Being named a winner in the Junebug Weddings 2026 Best of the Best Engagement Photo Contest is such an incredible honor—and it means even more because the winning image came from Kyle and Nikki’s engagement session in Big Sur.


For couples searching for a Big Sur engagement photographer, this award represents more than just one photo. It reflects the kind of intentional, cinematic engagement sessions I create and the real moments that happen when couples feel completely comfortable and present.


The Story Behind the Award-Winning Engagement Photo

Kyle and Nikki’s session began with a proposal in the redwoods at Glen Oaks Big Sur.


Kyle had thoughtfully planned the moment with the help of his family, who secretly set up a quiet space in the forest using flameless candles and wildflowers. It was simple, intentional, and incredibly personal. After the proposal, they spent time writing love letters to each other and taking Polaroids—slowing the day down and really soaking it in.


From there, we transitioned to the coast for the second half of their Big Sur engagement session—and this is where the award-winning image was created.


Foggy Coastal Cliffs in Big Sur

By the time we reached the cliffs, the weather had completely shifted. The coastline was wrapped in soft, moody fog—one of the most iconic and sought-after conditions for Big Sur engagement photos.


The fog simplified the landscape in a way that felt cinematic and focused. Instead of bright blue skies or harsh contrast, everything softened: the ocean, the cliffs, the horizon. It created a quiet, almost surreal atmosphere where the connection between Kyle and Nikki became the central focus.


The winning image came from this foggy coastal portion of their session—a moment that felt natural, unposed, and deeply emotional. The movement of the fog, the texture of the cliffs, and their connection all came together in a way that couldn’t be staged or replicated.


Why This Image Stood Out to Junebug Weddings

Each year, Junebug Weddings receives thousands of submissions from photographers around the world. The images selected for the Best of the Best Engagement Photo Contest are chosen based on:

  • Storytelling
  • Composition
  • Use of light
  • Emotion and connection
  • Creativity

What made this image stand out was its simplicity and mood. It wasn’t about a dramatic pose or a perfectly styled scene—it was about presence. The fog created an environment that felt immersive and real, which allowed the emotion of the moment to come through in a powerful way.


A Cinematic Approach to Big Sur Engagement Photography

My approach to engagement sessions is rooted in documenting real moments while using the environment to elevate the story.

Big Sur offers a range of conditions in a single day:

  • Redwood forests for quiet, intimate moments
  • Open coastline for expansive views
  • Fog that adds mood and depth
  • Changing light that creates variety

Kyle and Nikki’s session is a perfect example of this. We moved from the warmth and stillness of the redwoods to the cool, moody cliffs—creating a full gallery that felt dynamic and complete.


This is why couples often look specifically for a Big Sur engagement photographer who understands how to work with these changing conditions.


Why Engagement Sessions Matter

Engagement sessions are about more than just photos—they’re about creating space for real moments to happen.

For Kyle and Nikki, that looked like:

  • A meaningful proposal in the redwoods
  • Taking time to write love letters
  • Capturing memories through Polaroids
  • Exploring the coastline together

These kinds of experiences naturally lead to more honest, emotional images—like the one that was selected for this award.


Planning Your Own Big Sur Engagement Session

If you’re planning your own Big Sur engagement session, here are a few tips to help create a meaningful and visually strong experience:

Embrace the weather. Fog isn’t something to avoid—it’s often what makes Big Sur feel the most unique and cinematic.

Plan for multiple locations. Combining redwoods and coastal cliffs adds depth and variety to your gallery.

Choose a weekday. This helps avoid crowds and allows for a more relaxed experience.

Focus on the experience. Whether it’s writing letters, popping champagne, or planning a surprise proposal, the more personal your session is, the more meaningful your photos will be.


What This Award Means for My Couples

Winning the Junebug Weddings 2026 Best of the Best Engagement Photo Contest is something I’m incredibly proud of—but more importantly, it reflects the experience I create for every couple I work with.

It means:

  • A cinematic, storytelling-driven approach
  • Experience working in dynamic coastal environments
  • A focus on real, unscripted moments
  • Guidance that helps you feel comfortable and present

Kyle and Nikki’s session is a reminder that the most powerful images often come from the in-between moments—when you’re simply together, surrounded by the landscape, and fully in it.


If you’re dreaming of a Big Sur engagement session with moody coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and a relaxed, intentional experience, this is exactly what we can create together.