Every now and then, a couple’s story takes me somewhere that feels both familiar and completely new at the same time. Sarah and Major had travelled all the way from Texas, USA, to South Australia for a friend’s wedding, and while here they wanted to capture their own milestone in a setting that felt truly unforgettable. A Pt Willunga beach engagement shoot was the perfect choice. It’s an iconic location, instantly recognisable for its weathered jetty ruins, golden sand, and dramatic cliffs. Although I’ve spent plenty of time with my camera in this part of Adelaide, every shoot takes on a different personality depending on the couple in front of the lens.

The two of them were eager to experience something that felt uniquely Australian. For me, that meant pointing them in the direction of Pt Willunga beach and the nearby Blanche Point cliffs. Both spots bring together the wild, untamed beauty of South Australia’s coastline with an atmosphere that can swing from playful to romantic depending on the light and the tide. For Sarah and Major, it became the perfect stage to showcase their personalities – adventurous, affectionate, and a little cheeky.

Pt Willunga Beach Engagement Shoot

We kicked things off at the Star of Greece carpark, a spot that overlooks the beach and offers one of the best vantage points in the area. The original idea was to stroll down along the sand, making use of the sheer cliffs and ending at the famous jetty ruins. Only, as it happens with the sea, it had other plans. The tide was unusually high, so high that it seemed to almost lick the cliff base, leaving hardly any sand to walk on. What was meant to be a casual beach wander turned into a bit of a challenge.

Adding to the unexpected mix was the algal bloom that had been affecting the coast at the time. With it came a scattering of sea foam and some unfortunate wildlife along the shoreline. It wasn’t the pristine backdrop most couples dream of, but Sarah and Major weren’t fazed. Their positive energy carried us through. Instead of focusing on what couldn’t be done, they leaned into the fun of making the most of what we had. That resilience shone through in the images, giving the photographs a sense of adventure that can’t be staged.

Couple embraces on a tranquil beach at sunset, surrounded by ocean waves and rustic fencing.

Couple strolls hand in hand along a sandy beach path at sunset, enveloped in a golden glow with the ocean ahead.

Timeless elegance: a dazzling engagement ring shines against a rustic wooden stump.

Couple joyfully runs hand-in-hand along the beach, embraced by ocean waves and sunlight.

Couple running hand in hand on a sunny beach, laughing with ocean waves and rocky cliffs in the background.

Couple joyfully runs hand in hand through beach waves under a sunny sky, embracing freedom and togetherness.

A couple laughs as they playfully splash in the ocean waves, enjoying a carefree day on the beach.

Couple shares a tender embrace on a sunlit beach, surrounded by shimmering waves and a golden sky.

Playful Spirit on the Beach

Once we found the sections of beach that were still accessible, Sarah and Major’s personalities came alive. They were quick to splash around, tease one another, and laugh at the quirks of the day. Engagement shoots are at their best when couples forget about the camera and simply enjoy themselves. These two did just that. Their energy was infectious, creating candid moments that spoke louder than any posed shot ever could.

What I loved most was how playful they were together. A little tickle here, a cheeky nudge there, and suddenly the beach transformed from a scenic location into their own private playground. Pt Willunga beach provided the texture – the sand, the water, the cliffs – but Sarah and Major brought the story. That combination gave us images that were both lighthearted and deeply personal, capturing the essence of their relationship in every frame.

A couples hands lovingly intertwined, showcasing her sparkling engagement ring against a romantic beach sunset.

Couple in love share an intimate moment on a rocky beach with sunlit waves and scenic cliffs in the background.

A couple shares a tender moment on a sunny beach, exuding warmth and happiness against a serene seaside backdrop.

A couple runs joyfully on a sandy beach, framed by cliffs and a serene sea under soft light.

Couple runs hand in hand on a sunlit beach, embraced by the ocean and cliffs, capturing a moment of joy and connection.

A couple shares a romantic embrace on a cliff at sunset, overlooking the vast ocean and distant community.

Barefoot couple embraces on a sunlit rocky coast, with serene cliffs and a pastel sky in the backdrop.

Exploring the Famous Caves

As keen rock climbers, Sarah and Major weren’t about to shy away from a little challenge. Even with the waves lapping at the base of the cliffs, they were excited to explore the caves carved into the rock face. These caves are part of what makes Pt Willunga beach such a favourite among photographers. They carry echoes of history and mystery, while also offering striking natural framing for portraits.

