As a New Smyrna Beach engagement photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful mornings—but Gracie and AJ’s sunrise session was pure magic. The soft, pastel colors rising over the waves gave us the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos. From the very beginning, it was clear how much joy and connection these two share, and capturing that energy against the shoreline was an absolute dream.
We met just before sunrise on the shores of New Smyrna Beach. The early morning light created soft, golden tones that lit up the sky with streaks of lavender and blush. Sessions like these are why I always recommend sunrise for beach engagement photos—it’s peaceful, romantic, and oh-so flattering. Plus they got to go explore New Smyrna Beach together after our session to celebrate!
Gracie and AJ were naturals in front of the camera. Whether they were dancing in the sand, running hand-in-hand along the shoreline, or simply wrapped up in each other’s arms, their chemistry was effortless. You could tell they were fully present and soaking up every moment together.
Gracie and AJ’s love story started back in college in Washington state. While AJ has since moved to Florida for work, Gracie is finishing her final semester of school and is spending the summer here. They got engaged in May and are now in the exciting beginning stages of planning their wedding.
It was so special to document this chapter in their story—one full of transitions, long-distance love, and looking forward to building a life together in the same place.
Besides the dreamy lighting, sunrise sessions also give us the beach at its quietest. With fewer people around, there’s more space for couples to relax, have fun, and just be themselves. That’s exactly what Gracie and AJ did—they danced, laughed, and brought such a light-hearted energy to the morning. Every frame is filled with joy, movement, and authentic emotion.
The beach setting complemented Gracie and AJ’s personalities so well—carefree, bright, and full of life. I’m absolutely obsessed with how these images turned out. From candid laughs to sweet, quiet moments, this gallery is filled with everything I love about engagement photography.
If you’re dreaming of heartfelt engagement photos on the coast, let’s make it happen. Whether you’re local or visiting, New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful and versatile spot for documenting this season of life.
✨ Reach out to inquire about your own engagement session with Amy Britton Photography. I’d love to help you tell your love story with timeless, joy-filled images.