There was a surprising chill in the air on this particular morning in April as the sun began to paint the sky in hues of vibrant orange and electric pink. The offshore breeze sent chills up our arms as we approached the sea, eager with excitement and sleepy from the 5am wake up call. Despite the drowsiness of the early morning, the salty sunrise acted as a shot of espresso as Sean + Dalton ran through the thick sea air, as in love as two people can be.

Meet Sean and Dalton.

An easygoing pair from North Carolina with a whole lotta love for beach walks, coffee, and each other. Dalton’s southern charm and Sean’s bubbly sweetness made the morning of their engagement photos something out of a Nicholas Sparks novel – romantic, sun kissed, and steeped in love.

Despite not being from the area, Sean is no stranger to Amelia Island. She spent her summers under the Florida sun with her grandmother, a longtime resident of Amelia Island. After Dalton proposed and they began planning their forever, Sean knew she wanted to tie the knot in this place she holds so dear to her heart.

We planned their engagement session around the island, making sure that whatever we did was a reflection of the two of them. We began at Main Beach Park, with expansive views of the ocean, sand dunes painted by the light of the morning sun, and a clear view of our star slowly rising above the horizon.

What has been your most favorite thing about being engaged so far?

I think it’s the feeling of knowing that we have found the person we want to spend the rest of our life with. There’s something so special about planning a future together and imagining all the adventures ahead.

If you had to pick one thing you love most about the other person, what would that be?

Sean: I love how Dalton can turn even the simplest moments into something special. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a spontaneous adventure, he always knows how to make life feel joyful and meaningful.

Dalton: I love Sean’s drive and determination. When she sets her mind to something, she works hard to make it happen, and it motivates me to do the same. I admire her focus and perseverance.

What was your first impression of the other person?

Sean: From the start, I could tell Dalton was a genuinely kind person. He made me feel so comfortable and special on our first date, which was something I admired. I was also really impressed by how passionate he was when talking to him – I remember thinking that he seemed like the kind of person you could always count on. There was a quiet strength about him that made me feel safe.

Dalton: I remember thinking you were the most beautiful person I had ever seen. You were so kind, articulate, with a laugh that made me smile, and a warmth that made me want to spend every day with you. I would swim through shark infested waters to bring you a glass of lemonade.

In one sentence, how would you best describe your relationship?

Our relationship is a deep, unwavering partnership built on love, laughter, and knowing that we are growing together through life.

No sunrise at the beach would be complete without a much needed coffee / pastry combo, so we headed seven minutes down Main Street to Amelia Island Coffee to fulfill the undying need for caffeine and food.

After they ordered, Sean emerged with an assortment of beignets filled with Nutella, raspberry compote, and two regulars. Dalton joined us a few moments later with Sean’s latte and his cold brew. I could see them coming to life after a caffeine-less morning on the shore (understandable + relatable).

After filling their bellies with beignets and allowing the caffeine to run through their veins, we took a stroll along Main Street for a few more photo ops.

Sean + Dalton are getting married in September of 2025 at Walker’s Landing right here on Amelia Island. Stay tuned for all the sweetness of their wedding day. If it’s anything like their engagement session, we’re all in for a treat.

xo, Casey