This Santa Barbara engagement session with Erika & David was so much fun! This couple met in grad school and then reconnected years later. They feel love and the rest is history. I was thrilled when they reached out and wanted a beach engagement session!
Ellwood Preserve in Santa Barbara
If you are looking for a great oceanside location, Ellwood Mesa is a great option! Ellwood Mesa, also known as the Ellwood Preserve or Ellwood Butterfly Preserve, is a vast open space on the south coast of Santa Barbara. Since is it more remote than most of the main beaches, we had the beach to ourselves!
Erika, David, and I walked throughout the property and came across many unique spots to stop and take photos. We walked the gorgeous eucalyptus groves, through the tails, into the tall grass, and to the bluffs. The sun was setting beautifully in the background, which made for some of my favorite shots!
Should I Book An Engagement Session?
Booking an engagement session is important before your wedding day! Not only do you get gorgeous keepsake photos you can use for your save the dates or photos on your wedding day, but it is imperative to help you get great wedding day photos!
During an engagement session, you get to know your photographer before your wedding day, and they get to know you. Let's face it on your wedding day you will spend 6-8 hours with your photographer. It's important that you both know each other well and feel comfortable. Engagement photos are also great practice for taking photos together as a couple and learning what poses are best. It helps the photo-taking experience feel more relaxed before your big day!
Erika and David are the sweetest couple! I cannot wait for their wedding this fall!
Looking for more epic Santa Barbara locations for photos? Check out these Top 6 Elopement Locations in Santa Barbara.