Ellwood Butterfly Preserve Engagement Photos | Julia+Ryan

“We never got to really know each other until senior year of high school, but since then I always knew it was him.”

Some couples need more guidance than others when taking photos. Ryan and Julia are not one of those couples. It is very obvious these two have known each other for a long time, and they feel one-hundred percent comfortable being goofy and romantic with each other. We decided on the Ellwood Butterfly Preserve for their engagement photos, and from the two, here’s why…

“We love the outdoors and spending as much time as we can exploring and making our own adventures. It seemed like a perfect fit to wander in the woods with some butterflies in the city that we say ‘I do.’”

So how did the two meet? From Julia…

“Ryan and I met the first day of seventh grade. We were lucky enough to meet each other so young that we were able to grow up together. We never got to really know each other until senior year of high school, but since then I always knew it was him.”

So how did Ryan pop the question?

“Ryan and I come from a big family so we try to spend Christmas morning with just the two of us. It was one year ago this Christmas that Ryan proposed in our home with just the two of us. It was perfect, quiet, and personal. It made everything so much more special that we could just take in the moment on our own before the whole family helped celebrate.”

Julia’s inspiration for her jewelry for our Santa Barbara engagement shoot was very sentimental and meaningful…

“I wore my Great Aunt’s earrings that were given to my mom when she was young. I knew that I wanted to include the amazing women in my family in this special moment. Around my neck was a necklace I had made for Ryan. It’s my way to show my support for my husband in his career path. I have a ‘R’ and a fireman helmet.”

Stay tuned for images from Julia+Ryan’s Santa Barbara wedding!