For the stories told from behind the lens.

When it comes to planning your wedding day, suddenly there are a lot decisions to make and some couples are switching up tradition and more are opting to have a first look with their fiancé before the ceremony. What is a First Look? In recent years, having a first look has been a popular choice for couples to have a moment before the ceremony. Aside from it being a great photo opportunity, it creates a low pressure moment to see each other and often exchange personal vows bef

Some proposals feel cinematic from the very beginning — and Drew and Katya’s Sunstone Winery proposal was one of those moments where every detail, emotion, and intention came together seamlessly. Drew planned his proposal for a quiet January weekend in Santa Ynez, booking Sunstone’s private cave proposal package , which included rose petals arranged in the shape of a heart, a private wine tasting, and a curated cheeseboard. Sunstone’s team thoughtfully guided Katya through a

By Orcutt Family Photographer A Relaxed Pismo Beach Senior Photo Session for a 2026 Graduate Claire is a 2026 graduate from Orcutt and Righetti High School , and she reached out this fall to plan her Senior Photos . From the start, she had a clear vision for what she wanted—natural surroundings, variety, and a location that felt true to her style. She chose Pismo Beach behind Monarch Grove , a favorite spot for High School Senior Portraits  thanks to its mix of trees, greener

Senior Photo Session That Celebrates Passion and Personality We’ve known Bradley’s family for years, so when it came time to take his Senior Photos , I honestly couldn’t believe he was already a high school senior. Photographing milestones like this for families you’ve known for so long makes the experience even more meaningful. Bradley is a senior at Righetti High School, and it was important to him that his High School Senior Portraits  truly reflected who he is. From the v

Some wedding days stand out not because of elaborate details or a packed timeline, but because of how deeply cared for everyone feels. Nathan and Maria’s Los Alamos wedding was exactly that kind of day — one centered on presence, family, and the quiet ways people show up for one another. When I first met Nathan and Maria, something Nathan said stayed with me. All he wanted was for Maria to be cared for. That simple intention carried through every part of their wedding day in

A Comfortable and Connected Family Photo Session It’s always easier when you know the family so well—but even then, you wouldn’t believe the variety we captured in such a short amount of time. This Orcutt Family Photo Session  with the Pybas family was especially meaningful because they aren’t just clients; they’re neighbors and close friends. These are the kids whose cups with their names on them live at my house, whose bikes sometimes end up in my yard, and who know exactly

Professional Headshots That Are Easy, Natural, and Elevated When a client’s response is, “These are so wonderful! Such a great experience too. Thank you again — it’s above and beyond my expectations. Also there are tons to choose from, can’t say enough about it,”  I know we truly hit it out of the park. Professional Headshots  don’t need to feel stiff, awkward, or stressful. My goal with every session is to create an experience that feels relaxed, efficient, and genuinely enj

A Joy-Filled Pismo Beach Family Session on the Central Coast Every session is special, but capturing Alicia and her family during this Central Coast Family Session  was truly a treat. I met Alicia through my women’s Bible study, which made photographing her family even more meaningful. Getting to know someone in such a special, personal setting adds so much heart to a session like this. This was their first time ever having family photos, so of course there was a little “no p

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