Melissa & Robert's engagement session at Fort Ord Dunes State Park was nothing short of breathtaking. This hidden gem, nestled just north of Monterey, provided the perfect escape for a romantic and serene beach setting. The park's colorful dunes, blanketed with lush vegetation, created a stunning contrast against the calm beach, offering a tranquil yet vibrant backdrop for their photos. The quietness of the area made it feel like we had the whole place to ourselves, allowing their love and connection to truly shine.

A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset among coastal flowers and vegetation.
A couple embraces while standing in an open field during golden hour with mountains in the distance.
A romantic embrace captured in golden sunlight against a desert hill landscape.
A joyful embrace against a backdrop of rolling hills and desert landscape at golden hour.

Melissa's choice of dress was a standout feature of this shoot. The way it flowed and allowed her to showcase her beautiful tattoos added a personal and edgy touch to the session. It’s always exciting when couples incorporate elements of their personality into their outfits, making the photos truly unique to them. As the sun began to set, casting its golden light, it illuminated Melissa's tattoos, creating a magical and almost ethereal effect.

A couple walks hand in hand along a winding coastal path with green vegetation.
A romantic portrait against rugged coastal cliffs in soft natural light.
A tender moment shared on a rocky coastal outcrop with vegetation.
A couple sits together on a hillside path surrounded by coastal vegetation and white cliffs.

There's something undeniably enchanting about sunset lighting, and at Fort Ord Dunes, it was simply magical. As the sun dipped lower, it painted the sky in shades of oranges and pinks, providing a soft, warm glow that enveloped Melissa and Robert in its beauty. This is one of the reasons I love sunset shoots – they not only offer incredible lighting but also add a romantic, dreamy quality to the photos that is hard to replicate at any other time of the day.

A romantic sunset moment shared between two people on a sandy beach with ocean waves.
A couple embracing on a beach with crashing waves and golden sunlight.
Two people share an intimate moment on a beach at sunset with waves in the background.
Close up view of a couple in a white and green tropical print dress embracing on the beach.
A couple standing together on a sandy beach with ocean waves and clear sky.

One of the unique aspects of Fort Ord Dunes State Park is the presence of large dunes alongside the beach. This offers a variety of backdrops within a short walking distance, from the lush vegetation on the dunes to the classic beach scenes by the water. For couples looking for a beach vibe with a twist and without the crowds, this location is ideal. Keep in mind to check the weather, especially for wind, to ensure the most comfortable experience during your shoot. Melissa & Robert's engagement session here was a perfect blend of nature's beauty and their vibrant love, captured in a setting that was as unique as their story.