He was an East Coast boy, she was a West Coast girl, and fate brought them together on the shores of Hawaii, where they fell in love while surfing. From the moment they met, they both knew—this was it. They had found their forever.

Now, five years later, they have built a beautiful life together, one that includes their sweetest little girl and countless sun-kissed mornings chasing waves. I had the absolute joy of capturing this season of their love in Palos Verdes California, a place that holds special meaning to them.

A Morning by the Ocean

There’s something magical about early mornings by the coast—the kind of quiet stillness that feels like the world is just waking up, the salty breeze carrying the promise of a new day. We met just after sunrise, and Brooke and Casey, being the thoughtful, wonderful people they are, showed up with freshly brewed coffee in hand. Now, if you know me, you know that bringing coffee to a session is always a winning move!

With warm mugs in hand and the soft morning light surrounding us, we made our way to some of their favorite surfing spots. The views were absolutely breathtaking—rugged cliffs that stretched for miles, waves crashing against the shore, and that golden light spilling over the horizon. There’s something about locations like this that make for the dreamiest, most organic photos. No distractions, no chaos—just two people, completely at ease, soaking in the moment together.

Capturing the Unscripted Moments

One of my favorite things about photographing couples like Brooke and Casey is how naturally they fit together. There was no need for stiff poses or over-the-top direction—just them being themselves, wrapped up in laughter and quiet moments of connection.

We ran around the cliffs, explored rocky overlooks, and even sat down for a while, sipping coffee as they reminisced about their journey together. Those unposed, effortless moments—the way Casey would reach for Brooke’s hand without thinking, or the way she’d lean into him, smiling as he whispered something only she could hear—those are the moments that matter most.

Photographing couples in a way that feels true to them is always my goal. I want their love to shine through in every frame—not just in how they look at each other, but in how they feel in the moment. For Brooke and Casey, it was playful, full of lighthearted fun, but also deeply rooted in a love that has already weathered so much life together.

Ending the Morning in the Water

Of course, no session with two surfers would be complete without getting in the water. As the morning unfolded, they grabbed their surfboards and paddled out, ready to embrace the waves. The ocean has been such a huge part of their love story, so it felt only fitting to end our session in the very place where it all began.

Unfortunately, the waves decided not to cooperate that morning, and the water stayed pretty flat the entire time. But if I’ve learned anything from photographing couples like Brooke and Casey, it’s that love—real, deep, enduring love—isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions. It’s about making the most of the moment you’re in, no matter what.

And that’s exactly what they did. Instead of worrying about the lack of waves, they laughed, splashed around, and fully embraced the moment together. Sometimes, it’s the quiet mornings, the still waters, and the simple joy of being with your person that make the most beautiful memories.

The Beauty of Timeless Memories

As I watched them paddle back to shore, the golden light reflecting off the water, I couldn’t help but think about how special these photos would be years from now. Not just as beautiful images, but as reminders of this season of their lives—the love, the laughter, the simple joys of morning coffee and ocean breezes.

These are the moments that deserve to be captured. The effortless, unscripted, deeply personal ones. Because at the end of the day, your love story is more than just a series of posed photographs—it’s a collection of memories, of emotions, of fleeting moments that become heirlooms for a lifetime.

Brooke and Casey, thank you for letting me document a piece of your story. Here’s to many more sunrises, salty kisses, and waves that always bring you back home to each other.