Nick & Olivia’s Astoria Engagement Session — A Love Story on the Coast

When it came time to capture Nick and Olivia’s engagement session, there was no better place than the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon — a destination that holds so much meaning in their relationship. It’s not just a beautiful spot on the map; it’s a place they return to time and again when they need stillness, connection, and a breath of salty air.

Early in their relationship, they found themselves snowed in during a trip to Astoria — stranded but together, with only one sushi restaurant open in town. (To this day, Nick jokes that he's still recovering his taste for sushi!) That unexpected adventure sealed Astoria as a place of unforgettable memories — the perfect backdrop for this new chapter in their story.

We kicked off our session at Fort George Brewery, where Nick and Olivia clinked glasses and eased into the day with a cold beer and warm laughter. From there, we strolled over to Liberty Theater, the historic marquee offering a touch of old-world romance to their portraits.

Next stop: the boardwalk, with the majestic Astoria-Megler Bridge in the distance. The light bounced perfectly off the water, casting a dreamy glow as these two shared quiet, candid moments. At the Flavel House Museum, we were met with a garden in full bloom — a perfect setting to mirror the joy and tenderness between them.

And to close out the evening, we made our way up to the iconic Astoria Column. The sun dipped low over the Pacific, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold while Nick and Olivia held each other close, the city and Columbia River stretching out below them.

This session was more than a photoshoot — it was a full-circle moment, back in the town where love grew stronger through both serendipity and stillness. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding day and continue telling their story.