I was so lucky for this opportunity to capture these Mystic Beach engagement photos. It was nothing short of a dream!
Mystic Beach, located along the Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island, it is a secluded gem that offers a breathtaking blend of rugged coastline and dense forest. When I met Amanda and Gavin for the first time at the trailhead, the excitement was palpable for all of us! We had been chatting for a while about their wedding plans and engagement shoot, and by this point they were more friends than clients.
By the time we reached the beach, the sun was just beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over everything. The iconic waterfall at the beach’s edge was cascading gently, creating a perfect backdrop. I knew we had limited time to catch the perfect light, so we got straight to work. As the sun dipped lower, the sky exploded into a palette of gold, pinks, and purples and I snapped away, knowing these would be my favourite images of the session.
As the light faded we packed up and hiked back out, chatting all the way. The whole drive home I reflected on how grateful I was for this perfect evening and couple (now friends!), this incredible island, and the magic that is creating through photography.
To Amanda and Gavin, thank you for letting me be a part of your marriage journey. And to Mystic Beach, thank you for providing the perfect stage for this chapter of their love story 🥂
How to Get to Mystic Beach
Mystic Beach is part of the Juan de Fuca Trail. The nearest access point is the China Beach day-use parking lot, located approximately 35 kilometers west of Sooke. From the parking lot, it’s a 2-kilometer hike (about 45 mins) through the lush forest to reach the beach. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views along the way, making it a delightful prelude to the main event. I usually recommend to clients that we meet in the China Beach parking lot and hike in together, as there is no cell service in this location.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Mystic Beach
Choosing the right attire is crucial for an engagement shoot, especially in a location as picturesque as Mystic Beach. Here are a few tips:
- Comfortable Footwear: The hike to the beach is beautiful but can be muddy and a little challenging. Wear sturdy shoes for the hike and bring along more elegant footwear (no heels though!) for the photos if you want to.
- Flowing Fabrics: Dresses, skirts and button up shirts, with relaxed and flowing fabrics look fantastic against the beach backdrop, especially when caught in the breeze.
- Light and Soft Tones: Colors like white, soft pastels, and earth tones blend beautifully with the natural surroundings. Light colours also help you to stand out from the contrast of the dark sand and rocks. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour!
- Layering: Bring layers to add variety to your photos and to stay warm as the temperature can drop during sunset.
- Safety: I would recommend to bring a headlamp of flashlight for the hike back out. Since sunset is the best time to shoot, it’ll likely be quite dark in the forest on the hike out.
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