Santa Barbara Engagement Photos
Last April, I had the pleasure of capturing an engagement session for Meghan and Kasey at Ellwood Beach in Santa Barbara! Not only are they the sweetest couple, but they also brought along their adorable dog to join in on the pics, making this shoot all the more special.
In true Santa Barbara fashion, Meghan and Kasey hopped out of their van that they drove across the country in to check out wedding venues around the area. After both living in Santa Barbara a while back, they moved to the East Coast, but knew they wanted to tie the knot in this special place.
Ellwood Beach is a popular spot for photoshoots—especially for couples and engagements. The cliffs overlooking the sea, paired with the golden horizon at sunset, are nothing short of breathtaking. With that being said, after all the storms and rainfall recently, the area has taken a bit of a hit. The usual path down to the beach was honestly a bit sketchy, but Meghan and Kasey were troopers, strapping on their boots and heading down without hesitation.
Once we made it to the beach, it was still a tad bright out, but we made it work. We started with some classic, posed shots to loosen up, and soon enough, the session became more playful and candid. Their dog was running around, bringing this lighthearted energy that made the photos feel so real and true to their relationship.
After some time spent exploring the beach, swinging, walking, and goofing around, we climbed back up that questionable path to the top of the cliff just as golden hour started to set in. I took a bunch of backlit photos, and the whole backdrop felt like something straight out of a movie scene. The glow from the sun created this dreamy, soft, cinematic vibe that was heavenly.
As the sun began to dip, we moved into the fields and the little forested area near the cliffs for the final few shots. And just like that, the session came to an end!
But the best part? I get to be their wedding photographer in the fall! I’m so honored to be a part of their journey and can’t wait to capture their big day. From their cross-country adventures to planning a wedding in the place that means so much to them, it’s going to be a beautiful full-circle moment. Stay tuned for more!
