June 10, 2025
Delaney Childs & Clay
90s Beach Nostalgia
California
Categories
Editorial

Romantic Summer Session | Laguna Beach Couple Photos

When Delaney Childs and Clay reached out for a summer couples session, I knew we had to take it somewhere iconic. Laguna Beach gave us golden light, soft waves, and the kind of effortless nostalgia that feels straight out of a 90s film. This shoot was all about capturing their playful, affectionate energy — and the result? Pure magic.

The blend of fashion-forward styling, editorial composition, and candid moments made this one of my favorite sessions of the season. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own shoot or just here to soak in the dreamy coastal vibes, Delaney and Clay’s photos will make you want to grab your person and run to the nearest shoreline.

 

Delaney Childs and Clay holding hands during a golden hour couple’s session at Laguna Beach.
Romantic portrait of Delaney and Clay standing in the waves at Laguna Beach.
Delaney Childs laughing with Clay during a playful beach photo session in Southern California
Sunset couple’s photo of Delaney and Clay wrapped in each other’s arms by the water.
Editorial beach portrait of Delaney Childs and Clay on the rocky cliffs of Laguna Beach.
Candid moment of Delaney and Clay dancing barefoot in the sand at Laguna.
Laguna Beach couple session with Delaney Childs and Clay in the ocean breeze.
Close-up of Delaney Childs smiling at Clay during their romantic beach shoot.
Delaney and Clay walking toward the shoreline during their sunset session at Laguna Beach.
Film-inspired photo of Delaney and Clay with warm tones and ocean reflections.
Couple’s photo of Delaney Childs and Clay against a pastel sky at Laguna Beach.
Artistic silhouette of Delaney and Clay kissing as the sun sets over Laguna Beach.
Editorial-style image of Delaney Childs leaning on Clay with beach cliffs in the background.
Clay lifting Delaney playfully on the sand at Laguna Beach during their couple’s shoot.
Soft, romantic moment between Delaney and Clay under cotton candy skies at the coast.
Delaney Childs and Clay sharing a quiet moment, waves crashing behind them at Laguna.
Cinematic beach shot of Delaney and Clay embracing in warm summer light.
Joyful, candid couple photo of Delaney Childs running with Clay along the shoreline.
Intimate moment between Delaney and Clay during their romantic sunset session at the beach.
Golden light glowing on Delaney and Clay during a Laguna Beach engagement-style session.
Editorial couple’s portrait of Delaney and Clay framed by rocky formations in Laguna.
Lifestyle beach photography of Delaney Childs and Clay relaxing in the sand together.

About the Location: Laguna Beach 

Laguna Beach is one of those rare gems that offers everything at once: cinematic cliffs, soft golden sand, and a shoreline that glows at sunset. We chose a stretch that offered both natural rock formations and wide-open beach views, giving the photos dimension and mood.

It’s one of my favorite places for romantic couple photos in Southern California, especially in summer when the light hits just right. For couples wanting editorial-meets-effortless, Laguna Beach is hard to beat.

 

Warm and whimsical couple photo of Delaney and Clay with wind in their hair at the coast.
Dreamy 90s-inspired couple shoot with Delaney Childs and Clay at Laguna Beach.
Close-up detail of Delaney Childs’ hand resting on Clay’s chest during their shoot.
Vintage-feel portrait of Delaney and Clay lit by the last rays of sunlight at Laguna
Wide angle shot of Delaney and Clay walking along a secluded beach path in Laguna.
Oregon Coast engagement session
Romantic Laguna Beach photo session with Delaney Childs wearing a flowy dress by the sea.
bride and groom on the redwood observation deck under their wedding arch of orange poppies

The Vision for the Shoot:

We were inspired by 90s beach nostalgia — think vintage tones, wind-tousled hair, and sun-warmed skin. We wanted the session to feel spontaneous, stylish, and soaked in summer energy.

Delaney and Clay leaned into the mood with perfectly chosen outfits: elevated neutrals that moved beautifully in the breeze, and styling that felt modern with a nostalgic edge. I used a mix of film and digital photography to create that creamy, timeless vibe, emphasizing light leaks, soft blurs, and golden warmth.

The result was a series of images that feel more like a love story than a shoot.

 

an elopement at the hoyt arboretum
bride and groom amongst the redwood trees
Delaney and Clay sharing a kiss framed by ocean waves and soft sunlight.
Artistic shot of Delaney Childs and Clay laughing together during their couple’s session on the beach.

Tips for Couple’s Wanting Beach Photos:

From the moment they stepped onto the beach, Delaney and Clay brought such effortless connection. They’re that rare couple that can be both wildly playful and completely romantic within seconds.

Their comfort with each other made my job easy — they weren’t afraid to get a little messy, to laugh big, and to sink into stillness when the moment called for it. There was no faking it here. Just two people having a really good time in a beautiful place.

If you’re dreaming of your own Laguna Beach photo session, here are a few tips:

  • Timing is everything: Aim for golden hour for that glowy, romantic light.

  • Wear something that moves: Flowing fabrics, linen, or loose pieces photograph beautifully in the breeze.

  • Trust your photographer: The best photos often come from the unplanned moments.

  • Don’t overthink it: The beach brings out natural emotion. Let yourself play.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, engagement, or just want to document this season of love, Laguna Beach offers the perfect canvas.

 

I left this session feeling creatively recharged and so grateful to work with couples like Delaney and Clay. Their love was magnetic, and Laguna Beach gave us every last ounce of magic.

Want your own nostalgic summer session by the sea? Reach out through my contact page !!