Blake & Mariah | Laguna Beach Bridals | California Wedding photographer
Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna, with its dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean views, is one of my favorite spots for bridal sessions—even with the (literally) thousands of steps down and back from the sand. The golden light at sunset, the sound of the waves, and the sense of adventure as you make your way down those many steps all contribute to the magic. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Blake and Mariah's bridal session at this stunning location, and it was everything you'd hope for in a seaside shoot. My friend and talented videographer, Justin Wintch, joined us to capture the entire experience on film, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
The first look was one of those moments I'll never forget. Blake stood facing the ocean while Mariah walked up behind him, her steps light on the sand. When he turned around and saw her, his expression was priceless. It was a mix of awe, joy, and a touch of disbelief. You could tell he was just soaking in the moment, taking a mental snapshot of his bride-to-be. Mariah was all smiles, and they hugged and kissed, clearly thrilled to be sharing this moment together.
After the first look, we started exploring the beach, looking for the best spots to capture their portraits. Thousand Steps Beach has these incredible rock walls that rise up dramatically from the sand, creating a perfect backdrop for romantic shots. We found a spot where the rocks created a natural frame around Blake and Mariah, and they stood close, holding hands and enjoying the view. It was one of those moments that felt timeless, like something out of a storybook.
We also took advantage of the unique black rocks in the water, creating a "Little Mermaid" moment when Blake and Mariah climbed onto one of the larger rocks. They were laughing and having a great time, but then it happened—a huge wave crashed over them, soaking them from head to toe! It was a total surprise, but they handled it like champs, laughing it off and embracing the spontaneous chaos of it all. Justin Wintch caught the whole thing on video, and I'm sure it'll be a highlight of their wedding film.
As the sun set, we captured a few more candid moments of Blake and Mariah running along the beach, the sky turning shades of orange and pink behind them. They were so full of energy and joy, and it was infectious. We wrapped up the session with a few quieter shots as the last light faded, capturing the love and connection between them.
It was a fantastic session, filled with beautiful moments and unexpected surprises. If you're planning a bridal session at Thousand Steps Beach, be prepared for a bit of adventure and a lot of fun. And definitely bring a change of clothes—you never know when a wave might find you!
