Light, love and weather came together perfectly for this Santa Barbara engagement photography photoshoot. John and Jenna came ready to show off their affection and love for the camera, I came ready to get extra creative, and together we captured some really lovely photographs. 
How did the two meet? From Jenna…
“We worked together and with a helpful “nudge” from a few of our coworkers we finally hung out. Our first date was to Six Flags and it was about 4 hours in before John even knew it was a date. I sure didn’t think being 10 years younger that I would have to put the moves on HIM! Haha ;)”
From Jenna, “John is from New York and a big Yankee fan! I liked being able to incorporate his NY roots while on the beach in California. Also, I just think he looks adorable in a baseball cap.”While I offer cues to help my couples relax and look natural in front of the camera no matter their comfort level, it’s always a welcomed touch when couples feel comfortable with each other (and me!) to be spontaneous with one another. John really nailed it not only with this twirl, but also with silly faces (and a few unexpected behaviors, ha!) that made Jenna burst out laughing, creating that magic between the two. As we were walking to the beach during this Santa Barbara Engagement Photography session, I saw an opportunity to get creative and play with the light. Finding new spots, new poses, and new ways of seeing things ensures that every couple has images that are unique to them. Engagement photography is about so much more than just capturing two people in love–it’s a great time to get creative, slow down, enjoy the moment, and be able to capture photographs distinctive to the couple, based on their personalities, love story and engagement session location. I spent a few minutes setting up these shots, creating the dust and light effects, and capturing the moment. I swear I could have left J&J there, and they would have been perfectly content snuggling together, basking in the sunlight, without a care in the world. Saying they ‘fit’ together is quite the understatement. “Our spot had the perfect combination of greenery and beach scenery. We love the beautiful path through the trees and flowers that leads out to the beach. Absolutely gorgeous at sunset!”
I couldn’t agree more!How did John propose?
“We were supposed to go to Europe during the summer to visit my family in England, stay a couple of days in Paris, and take the train down to Italy to go to Venice, Rome, and Sicily. Unfortunately COVID-19 had other plans! Little did I know that John was actually planning on proposing in London on September 1. I’m a big Harry Potter Fan, and September 1 is the day that the Hogwarts Express leaves for Hogwarts each year. I was completely unaware that John had to completely reimagine his proposal – all while being quarantined together in a 1 bedroom apartment! After a shelter-in-place summer of spending almost every minute together, September 1 rolled around and I was blown away by the most thoughtful, elaborate proposal I could have ever dreamed of. John recreated our Europe trip right here in the Santa Barbara area, complete with even a train ride from Carpinteria to SB (London to Paris), and a boat ride around the harbor (Venice, of course!). Our European tour ended at Franceschi Park (Rome) at Sunset. There waiting for me was my Hogwarts letter that I’ve wished for as long as I can remember. This Hogwarts letter was a love letter from John asking me to marry him. When I finished reading it, he was down on one knee. After I said yes my whole family jumped out to surprise me. To have my parents, sister, and grandmas there to celebrate that moment with us is something I’ll always cherish. It was truly the best day of my life and as I’m writing about it now I have a giant smile on my face!”Hearing Jenna & John’s engagement story really didn’t surprise me–From the time we’ve spent Facetiming and during our engagement session, it’s quite obvious John will do *anything* to make Jenna happy. What are the two most looking forward to on their wedding day?
“Since our families live 3,000 miles apart from each other, we’re so excited for them to meet and share this day with all of our loved ones in one place.”Here’s to making the most of every moment and living in the present!
