Austin and Maria’s Oregon Seaside Engagement

Do you know that moment when something gives you all the feels? Well, Maria and Austin were exactly like that! I just couldn’t stop taking snaps for their Oregon coast engagement session. FUN. If I could sum these two up in one word, that’s what it would be! I had so much fun during their engagement session in Seaside Oregon! It was a gorgeous evening with lots of sun and full blue skies. I used to be intimidated shooting in direct light on an open beach, but over the years as the water front requests rolled in, I’ve learned how to not only work with this type of light but use it in my favor too! I knew immediately that I was going to enjoy shooting them. When someone thinks you are the perfect person to portray their love after seeing your portfolio; you cannot help but be excited!

While I was contemplating locations for an engagement session in Oregon that would complement their emotions, I took their story to heart. Maria and Austin are madly in love and it shows clearly in the way they look at each other. They met in 2017 in a Fred Meyer parking lot and were immediately smitten. They had their adorable first date roller blading at Tiffany’s skating rink in Puyallup, WA. where they are originally from and have been inseparable ever since. (HOW CUTE)

It was such a beautiful day that it resulted in many outfit options throughout the whole session. We began our journey exploring the dunes and hiking trails at Cape Lookout state park near Tillamook, Or. The light was spilling through trees casting a magical glow, love was in the air! After that, we continued to Haystack rock and the town of Cannon Beach, OR., and you can clearly see how vibrant and raw their emotions are, just melting me! Every step with them was a joy to behold, honestly! But I believe our third location with them playing in the surf , and the ending ingulfed in the waves was just MAGICAL. Not only was the sunset dreamy and illuminated their incredible adorable charm, we even were halted in our tracks by a heard of elk crossing while leaving the famous beach! We ended the trip eating ice cream cones at the world famous Tillamook creamery. I mean, how more amazing could it get?!

After their engagement in they will be tying the knot in intimate ceremony on Austin’s Mother’s property in Graham WA. I simply cannot wait to share that special day with them.

It was an honor to capture Maria and Austin and be able to do their Seaside Oregon engagement session. They were just so playful and natural in front of my lens. Candid, sweet, and amazing were the three words that stuck with me from this experience and I am already looking forward to many more couples who wish to have their memories framed. Are you those next ones? Then I can’t wait to meet you and hear your story!

Leslie Harris is the photographer behind One Thousand Words Photography, and is a portrait and wedding photographer in the Seattle/ Tacoma area. She specializes in Couples, Senior and Boudoir portraits as well as Wedding photography. Leslie’s style is true to her PNW roots….honest, authentic and emotional while still maintaining the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She currently resides in Tacoma, WA with her kids and a few furry kids too. Leslie is currently booking 2023 & 2024 Portrait Sessions and Weddings in Western Washington. She is also available for travel.