For the stories told from behind the lens.

Evin first reached out in the fall while planning to have her entire family together for Christmas — the kind of gathering that doesn’t happen often and deserves to be documented. They wanted their family photos taken on their own property, tucked into the rolling hills of the Central Coast, which immediately felt meaningful and personal. Like many winter sessions, we had to stay flexible with the weather. After days of rain before and after their session, we landed on the wa

All weddings feel special from the very beginning—but Jeremy and Jordan’s wedding was extra meaningful for me. I met Jeremy years ago through the wedding industry, during a season when I was questioning everything about my path as a photographer. I still remember leaving that first meeting emotional and unsure, realizing how vulnerable it felt to chase something I loved so deeply. Looking back, that moment had everything to do with growth—and Jeremy unknowingly played a small

When Nick called me just a few days before his proposal, I could hear the excitement in his voice. The ring had just  arrived, and he was planning a weekend getaway from San Diego to Santa Ynez. Like so many couples, Nick did what most people do when they’re planning something this important—he Googled “best place to propose in Santa Ynez.”  That search led him straight to my blog featuring Jake and Emily’s proposal at Sunstone Winery , and he was immediately sold on the prop

Kyle’s proposal to Izzy at Croad Vineyard in Paso Robles  was thoughtful, emotional, and beautifully planned months in advance. From the intimate winery setting to a surprise celebration with family, every detail reflected just how intentional Kyle was about this moment. Proposal Planning at Croad Vineyard in Paso Robles Kyle discovered Croad Vineyard   while researching the best place to propose in Paso Robles  and immediately fell in love with its boutique, welcoming atmosp

Aimee and Felicia originally tied the knot back in 2020, but it wasn’t the kind of celebration they had always imagined. Like so many couples during Covid, they said their vows over Zoom—beautiful and meaningful, but missing the real-life hugs, tears, and cheers from their closest people. A few years later, they decided it was finally time to gather everyone they love and celebrate their marriage properly with a heartfelt vow renewal in one of their favorite places: Santa Bar

Some wedding days stay with you long after you pack up your camera, and Reagan and Justin’s Santa Barbara wedding was one of those unforgettable celebrations. I had been looking forward to their day all season — not just because of the stunning views at their Glen Annie Golf Course Wedding, but because of who they are. Reagan is pure sunshine, full of joy and energy, and Justin absolutely adores her. His vows were some of the sweetest and most emotional I’ve heard in all my y

Some love stories begin quietly… and some begin on a dance floor. For Reagan and Justin, it all started at the end of a long night of line dancing. Justin noticed Reagan right away, but it wasn’t until the final song that he gathered the courage to ask her to dance — and from that moment on, he found his forever partner. When planning their engagement session, it was important that we captured who they truly are as a couple. So, we built the evening around the things that bro

I traveled all the way from California to Chicago to capture Tom and Alyssa’s stunning wedding day — a day that felt equal parts timeless, heartfelt, and full of Chicago magic. Their planning journey was short and sweet; Alyssa reached out just 90 days before the wedding, juggling details around Tom’s demanding school schedule. Being able to photograph their story from engagement to wedding day was such an honor. Getting Ready at the Iconic London House The entire celebration

By Photographer MacKenzie Rana Some love stories are full of surprise and magic, unfolding in the most breathtaking places. Alyssa and Tom’s Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate engagement session  was one of those unforgettable days — a celebration of love, spontaneity, and the beauty of California’s golden hills. Malibu Rocky Oaks Estates Engagement Alyssa and Tom planned their couples session during a short getaway to California while Tom was on a break from medical school. Alyssa had

Some wedding days perfectly capture the spirit of the California coast — simple, heartfelt, and effortlessly beautiful. Patrick and Emily’s Cabrillo Pavilion Wedding in Santa Barbara by Wedding Photographer was exactly that. On a warm August afternoon, they said their vows beside the ocean with a sailboat anchored on the horizon, creating a scene straight out of a Santa Barbara dream. The Wedding Day at Cabrillo Pavilion Patrick and Emily envisioned a relaxed, joyful celebrat

Rylie and Cody have the cutest girls, Indie and Coral, and this session was full of energy, laughter, and love. I first met Rylie a few years ago when she responded to one of my model calls — and now, for the third year in a row, I’ve had the joy of photographing their family. Watching them grow and return for annual fall family photos  is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Central Coast family photographer . Finding the Perfect Spot: Biddle Park We had originally pla

Emily and Kenny got married in 2024 and are now joyfully expecting their first baby — a sweet boy arriving this November. Emily booked their maternity session in Pismo Beach  at 34 weeks, perfectly timed during a family visit to the California coast. Originally California natives now living in Oklahoma, they wanted their photos to reflect home — relaxed, coastal, and full of connection. Emily’s cousin Alyssa, a dear friend and fellow photographer, introduced me to this wonder

When Steven reached out about planning his proposal to Anna, he wanted everything to be perfect. Nervous but determined, he arrived early at Croad Vineyard , one of the best places to propose in Paso , and took part in a quiet wine tasting while waiting for her arrival. Everything was carefully planned to keep the surprise a secret. To throw Anna off the trail, Steven had her make the winery reservation herself — even adjusting the time so she’d never suspect what was coming.

By San Luis Obispo Proposal Photographer — MacKenzie Rana Photography Some love stories unfold quietly, like waves rolling onto the shore — steady, intentional, and full of meaning. Lauren and Lucas’ Montana de Oro proposal  was exactly that. Set against the rugged coastline near San Luis Obispo, this moment was a reflection of their intentional love story — one built on faith, connection, and an instant knowing that they were meant for each other. From Bumble to “Forever” La

By Paso Robles Wedding Photographer — MacKenzie Rana Photography Some weddings simply radiate warmth — not just from the golden light or the champagne tones, but from the people who fill them. Allie and Jacob’s Villa San Juliette wedding was one of those days that felt like pure sunshine, joy, and heartfelt connection. Set among the rolling vineyards of Paso Robles, their celebration was as intentional as it was beautiful — a reflection of two people who pour love into everyt

Their SLO Love Story One thing’s for sure—Jacob loves Allie. The kind of love where if she wants the moon, he’ll find a way to lasso it and hand it right to her. And Allie? She’s the type of person who pours all her love into everyone else. Their Downtown SLO Engagement Session and Sunset at Shell Beach perfectly reflected that balance — genuine, romantic, and full of playful energy. We started at Hotel SLO, where they shared a quiet moment over champagne before wandering thr

When it comes to San Luis Obispo branding photography, no two brands are ever the same. Every entrepreneur has their own story, goals, and way of connecting with their audience — and that’s exactly what your photos should reflect. Whether you’re a small business owner, creative professional, or building a personal brand, your session should tell your story authentically and visually set you apart in your industry. No Two Branding Sessions Are the Same I never approach two bra

Some love stories start small — like a Hinge date over cappuccinos — and turn into something extraordinary. For Ariana and Alec, that first coffee date led to a lifelong connection. After three years of dating, they tied the knot in a vibrant and faith-filled Arroyo Grande wedding at the breathtaking Casitas Estate. Getting Ready at The Casitas Estate The morning began at the Casitas Estate, surrounded by rolling hills and the charm of Spanish-style architecture. Inside the b

It all started with a cup of cappuccino — a simple Hinge date that turned into a really long one that just never ended. From that first...

One of the Best Places to Propose Near Santa Barbara An organic proposal different than anything I’ve ever photographed — this Sunstone...