Santa Cruz Engagement | Shelby & Brent

May 13, 2021 Spectacular Engagements

I was stoked to discover this new spot with Shelby and Brent. They are a sweet and laid-back couple, and I can't wait for their wedding next year at Chaminade resort in Santa Cruz.

Couple in love sharing a laugh on the beach with the sun setting behind them.
Engaged couple cuddling on the beach at suset.
Engaged couples heads touching with sun setting behind them.

Shelby & Brent knew from the start that they wanted to do their engagement pictures at the Davenport Cliffs, just outside of Santa Cruz. They had spent many dates here like the other young adults cozied up to a bonfire on the beach that evening.

Shelby & Brent kissing in a grove of trees with light beaming between them as the sun is setting,
Engaged couple with light beaming through the trees in the background.
Engaged couple cuddling in a tree grove at sunset

Being a farmer's daughter, I love animals, especially dogs! It makes me so happy when couples bring their dogs along to shoots. Shelby and Brent's little dogs, Pauly & Mushu, were so excited to be in this new place with so many great smells. We got a few cute pictures with them. Thank you, Kim, Shelby's mom, for watching the doggies! 

Engaged couple sharing a kiss while holding their two small dogs.
Shelby & Brent kissing in the background with their two small dogs standing in the foreground

Shelby is a middle school teacher and has been teaching her students throughout this pandemic. I think we have all learned just how valuable teachers are in the last two years. I cannot thank her and every teacher out there enough for all their tireless work. You are amazing!


Being a world history teacher, Shelby liked to have a picture with her and Brent wearing their masks. Most couples I photographed last year have not wanted any pictures wearing masks, and I respect that. But there is this quote by Nina Simone that always stands out to me in times like these:
"You can't help it. An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times."
Engaged couple posing on the beach while wearing masks in black and white.

I had such a great time doing this engagement shoot with Shelby and Brent. I can't wait to photograph their wedding next year! Chaminade Resort is one of my favorite wedding venues here in Santa Cruz.