Jun 17 2026 | By: Michele Coleman Photography
Waking up early for a sunrise beach session on the Grand Strand is so worth it. When the Carper family traveled all the way from West Virginia for their beach vacation, we decided to capture the morning light in beautiful Murrells Inlet, South Carolina—and it did not disappoint!
The sky greeted us with the most breathtaking, soft morning colors, casting a warm pastel glow over the ocean and reflecting beautifully on the quiet shoreline.
The Carpers nailed their beach wardrobe, too. Mom looked stunning in a flowing mauve dress, while Dad and the boys kept it classic and coastal in white, blue patterns, and navy.
Waking up early for a sunrise shoot might sound daunting with little ones, but as the Carper family proved, the quiet beaches, stunning light, and effortless giggles make it worth every single second. Thank you for letting me capture these memories for you!
Playful Moments & Sweet Smiles As you can see, this session was all about capturing genuine joy, connection, and a little bit of silliness! Little brothers Killian and Canaan brought so much fun energy to the beach. From Killian flying high in the air in his dad’s arms to Canaan sharing a big, laughing hug with his mom on the sand, these are the candid moments that families cherish forever.
Planning a Trip to Murrells Inlet, SC for the first time? Here are some places to check out:
The famous Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for incredible waterfront dining and views.
If you love wildlife and untouched coastlines, a day trip to Huntington Beach State Park is a must.
Brookgreen Gardens (brookgreen.org) A world-renowned cultural and natural attraction right down the road from the inlet. It features beautiful sculpture gardens and a Lowcountry Zoo that kids love.