Some engagement sessions are beautiful because of the scenery. Others are meaningful because of the story behind them. For Camaryn and Luke, this Oregon Coast session was both.
Photographed by Hailee Rawson on one of those rare sunny spring afternoons along the Oregon coastline, the session unfolded in a place that already held years of memories for the couple. Rather than choosing the more familiar backdrop of Cannon Beach, they returned to the mid-coast region where they spent countless days together while dating and where Luke’s grandparents once lived.
It was a place filled with history, nostalgia, and the kind of memories that make a location feel like home.
Inspired by the timeless aesthetic of Ralph Lauren campaigns, the vision blended coastal Americana with a cinematic Oregon feel. Golden light, windswept beaches, classic styling, and Luke’s golden retriever created a session that felt both editorial and deeply personal.
Adding another layer to their story? Luke played football for the University of Oregon while Camaryn cheered for rival Oregon State University.
A relationship that began as a friendly rivalry quickly became something much bigger.
“The strongest kind of love is the kind that stays soft through difficult seasons.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We actually met through Instagram.
Luke messaged me and asked if I wanted a tour of Autzen Stadium. Of course I said yes.
We met the very next day, and he showed me around the football facilities. Luke says his first impression of me was that I was beautiful and incredibly easy to talk to—that he felt at home with me immediately.
As for me, I took one look at him and knew right away that he was going to be my husband.
A Love Story Built Through Long Distance
Their relationship hasn’t always been easy.
As Division I athletes, both Luke and Camaryn spent much of their college careers balancing demanding schedules, travel, and long stretches apart.
Football season was particularly difficult. While Camaryn was cheering at home games, Luke was often playing across the country just a few hours ahead in a different time zone.
Yet despite the distance, they always found ways to make each other a priority.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship?
Being long distance while both being Division I athletes definitely wasn’t easy.
During football season especially, we were both at our busiest. On weekends when I had home games, Luke would be across the country playing in his own games.
The distance was hard sometimes, but it also made every phone call, conversation, and moment together feel even more meaningful. We always made time for each other no matter how busy life became.
I was lucky enough to attend some of his games, and he came to some of mine too. Those moments together became incredibly special.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Luke says the best thing he’s learned from me is to stop worrying so much about what other people think and simply be himself.
He says I’ve helped him become more confident, carefree, and comfortable in who he is.
The best thing I’ve learned from Luke is that standards are never “too high.” He showed me that there really is someone out there who will meet you with the same love, effort, intentionality, and respect that you give.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Luke’s favorite thing about me is my personality and how outgoing I am.
He always tells me I bring color, light, and energy into every room I walk into.
My favorite thing about Luke is how intentional he is. Whether it’s planning thoughtful dates, calling my parents every week, or pursuing football, he approaches everything with purpose and care.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Everyone says love is hard, but I honestly think love itself is the easy part.
When it’s real, loving someone comes naturally.
It’s the difficult moments—the misunderstandings, the distance, the sacrifices, and choosing each other when life feels heavy—that give love its depth and meaning.
Anyone can love when everything is perfect. The strongest kind of love is the kind that stays soft through difficult seasons.
I think the most honest thing I can say about love is that it isn’t about never struggling. It’s about finding someone who makes the struggles worth it.
Photography: Hailee Rawson Photo / @haileerawsonphoto
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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