A Coastal Fort Clinch Engagement Session – Caitlin + Thomas

Couple embracing during a Fort Clinch State Park engagement session, standing along a sandy path surrounded by coastal greenery at golden hour.

There was an effortless spark from the very beginning of this Fort Clinch engagement session, the kind of energy that carries through every frame without needing to be explained. Every interaction felt expressive, full of movement, and rooted in the way these two naturally show up for each other.

As they wandered the sandy paths and shoreline, their connection unfolded in a way that felt both relaxed and dynamic. Laughter came easily, small moments turned into big ones, and their love story revealed itself through gestures, glances, and shared smiles that felt entirely their own.

Fort Clinch State Park offered the perfect coastal backdrop for an engagement session that felt elevated yet playful. The open landscape, soft evening light, and sweeping shoreline allowed their chemistry to take center stage, resulting in images that feel timeless, expressive, and full of life.

How Caitlin & Thomas Met

Caitlin and Thomas met through mutual friends. One of Thomas’s friends was dating one of Caitlin’s friends. Naturally, they believed these two would get along well. They were right.

They began dating in August 2024. Shortly after, Thomas asked Caitlin to be his girlfriend in September 2024. From the beginning, their connection felt comfortable and genuine.

A First Date to Remember

Their first date reflected Thomas’s thoughtful nature. He picked Caitlin up and took her to Chili’s for dinner. There, they talked, laughed, and instantly felt at ease.

After dinner, they went bowling. However, this was no ordinary outing. Thomas had reserved a lane ahead of time. His name was displayed on a sign at their table. In addition, the staff surprised them with cookies and a thank you card. Because he planned every detail, the night felt personal and intentional.

A Sweet and Sentimental Proposal

Thomas proposed on August 31st, 2025. Caitlin had just returned from a girls trip. That evening, Thomas asked her to dress nicely for a surprise date. Almost immediately, she sensed something special was coming.

They arrived at Stockton Park, a meaningful place along the river. Although it was raining, the moment remained perfect. Thomas asked Caitlin to close her eyes. As he guided her through the park, he told her how much he loved her. Then, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

Afterward, they FaceTimed their closest friends. Later that night, they celebrated with dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Sometimes, the simplest celebrations mean the most.

Why Fort Clinch State Park Is Perfect for an Engagement Session

When planning their engagement session, Caitlin and Thomas wanted a location that felt timeless. While they love the beach, they did not want their photos to feel overly coastal.

Instead, Fort Clinch State Park offered the best of both worlds. The park features open grassy fields, textured trees, and winding sandy trails. At the same time, subtle coastal elements remain present. Because of this balance, the location aligned perfectly with their fall wedding vision.

A Relaxed Fort Clinch Engagement Session in Fernandina Beach

Throughout their Fort Clinch engagement session, Caitlin and Thomas stayed completely present. They laughed often and stayed close. Most importantly, they enjoyed simply being together.

Quiet moments beneath the trees felt intimate. Meanwhile, playful movement along the paths added energy and lightness. As a result, their connection showed naturally in every image.

Their outfit choices also enhanced the session. They complemented the surroundings without overpowering them. Ultimately, the final gallery feels soft, timeless, and genuine. Each image reflects this meaningful season of their relationship.

Looking Ahead to Their Wedding Day

Looking ahead, Caitlin and Thomas will be getting married at North Rail in Sanderson, Florida. It is a modern barn style venue that they instantly fell in love with.

With whitewashed brick, black accents, and beautiful grounds, the venue is a perfect fit for a fall wedding. Without a doubt, their wedding day is going to be incredible.

Couple smiling together beneath curved oak trees during their Fort Clinch State Park engagement session Engaged couple standing together beneath a large, windswept tree with sandy ground and tall grass at Fort Clinch State Park Engaged couple walking hand in hand along a sandy path surrounded by coastal trees during golden hour at Fort Clinch State Park Close-up portrait of an engaged couple embracing beneath coastal trees with soft evening light at Fort Clinch State Park Couple standing close together beneath windswept trees at Fort Clinch State Park during an engagement session in Fernandina Beach Engaged couple standing together near a curved oak tree with open grassy landscape in the background at Fort Clinch State Park Close-up engagement photos showing hands, ring details, and the couple standing together at Fort Clinch State Park Couple kissing beneath a wind-shaped tree at golden hour, then walking hand in hand along a sandy path surrounded by coastal grasses. The couple stands together beneath a sprawling coastal tree, framed by tall grass and soft evening light. Couple embracing beneath a twisted coastal tree, then holding hands and leaning together in soft golden-hour light among sandy dunes and sea oats. Close-up of an engagement ring held between the couple’s hands, paired with a wide shot of the couple embracing on a sandy trail surrounded by grasses and coastal trees at sunset. Engaged couple standing hand in hand on a sandy coastal path, with tall grasses and calm water in the distance during golden hour. Engaged couple embracing on a sandy coastal path, paired with a black and white close up of them touching foreheads and smiling softly. Engaged couple standing together and dancing along a sandy coastal trail, smiling and holding hands with tall grass and water in the distance. Engaged couple holding hands and smiling while standing on a sandy coastal path with tall grass and water behind them. Laughter fills the moment as the couple hold hands and move together along a sandy trail during their Fort Clinch engagement session. Black and white close up of an engaged couple sitting together in the sand, paired with a color image of the couple standing side by side among tall coastal grass near the shoreline. Engaged couple standing close together on a sandy coastal path, paired with a close up of their hands wrapped together showing the engagement ring. Standing hand in hand on a sandy coastal path, the couple pause between tall grass and water during their engagement session at Fort Clinch State Park. A quiet moment shared in the dunes as the couple embrace among sea oats and soft evening light during their Fort Clinch State Park engagement session. A quiet moment shared near the water, paired with a black and white image of the couple walking barefoot along the shoreline while holding hands and smiling at each other. Wrapped in each other’s arms near the beach, one partner smiles toward the camera while the other leans in close during a Fort Clinch engagement session in Fernandina Beach.

I am a Wedding and Portrait photographer based out of Jacksonville, Florida, with a passion for documenting love stories near and far. This space is where I share some of my favorite love stories, joyful portrait sessions, and helpful wedding tips, all captured with an artful and intentional approach.

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