Why Your San Diego Engagement Session Should Reflect Your Love Story

Your engagement session should feel like you – not forced, overly posed, or generic. The best engagement photos capture your personality, connection, and joy. San Diego offers the perfect backdrop for making your session unique, with its diverse landscapes, abundant neighborhoods, and of course the beach. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside session in La Jolla or a cozy coffee shop date in North Park, here are ten ways to make your San Diego engagement session personal and authentic.

1. Choose a Meaningful Location

San Diego is full of stunning locations, but picking one that holds significance to you as a couple makes your session more special. Did you have your first date at Balboa Park? Do you spend weekends hiking Torrey Pines or picnicking at La Jolla Cove? Choosing a meaningful location ensures your photos tell your story. If you want to include several locations, I’m totally game to hop around the city with you! See this blog on planning a longer engagement session. 

2. Incorporate Your Favorite San Diego Activity

Your San Diego engagement session can be a whole experience beyond photos! Love surfing together? Let’s capture you in that element. Enjoy brewery hopping? Let’s take some fun, candid shots at one – or a few – of San Diego’s breweries. If you’re naturally homebodies and love being in that cozy mode, we can take the photos at home. When you do something you naturally do together and enjoy, your photos will feel natural and beautifully reflect your relationship. 

3. Bring Your Dog(s) Along to your San Diego Engagement Session

San Diego is a pet-friendly city, so if your dog is part of your love story, bring them along! Personally, I LOVE when people include their pets and try my best to not ignore the people over the dogs (halfway kidding… but I do have lots of treats). Whether it’s a sunset stroll at Coronado Dog Beach or a relaxed session at your favorite dog-friendly city spot, including your pet makes your session even more personal and fun. My favorite combination is including your pet at home where they’re comfy and then capturing photos elsewhere just you two. 

4. Wear Outfits That Reflect You

You don’t have to dress up in formal attire unless that’s your vibe! Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Whether it’s casual beachwear or something dressy for a chic downtown San Diego shoot, your outfits should reflect your typical style. 

5. Use Props That Tell a Story

Props can add personality to your session and make it extra unique! Love to picnic? Let’s set up a cozy spot at Kate Sessions Park. Obsessed with vintage cars? Let’s incorporate one for a classic California vibe. Props should feel natural and meaningful to your relationship. If no props come to mind, then don’t worry or feel pressured to incorporate any!

Creating an Authentic San Diego Engagement Session

At the end of the day, your San Diego engagement session should be about you. The more you incorporate elements of your story, the more authentic and meaningful your photos will be. Let’s create an experience that feels natural, fun, and stress-free – because your love story deserves to be celebrated in a way that’s uniquely yours.

Since you’re already here… want help planning and documenting your engagement session?! I’m your girl!