Dancing, Laughter, and Barefoot Adventures: The Cole Family Session

Trey and Julia had just moved to El Cajon when his family planned a visit from Texas. Trey’s mom and sister aren’t thrilled about them living so far away, but they’re definitely excited to have a new vacation spot—and a free place to stay! With all these Texas A&M Aggies together in San Diego, surprising Mom with beach photos felt like the perfect way to mark the trip.

We captured a mix of group shots, couples portraits, and playful moments—including a favorite of Trey and Julia dancing in the waves. The two met while two-stepping with friends, so that image brought back sweet memories from the early days of their relationship.

The night ended with a barefoot walk through the streets of San Diego, thanks to a little mishap with the beach shower. Trey may have skipped over my pre-session prep email, so everyone showed up in socks and shoes (instead of the suggested flip-flops). Then came the discovery: the Crystal Pier beach showers are full-body sprayers—no foot rinse in sight. After a few surprise soakings and a lot of laughter, they made the walk back to the car wet, sandy, and very barefoot. A memorable finish, to say the least.

Tight-knit, loving, and just the right amount of competitive, the Cole crew was such a joy to photograph. While the move from Texas was a big change, Trey and Julia are already finding their rhythm (and their favorite restaurants) in San Diego—with Born and Raised reserved for special occasions, and The Grinder in El Cajon as a casual go-to.

Check out more about Trey’s work with college students at Shadow Mountain’s College Ministry. And if you’re ready to capture your own milestone—whether planned or spontaneous—I’d love to help you tell your story.

Couple holding hands at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach, looking back and smiling
Five family members linking hands in water at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Couple posing close together under the pier structure at sunset
Couple kissing under the pier structure at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Woman in blue dress at the beach with arms crossed, smiling brightly
Woman in blue dress standing alone under the pier in golden hour light
Woman in blue dress walking under the pier pilings at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Man in white shirt leaning against weathered wooden post at pier
Man and woman with arms around each other, smiling at the beach
Man and woman facing each other with arms wrapped around the other
Man and woman kissing in shallow water near the pier at sunset
Man in light blue shirt alone at weathered pier post, looking thoughtful
Woman in floral dress in shallow water at beach, hands on hips
Woman in floral dress running playfully through shallow water
Three family members posed together at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Three family members hand-in-hand wading through shallow water
Group of family members in casual beach poses near Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Woman in white dress standing in shallow water at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Woman in white dress under the pier in golden hour light, arms crossed
Three women in light colored dresses at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Two men in casual beach clothing standing on sand at the pier
Five family members holding hands walking together in shallow water
Couple holding hands walking through shallow water at Crystal Pier
Man playfully carrying woman on his back in shallow water at beach
Couple holding hands wading in shallow water at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Couple dancing playfully in shallow water near Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Couple holding hands in front of Crystal Pier at golden hour sunset
Four family members standing together in shallow water at Crystal Pier

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