Watching them climb around with confidence reminded me of why I love photographing couples who embrace adventure. The caves became a canvas where their closeness could shine. Tucked away from the busy shoreline, they shared moments of quiet affection balanced with playful banter. From a photographer’s perspective, those caves gave us depth, texture, and mood – a contrast to the sunny beach scenes we had just captured. The result was a gallery of images that felt layered, just like their personalities.

Couple shares tender moment in a sunlit seaside cave, framed by warm rock and ocean waves at sunset.

A couple shares a tender moment by the sea at sunset, radiating love and harmony.

Couple embraces on rocky shore with ocean backdrop, framed by a caves natural arch, capturing a moment of love and tranquility.

Couple in a rocky cave gazing at serene ocean waves, framed by a natural archway.

A dazzling engagement ring rests on a rock as a blurred couple shares a moment by the serene seaside.

Sunset at Blanche Point

After spending time at Pt Willunga beach, we drove a short distance to Blanche Point. Known for its sweeping cliffs and panoramic ocean views, it’s a place that never fails to deliver breathtaking light at sunset. The timing couldn’t have been better. As the sun began to sink, the sky turned golden, then painted itself in soft pinks and fiery oranges. It was the kind of natural spectacle that makes Adelaide’s coast world-famous for photography.

What made it even more special was that the area was deserted. Often, photographers have to share this spot with other couples or groups keen to grab the same view. On this day, it was just us. Sarah and Major embraced the moment fully, leaning into the romance of the scenery. From their laughter as they twirled on the cliff tops to the quiet embrace against the backdrop of the setting sun, every shot carried that mix of joy and intimacy that couples dream of. Blanche Point gave us the drama, but it was their energy that tied it all together.

Couple shares a tender embrace in a sunlit meadow, surrounded by trees, capturing a moment of romance and natural beauty.

Couple embraces a golden sunset on a rocky cliff, hand-in-hand, overlooking the serene ocean.

Couple shares a romantic moment on a cliff at sunset, overlooking the shimmering ocean.

Couple strolls hand in hand along a sunlit cliff by the sea, embraced by the evening glow and serene waves.

Romantic couple strolls hand in hand on a sunlit hillside with ocean views at dawn or dusk.

Couple embraces at sunset on a rocky slope, surrounded by sea and sky, capturing love and freedom.

A couple dances on a rocky cliff at sunset, surrounded by the serene ocean and golden light.

Couple shares a loving embrace by the ocean at sunset, capturing joy and serenity.

A couple strolls hand in hand along a sandy beach, enveloped in the golden glow of a sunset, capturing an intimate and romantic moment.

An Adelaide Experience to Remember

Sarah and Major came to Adelaide as guests at a friend’s wedding, but their engagement shoot at Pt Willunga beach and Blanche Point gave them memories that belonged solely to them. For me as a photographer, it was an honour to guide them through some of South Australia’s most beloved landscapes while capturing their story in a way that reflected who they are. They were playful when the tide pushed us off course, fearless when the cliffs called for a climb, and romantic when the sunset opened up just for them.

Couple shares a joyful embrace by a tranquil lakeside at sunset, basking in the serenity of nature.

Couple shares a tender moment against a backdrop of sunlit, rugged desert hills.

Couple shares a romantic sunset moment atop a cliff, silhouetted against the oceans warm glow.

Couple embracing by the water at sunset, celebrating love and joy.

Romantic ocean proposal at sunset: a couple silhouetted against a glowing sky, capturing a timeless moment of love and commitment.

A couples silhouette shares a tender moment at sunset, with a vibrant sky and calm sea in the background.

A couple walks hand in hand across golden sandy hills at sunrise, overlooking a tranquil ocean.

Couple embraces on a cliff at sunset, overlooking an expansive ocean and capturing a serene, romantic moment.

Romantic couple shares a tender moment atop a cliff, overlooking the serene ocean and golden sunset.

Photographing couples from overseas always feels special, knowing the images will forever remind them of their time in South Australia. Sarah and Major left Adelaide with a gallery that not only reflected their love but also the rugged charm of our coastline. Their Pt Willunga beach engagement shoot became more than just a session – it was an experience filled with adventure, laughter, and the timeless beauty of the coast.