When your dog is basically your first child and the beach feels like your happy place, you plan an engagement session that includes both. That’s exactly what Sarah and Cody did for their coastal session in North Carolina—and we couldn’t be more obsessed with how it turned out.
With their October wedding coming up in Wilmington, this session was the perfect way to slow down, celebrate their new home state, and include the furry family member who means the world to them. If you’re searching for a Wrightsville Beach engagement photographer and wondering how to plan a session that feels personal, relaxed, and romantic—this one’s for you.
Sarah and Cody recently moved to North Carolina to be closer to family—and while they’re still settling into life here, one thing is already clear: they love this new chapter.
Their St. Bernard, Moose, is a huge part of their life. Including him in their engagement session wasn’t just a fun idea—it was a non-negotiable. So, we began their session at a pet-friendly location with plenty of space to run, play, and just be themselves. Moose did what all good boys do—stole the show a few times—and added so much joy (and fluff) to their photos.
After some time with Moose, we headed toward the coast to wrap up their session at Wrightsville Beach—just in time for golden hour.
There’s something undeniably romantic about a beach engagement session. The light gets softer, the ocean glows, and suddenly even the wind feels like part of the story. Sarah and Cody walked barefoot along the shoreline, shared laughs as the waves rolled in, and leaned into the easy connection they have with each other.
We kept things simple. No props, no posing overload—just the two of them enjoying the moment. And honestly? That’s what makes the best kind of engagement session.
As a Wrightsville Beach engagement photographer, I love how this location balances beauty with variety. You get:
Plus, the proximity to Wilmington makes it a great choice for couples getting married nearby—like Sarah and Cody, who will be tying the knot this fall.
If your pet is part of your love story, include them! Sessions with dogs work best when:
That’s exactly how we approached Sarah and Cody’s session—and it gave us the best of both worlds.
Sarah and Cody will be getting married in October at Malachi Meadows, and if their engagement session is any indication, their wedding day is going to be full of heartfelt moments, laughter, and meaningful touches. We’re so excited to be part of it.
If you’re planning your own engagement session in the Wilmington area and want photos that feel easy, natural, and true to you—we’d love to chat.
Whether you’re picturing a sunset beach session, a cozy picnic with your pup, or a mix of both, we’ll help you find the perfect location, plan a relaxed timeline, and capture it all with care.
Click here to check out another beautiful engagement session at the beach.