Spring Romance among Wildflowers: Nichole & Johnny's Santa Cruz Engagement

Springtime in Santa Cruz brings its own magic, especially at the Twin Gates Loop Trail, in Santa Cruz. For Nichole & Johnny's engagement shoot, this idyllic setting offered a canvas of wildflowers set against a vast, grassy field, framed by a charming forest backdrop. Despite the mid-morning light, we found ourselves surrounded by the soft beauty of nature, enhanced by the day’s gorgeous clouds. It's a reminder that while sunrise and sunset offer golden hues, the right technique can turn any time of day into a perfect photo opportunity.

Nichole's choice of dress was a delightful highlight, perfectly complementing the yellow wildflowers around us. This is a testament to how planning your outfits for an engagement shoot can significantly enhance the photos. (Check out my blog post on picking the right engagement outfit for more tips!) Whether you're amidst green fields or sandy beaches, coordinating your attire with the location adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness and harmony to your engagement photos.

What truly set this shoot apart was the couple’s adventurous spirit. Nichole & Johnny were more than willing to wander into the fields, embracing the natural setting for those epic, once-in-a-lifetime shots. This spot, just a short drive from UCSC, is an excellent alternative for those seeking a unique engagement session beyond the typical beach or forest backdrop. The warm day and the couple’s joyful energy made every photo radiate with love and happiness.

As we said goodbye to the beautiful scenery at Twin Gates Loop, I couldn’t wait to share the next part of Nichole & Johnny's journey with you. From a field full of wildflowers to the serene beach at sunset, their story only gets better. Be sure to check out their stunning sunset shoot at Natural Bridges, where the ocean waves and golden light create pure magic. Click here to see the next part of this amazing engagement session.