had the biggest, brightest smiles on their faces throughout the session. I just loved it! It made the whole session so lively and helped me highlight their personalities through their engagement portraits. My personal favorite moment of the day was when Bailey and Koleman bravely climbed up a rock incline to take photos near the “heart-shaped” opening.

We also did a part of this session surrounded by lush greenery. This is when Bailey put on her pink shrug, which was a perfect pop of color for the photos. My couple was so photogenic and natural in front of the camera that I didn’t have to guide them much. The way they looked at each other was heartwarming! Bailey and Koleman, if you are reading this, I hope you love your engagement images as much as I loved taking them.

Start Your New Journeys With Renoda Campbell Photography

Bailey and Koleman, I adore you two! You are amazing together, and I loved photographing both of you at Montana de Oro State Park. I truly appreciate the efforts you put into choosing this fantastic location for your shoot and for coming up with such lovely looks for the session. Spending time with both of you was fun, and I look forward to photographing you two for your one year anniversary! Thank you for choosing me as your engagement photographer. I wish you both the best for your Oregon wedding and life ahead! Also, I hope you guys can soon go on that trip through Western Europe to visit the old buildings and museums and have lots of good food just the way you want to! Cheers!

To all my readers out there, if you or someone you know is also looking for a unique and wholesome photography experience with an experienced engagement photographer, you can contact me right away! I will provide you with the best engagement portraits and experience. If you have any ideas for your shoot, we can get in touch and discuss those too. I also do elopements and weddings. In case of any questions, you can email me or call me at 805.801.9480. To see more of my work, you can visit my Instagram, and Facebook.

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Location: Montana de Oro State Park, Los Osos, CA (Spooner’s Cove)