There’s something magical about Seal Beach in December. The sun sits lower, the air feels cooler, and everything slows down just enough to notice the spark between two people in love. For Katrina and John, that spark was impossible to miss, and it made for an unforgettable engagement photography session along the Southern California coastline.

We met on a crisp December afternoon, that perfect in-between weather where you could feel winter on the breeze but the beach still begged to be enjoyed. Seal Beach is always a favorite location for engagement photos and wedding portraits— soft sand, rolling waves, open sky, and just enough wind to create movement and drama.

Katrina arrived in a stunning flowing white gown she found second-hand — a lucky treasure she couldn’t resist. The gown had the elegance of a wedding dress, and the way it caught the breeze made it feel right at home in this dreamy coastal setting. Her second outfit, also white but more fitted and modern, created a totally different vibe — clean, editorial, and perfect for timeless engagement photos.

John matched her beautifully, dressed to the nines in a classic black suit and bow tie. He looked effortlessly polished in a way that made the entire session feel magazine-worthy — think coastal luxury meets modern wedding style.

One of the sweetest parts of this session was having Katrina’s mom join us. She came along to support her daughter, help with dresses, and offer the kind of gentle encouragement only a mom can give. Between outfit changes and moments of laughter, she even snuck into a few portraits — a precious bonus that made the evening feel even more meaningful. Engagement sessions already carry so much excitement for what’s ahead, and including Mom made it feel like the celebration had already begun.

Together Katrina and John they ran along the shoreline, let the wind billow under Katrina’s gown, and didn’t hesitate to splash in the waves. Their playful energy made the session feel less like posing and more like documenting a romantic beach date.

As a photographer, these kinds of sessions are a dream. Engagement photography shines best when couples let themselves have fun — messy hair, sandy toes, salty water and all. Katrina and John embraced every part of it, giving us a gallery full of movement, elegance, and genuine joy.

Seal Beach continues to be one of Southern California’s most beautiful spots for engagement photos and pre-wedding portraits, offering natural light, scenic coastline, and an effortless romantic atmosphere. For Katrina and John, it was the perfect setting to begin telling the story of their wedding journey.