Goleta Butterfly Grove Engagement Photos | Nicole+Robby

“That’s how our love makes me feel –calm, exhilarated, fulfilled, all at once. He is my heart, and I just can’t wait to marry this man.” We celebrated Nicole and Robby’s love with their Goleta Butterfly Grove engagement photos. The two told me they were not fans of being in front of the camera, and then the magic you’ll find below ensued. Needless to say, they were complete naturals–not only were they a breeze to photograph, but they were also so fun to be around!How did the two meet?

“We met in college, at a tequila-infused Taco Tuesday party. After six or so months of friendly weekend hangouts and one-on-one games at the UofO rec center, we started dating. To this day, we still only really have serious conversations when we’re on the basketball court or out hiking in nature. I think that stems from how our relationship began up in Oregon!”The two gracefully and easily flowed from romantic movements, to fun embraces, to silly gestures during their Goleta Butterfly Grove engagement photos.“Robby’s family ring is so special to us. His grandpa bought it back in the ’40’s, and it was his mom’s ring when his dad proposed to her on Angel Island in San Francisco. I am so touched and honored that his family accepts me as I am, and wants me to wear this ring – this symbol of Allen family unity that represents all that the family has been through, and the future ahead.”A few words from Robby about Nicole…

“From the moment I saw her walking around campus at the University of Oregon, to the games of one-on-one we would play at the rec center, to the peak of Mt. Elden where we got engaged in Arizona six years later, it’s always been about the adventure with Nicole. Everyday is more exciting than the last and I feel tremendously lucky to have found someone I’m so compatible with, and who motivates me to give everything I have to living life. The adventure continues in this next chapter of life, together, as a family, building for the journey ahead.”We were able to capture a variety of backdrops at Robby and Nicole’s Goleta Butterfly Grove engagement photos.

How did Robby propose?

“On our six-year anniversary at the top of Mount Elden in Flagstaff, Robby told me to close my eyes. There was snow at the top of the summit, so naturally, I thought a snowball fight was about to ensue. Instead, when I opened my eyes I didn’t see a white ball of ice sailing through the air – I saw Robby, down on one knee, holding his family ring, asking me to marry him. It was the most unexpected, perfect, thoughtful act he could commit at that moment – so much so that the first words out of my mouth were, ‘Are you sure?!’ I had no clue it was coming. Six (now seven) years earlier, I had no clue this love was coming, either – every day with Robby is the best surprise, and I feel so lucky to have a true partner for the rest of my life.”A few words from Nicole about Robby…

“He’s the only one I want, plain and simple. Robby makes me laugh every day. He makes me feel safe every night. He pushes me to explore my limits – to live outside of my comfort zone. I remember in our first year of dating, speed hiking to the top of Spencer’s Butte in Oregon. At the top, he held me as we breathed in unison, watching the air vibrate and snowflakes fall. That’s how our love makes me feel – calm, exhilarated, fulfilled, all at once. He is my heart, and I just can’t wait to marry this man.”

And I can’t wait to be there to photograph the two tying the knot!