Kayla and Drew’s Taft Point sunset engagement session is one that will forever live in my mind rent free. After more than seven years as a photographer, I thought I’d seen every kind of light and every kind of magic Yosemite National Park could offer—until this evening. The sunset we experienced at Taft Point was, without exaggeration, the most breathtaking golden hour I’ve ever witnessed.

I first met Kayla years ago when she was a bridesmaid for two of my previous brides. (Photographing an entire friend group’s weddings has truly been one of the coolest and most unexpected joys of my career!) Now that Kayla lives in California, the stars aligned perfectly—literally and figuratively—when she realized I’d be in Yosemite around the same time she and Drew hoped to take their engagement photos. She made the trip, we synced our schedules, and the adventure began.

We started the session down in Yosemite Valley. Even in the earlier afternoon light, the park was showing off with its towering pines, rushing water, and dramatic cliffs. After capturing some warm, intimate portraits in the valley, we made the scenic drive up toward Taft Point. The trail is an easy two-mile hike, and with every step, the anticipation grew.

When we reached the lookout, I was completely blown away. The cliffs opened up to reveal a sweeping view of Yosemite Valley and the face of El Capitan glowing in the late-day sun. We wandered along the rim, exploring pockets of open space and textured rock until we found two perfect areas to settle into for sunset. Despite it being a Saturday, the overlook was surprisingly peaceful—just enough people to feel the shared awe of the moment, but never enough to disrupt the intimacy of their session.

As the sun dipped behind the horizon, the sky washed the entire landscape in soft pinks and warm amber tones. Kayla and Drew laughed, embraced, slow-danced on the cliffside, and soaked in every second. It was one of those sessions where everything aligned—the couple, the place, the light, and the feeling.

Their Taft Point sunset engagement session wasn’t just beautiful; it was unforgettable. I can’t wait to share more of their photos and the magic that unfolded on that cliffside.