When Carrie, whose daughter goes to the same school as my son, approached me for her engagement shoot with Paul, I knew we were in for something special. They envisioned a dreamy boho-themed session, and what better place to bring this vision to life than the charming Twin Gates Loop near UCSC? As we stepped into this grassy haven bathed in golden hour light, the scene couldn't have been more perfect for those boho vibes. Santa Cruz, with its natural beauty and laid-back charm, was the ideal backdrop for their love story.

A couple walking hand in hand down a dirt path through a sun-dried meadow.
Couple poses together outdoors in golden sunlight with tall grass and trees in background.
Two distant figures walking through a golden meadow with evergreen trees in the background.
An intimate moment shared among tall grass and sunlit foliage.

Carrie's tie-dye dress was the epitome of Santa Cruz style – bohemian, relaxed, and absolutely chic. And Paul, with his guitar in hand, added a personal and musical touch to the shoot. There's something about incorporating meaningful props, like a guitar, that really personalizes an engagement session. As Paul strummed some tunes, their connection and the joyful atmosphere were palpable, creating truly authentic and heartfelt moments.

Musician with beard plays acoustic guitar decorated with stickers while sitting in sunlit meadow.
Woman in blue tie-dye dress poses joyfully in sunny meadow with golden grass.

A great tip for anyone planning their engagement session: don't forget to ask for individual photos! Looking your best during these shoots provides the perfect opportunity for stunning solo portraits – think of it as a chance to update your profile picture with style. Both Carrie and Paul embraced this idea, and the results were fantastic. It's these little details that add depth and variety to your engagement album.

Couple relaxes against tree trunk with acoustic guitar in natural outdoor setting.
Woman in tie-dye dress reclines on large tree branch in dappled sunlight.
Couple stands together under branching tree canopy in outdoor setting.
Woman wearing black hat and tie-dye dress laughs while posing in tree branches.

Our shoot wasn't just confined to the open fields; we also explored under the twisting branches of a majestic oak tree. Carrie perched comfortably on one of the large branches, adding a whimsical touch to our session. This variety of backdrops – from the sunlit field to the shaded oak – provided a rich tapestry of settings that truly showcased their personalities and love. It's shoots like this, full of laughter, love, and unique moments, that remind me why I adore engagement photography.