A Gasparilla Island Lighthouse Engagement Session

Carl + Rita’s Perfect Blend on Boca Grande

There are some sessions that feel like they’re pulled straight from a storybook, and Carl + Rita’s engagement session at the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse was exactly that kind of magic. As a southwest Florida family + couples photographer, Boca Grande has always been one of my favorite locations—its sugar-white sand, gentle waves, and pastel sunsets are basically nature’s version of a soft filter. But this evening? It gave us everything.

The Session: Classic, Romantic, and a Little Bit Playful

We started the afternoon with Carl + Rita in their first outfit: all black everything. This monochromatic look worked beautifully against the bright shoreline—timeless, bold, and perfectly chic. With the lighthouse towering behind them, they walked barefoot along the dunes, whispering little jokes and laughing between frames. At one point, Carl surprised Rita with a tiny, hand-picked wildflower he plucked along the trail. It was the simplest gesture, but exactly the kind of moment that makes an engagement session feel real.

As the sun dipped lower, they changed into their sunset palette:
✨ Rita in a flowy floral dress
✨ Carl in a pastel button-down

The colors couldn’t have matched the sky more perfectly. Cotton-candy pinks, soft blues, and hints of lavender wrapped around them as they danced by the shoreline and playfully frolicked in the waves. Their laughter echoed off the water, giving us movement, intimacy, and that effortless joy that every couple hopes to see in their gallery.

Why Boca Grande Is a Hidden Gem for Engagement Sessions

If you’re dreaming of a location that mixes coastal charm with quiet, romantic scenery, Boca Grande checks all the boxes. You get:

• Pristine, uncrowded beaches
• A lighthouse that adds subtle drama
• Endless dunes + sea grass for texture
• Sunsets that look painted

It’s no wonder so many of my couples fall in love with this spot the moment they see it.

Tips for Creating an Authentic Engagement Session

(Because your session should feel like you, not a photoshoot.)

1. Choose outfits that tell your story.

Carl + Rita’s wardrobe worked because it gave two “chapters”: something bold and elegant, and something soft and romantic. Pick looks that reflect your personalities and feel comfortable to move in.

2. Add a personal touch.

A picked wildflower, a shared drink, a meaningful location—little details create big emotions and help you relax in front of the camera.

3. Plan for movement.

Walking, spinning, running along the waves… movement produces the most natural expressions. You don’t need to “pose”—you just need to be present with each other.

4. Trust the light.

Golden hour and sunset will always flatter your skin tones and elevate the mood. If you’re booking in southwest Florida, plan for a session 90 minutes before sunset to get that dreamy glow.

5. Focus on connection, not perfection.

The best images come from moments where you forget you’re being photographed. Lean into each other, laugh, talk, be playful—your love is the most photogenic thing in the frame.

A Sweet Ending to a Perfect Evening

As the last light dipped behind the horizon, Carl + Rita stood barefoot in the surf, wrapped in each other and completely soaked from their wave-dancing finale. It was messy, romantic, and absolutely them—my favorite kind of moment to capture.If you’re dreaming of an engagement session on Boca Grande—or anywhere in southwest Florida—I’d love to help you create something honest, beautiful, and entirely your own.