Bonnie and Devin’s Malibu Beach Engagement: Unique Engagement Ideas For Your Session

Watching Bonnie and Devin zip down Highway 1 in a vintage car with the sun setting over Malibu was such a vibe! This Malibu beach engagement session was everything, romantic, playful, and full of personality. These two brought their A-game with killer outfits, a champagne bottle, and a classic car that had us all grinning from ear to ear by the end. If you’re looking for unique engagement ideas to make your session unforgettable, take a page out of Bonnie and Devin’s book.

A couple embraces in a field, both in leather jackets, showcasing Unique Engagement Ideas with a cool, edgy vibe.

Black and white photo of a couple kissing on a vintage car by the coast.

A couple strolls through tall grass, holding hands under the sun, capturing a serene engagement moment.

Why El Pescador State Beach is Perfect for a Malibu Beach Engagement

Malibu’s beaches are famous for good reason, but El Pescador State Beach feels like a secret hideaway. It’s more low-key than some of the busier Malibu spots, which makes it perfect for couples looking for a romantic, intimate vibe. The dramatic cliffs, rocky shorelines, and vast Pacific views set the perfect stage for Bonnie and Devin’s adventurous beach engagement session.

Unique Engagement Ideas: Couple celebrates on rocky beach.

Joyful couple pops champagne on rocky coast.

Unique Engagement Ideas: Champagne spray on seaside rocks.

Playful beach hug in black leather jackets.

Playful beach piggyback ride in black leather jackets.

Engaged couple sharing a laugh, cozy beach moment.

And the vintage car? Total game-changer! Watching them cruise up and down the coast, completely in their element, was such a highlight. Adding a prop like this can bring out those real, candid moments, which is exactly what happened here. If you’re thinking of a unique prop for your own session, a classic car is such a cool addition—making for timeless, fun photos and letting you loosen up for those candid shots.

A playful moment as the couple shares a laugh in a classic convertible, capturing a carefree vibe by the beach.

The couple drives off, framed by the rustic El Pescador Beach sign, hinting at a secluded coastal getaway.

A romantic black-and-white moment of the couple sharing a kiss in their car, enhancing the timeless feel.

Unique Engagement Ideas to Make Your Session Yours

For Bonnie and Devin, creating a cinematic, vintage vibe was key, and everything about this session came together perfectly. From the car to the champagne, every detail made their photos feel like scenes from a love story. Here are some fun engagement ideas we incorporated that might inspire your own session:

1. Choose a Location with Meaning

Picking a location that holds special meaning for you two can make your engagement session feel more personal and memorable. Bonnie and Devin picked the beach because it’s a huge part of their story, but there are so many other amazing spots in Malibu that can give your photos a unique twist. Here are a few other locations we love for a Malibu engagement:

Malibu Creek State Park: With its beautiful mountain views, open fields, and tree-lined trails, this park is perfect for couples who want that “woodsy” vibe. It’s a great spot for an outdoor feel without hitting the beach, with plenty of scenic backdrops for photos.
Solstice Canyon: A mix of nature and history, Solstice Canyon has beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and the ruins of an old stone house. It’s ideal for adventurous couples looking for a scenic, off-the-beaten-path location that still has that Malibu magic.
Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum: This historic Spanish-style house right by the lagoon is surrounded by beautiful tilework, lush gardens, and ocean views. With its mix of California history and coastal charm, Adamson House offers a unique backdrop for couples looking to incorporate both architectural and natural elements.

2. Bring a Fun Prop Like a Vintage Car

That car made all the difference! Watching Bonnie and Devin laugh, relax, and play around with it gave us some of the best shots. If there’s a prop that means something to you or represents a shared interest, think about bringing it along. A classic car, a set of bikes, or even your pup can add personality and make your session a blast.

The couple radiates joy, framed by open roads and wildflowers, a perfect blend of freedom and adventure.

Fiance taking pictures of his soon to be wife standing next to a convertible car

The couple leans close in their convertible, highlighting a vintage yet intimate atmosphere.

