If you’re planning a Bob Straub State Park engagement session on the Oregon Coast, you’re in for a treat. This stunning location has sweeping dunes, rugged beaches, and unique coastal charm. It’s the perfect backdrop for capturing authentic, intimate moments. Whether you’re drawn to peaceful landscapes or dramatic scenery, Bob Straub State Park feels like a hidden treasure. Tucked away in Pacific City, it creates a timeless setting for an unforgettable engagement session — just like Nicole and Dyllan’s.
Meet Nicole and Dyllan
Nicole and Dyllan are the kind of couple you feel instantly connected to — easygoing, full of laughter, and completely at ease with each other. They wanted their engagement photos to reflect the heart of their relationship: adventurous, relaxed, and full of genuine moments. When we started planning their session, they knew they wanted a location that felt a little wild but still romantic — a place that allowed them to just be themselves. Bob Straub State Park checked all the boxes.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Nicole and Dyllan shared something truly special. They met several years ago through mutual friends, and what started as a casual conversation quickly turned into a deep bond built on shared adventures, road trips, and countless late-night talks. Their engagement session wasn’t just about pretty photos — it was about telling their story in a place that felt like an adventure in itself.
Why Bob Straub State Park Is Perfect for an Engagement Session
If you’re dreaming of an Oregon Coast engagement session that feels secluded, beautiful, and full of variety, Bob Straub State Park is hard to beat.
Located just south of the more well-known Cape Kiwanda, Bob Straub feels quieter and more untouched. The park offers everything you could want for photos: long stretches of sandy beach, grassy dunes, coastal forests, and dramatic ocean views. On a typical evening, you might find just a handful of people walking their dogs or exploring the beach — making it feel like you have the entire coastline to yourselves.
For Nicole and Dyllan, this was exactly what they wanted: a place where they could walk barefoot through the sand, climb over driftwood, laugh together without an audience, and watch the sun melt into the Pacific without feeling rushed or crowded.
Some highlights of Bob Straub State Park for engagement sessions:
- Wide, open beaches with soft golden light at sunset
- Rolling dunes with tall, beach grass that looks incredible in photos
- Rugged coastline views with a slightly wild, untouched feel
- Plenty of space for candid, movement-filled shots (think running, spinning, or slow dancing barefoot)
The versatility of the landscape gave Nicole and Dyllan the freedom to be playful one moment and completely wrapped up in each other the next — which made their session feel authentic and full of life.
The Flow of Nicole and Dyllan’s Bob Straub State Park Engagement Session
We started their session tucked back in the dunes where the tall grass offered some natural shade from the bright afternoon sun. Nicole wore a flowy, neutral-toned dress that caught the breeze perfectly, and Dyllan kept it casual with a button-down and jeans — the perfect balance between elevated and comfortable.
As we moved toward the beach, the sun was still high, casting crisp light across the sand and water. Nicole and Dyllan walked hand-in-hand along the shoreline, occasionally stopping to chase the waves and laugh when they got splashed. Those candid, imperfect moments were some of the best — full of genuine joy and connection.
Toward the end of the session, we found a spot where the dunes met the ocean, creating a stunning, layered backdrop. Even in the bright afternoon light, the Oregon Coast showed off its textures — the rolling waves, the driftwood, the tall grass swaying in the wind. Nicole and Dyllan danced slowly in the open air, wrapped up in the moment and completely unaware of the camera. It was the kind of day that reminds you why documenting love stories like theirs is so important.
Why You Should Consider an Engagement Session
An engagement session is about so much more than just getting beautiful photos — although you’ll definitely walk away with plenty of those! Here’s why investing in an engagement session is one of the best decisions you can make:
1. Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Unless you’re a model, being professionally photographed can feel a little awkward at first. An engagement session gives you a chance to get comfortable, learn how to move naturally, and build trust with your photographer. By the time your wedding day comes around, taking photos will feel second nature.
2. Tell a Piece of Your Story
Your engagement photos capture a unique season of your life — the excitement, the anticipation, and the deepening of your bond. It’s a chapter that deserves to be documented just as much as your wedding day.
3. Explore Meaningful Locations
Choosing a location like Bob Straub State Park allows you to tie your love story to a place that feels significant or simply beautiful to you. Whether you love the coast, the mountains, or a cozy forest, your session can reflect who you are together.
4. Create Save-the-Dates, Guest Books, and Decor
Engagement photos are perfect for creating personalized save-the-dates, custom guest books, or even reception decor for your wedding day. They add a thoughtful, cohesive touch to your celebration.
Capturing Their Session at Bob Straub State Park on Digital and Film
One of the most special parts of Nicole and Dyllan’s Bob Straub State Park engagement session was photographing their story using both digital and film. Shooting a combination of the two allows for a gallery that’s both timeless and dynamic — blending the crispness and versatility of digital with the nostalgic, true-to-life tones of film.
Film photography brings a softness and richness that can’t be replicated. The way it handles light, movement, and color feels organic and effortless — perfect for a setting like the Oregon Coast, where textures and tones are such a big part of the atmosphere. Shooting film encouraged us to slow down, be intentional with each frame, and really soak in the quiet beauty of the evening.
Meanwhile, digital photography gave us the flexibility to capture every candid moment — from playful runs along the beach to spontaneous laughter when the waves caught their feet. Together, the two mediums created a full, heartfelt story that truly reflected Nicole and Dyllan’s connection.
Choosing to incorporate both digital and film into your engagement session is a beautiful way to preserve your memories with an added layer of artistry and depth.
Tips for Your Own Bob Straub State Park Engagement Session
If you’re considering planning your engagement session at Bob Straub State Park, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Timing is Everything: Aim for golden hour (the hour before sunset) for the softest, most flattering light. Mornings can also be beautiful if you prefer a misty, moody vibe.
- Footwear: Be prepared to go barefoot! Sand and dunes are much easier (and more fun) without shoes.
- Dress Comfortably: Choose outfits that allow you to move easily — flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, and rolled-up jeans all look amazing here.
- Be Weather-Ready: The Oregon Coast is known for its ever-changing weather. Bring a jacket or blanket just in case it gets chilly, and embrace whatever the day brings — overcast skies can make colors pop beautifully!
- Keep It Playful: The beach is made for movement! Run, dance, splash in the waves — some of the best photos come from forgetting about the camera and just enjoying the moment.
Final Thoughts
Nicole and Dyllan’s Bob Straub State Park engagement session was everything an engagement session should be: personal, playful, and filled with connection. Bob Straub’s quiet beauty made the perfect backdrop for their love story, and the evening felt less like a photoshoot and more like a mini adventure.
If you’re dreaming of an Oregon Coast engagement session that feels authentic and unforgettable, Bob Straub State Park is truly one of the best hidden gems out there. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or just want to celebrate this season of your life together, this beautiful stretch of coastline offers the perfect place to slow down, soak it all in, and capture memories you’ll treasure forever.
Planning your own Oregon Coast engagement session? I’d love to help you create a session that feels personal, elevated, and true to you—whether it’s along the cliffs, by the dunes, or exploring the unique beaches and landscapes the coast has to offer. Let’s make something beautiful together.
Looking for more engagement session inspiration? Check out these stunning sessions:
Comments +