3. Celebrate with Champagne (or Hit Up a Malibu Bar!)

There’s something about popping a bottle of bubbly that just sets the mood! Bonnie and Devin brought champagne to the beach, and it instantly amped up the fun, giving us so many candid, joy-filled moments. Adding a little toast to your session is a great way to bring in some celebration vibes, but if you’re more of a bar-hopping kind of couple, Malibu has some awesome spots for photos with a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

If you want to incorporate a few fun bar shots into your session, here are some great Malibu bars that offer incredible ambiance for photos:

Nobu Malibu: Known for its upscale vibe and oceanfront views, Nobu is a great spot if you’re looking for a more sophisticated, chic bar atmosphere. With the Pacific in the background and its modern decor, it’s perfect for a mix of casual and elevated shots.
Malibu Farm Pier Cafe & Bar: Located right on the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm is known for its laid-back, beachy vibe with a cozy, rustic feel. It’s a great spot if you’re going for a relaxed, quintessentially California feel.
The Surfrider Roof Deck: The rooftop bar at the Surfrider Hotel offers stunning panoramic views of Malibu Beach, giving your photos a warm, intimate vibe with an unbeatable backdrop. It’s ideal for couples looking to capture that effortless California beach spirit.

Whether you bring the champagne or go for a drink at a nearby bar, adding a little toast is a fun, unique touch that makes your session feel like a true celebration!

Check out Holly and Matts Bar Engagement for more inspo!

Couple drinking champagne in a convertible car

A casual detail shot of the couple’s boots resting on the car bumper, adding character to the scene.

4. Share Your Vision with Your Photographer

A big reason this session turned out so unique? Bonnie and Devin weren’t shy about sharing their ideas. They wanted a cinematic feel, a beachy backdrop, and that vintage vibe, and I of course was all in! Don’t be afraid to tell your photographer what you’re dreaming up! Whether it’s a specific style or setting, sharing your vision helps make the session everything you’re hoping for.

Couple shares a laugh while leaning against their vintage convertible, embracing the coastal vibes.

Scenic drive along the coastline with a vintage car, capturing romance on an open road.

Couple cozily holding hands in a convertible, sharing laughter under the sun.

Romantic kiss in a vintage car, capturing an intimate engagement moment.

More Fun Engagement Ideas to Consider

If you’re planning your own engagement session and want it to stand out, here are some other ideas to consider:

Take a Scenic Drive or Stroll: Just like Bonnie and Devin’s coastal cruise, moving around in a scenic spot gives you natural, candid shots that are full of energy.
Set Up a Beach Picnic: Pack some snacks, a blanket, and enjoy the sunset together. It’s an intimate, relaxed setup that feels effortless and cozy.
Dress Up or Keep it Casual: Bonnie and Devin went for vintage glam, but you can keep it simple or dress to the nines. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels like you.
Plan for Golden Hour: That soft, warm light just before sunset is magic on the beach. For those glowing, romantic shots, plan your session around golden hour and let your photographer work their magic.
Get Adventurous with a Boat Session: If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider taking to the water like Haley and Conor did with their boat engagement photos! Capturing moments on a boat gives your photos a cinematic feel and adds an adventurous touch to the session. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy the views while creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind shots.

See Haley and Conor's boat engagement for more inspo!

Whether you’re cruising down the coast, setting up a cozy picnic, or heading out on the water, making your engagement session unique to you is what makes it memorable.

Cowboy hat and off-shoulder dress, the couple shares a sweet look on a vintage car.

Playful interaction as the groom tips his hat towards the bride, evoking a fun vibe.

"Unique Engagement Ideas" - Couple embracing, laughing with heart-shaped glasses on a sunny day by the car.

In the driver's seat, the couple shares a look, capturing a relaxed engagement shot.

Capturing the Magic with Bonnie & Devin

Some sessions are pure joy from start to finish, and Bonnie & Devin’s was exactly that! Watching them relax, get playful, and pop champagne as the sun set was unforgettable. And when we took the car down the coast one last time, they were all smiles—living in the moment, laughing together, and just soaking it all in.

Book Your SoCal Engagement Photographer!

Inspired by Bonnie & Devin’s session? Whether you’re planning a Malibu beach engagement or something entirely different and need some help thinking if unique engagement ideas, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life! Book me and let’s start planning your perfect engagement shoot, whether it’s in a vintage car, a boat, in a bar, or anywhere that feels like you!

See more of Bonnie and Devins engagement below on film and more of my work on my Pinterest!