A Santa Barbara Coastal Engagement Session | Reagan & Justin

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 brought them together: movement, laughter, and a little adventure.

Starting with a Drink and a Dance at Timbers

We kicked off the evening exactly where their story began — with a drink in hand and a dance. It set the tone perfectly. Reagan and Justin fell right into rhythm, laughing between twirls, instantly reminding me why storytelling sessions feel so magical.

Sunset Photos on Haskell's Beach in Santa Barbara

From there, we headed to the coast for a playful beach session. Reagan, a competitive swimmer, always knew she wanted to get in the water. What she didn’t know was that Justin was planning to take the plunge with her — fully committed, fully dressed, fully in love. Their energy was contagious, and the photos reflect that joy.

And the final shot of the night? Reagan’s toes pointed straight up toward the sky as they floated in the waves — the perfect “no cold feet here” Instagram post just days before their wedding.

Tips for Incorporating Your Story Into Your Session

Your engagement session should feel like you. Here are some simple ways to make it personal:

• Start with where you met or what you love doing together - If your story began in a bar, a bookshop, a barn, or a college campus — bring that into your photos.

• Include activities that reflect who you are -  Dancing, surfing, hiking, cooking together, or even playing a favorite sport can make your session feel real and connected.

• Wear outfits that help tell the story. If you love dressing up — do it. If you're a beach-barefoot, jeans-and-T-shirt couple — embrace it.

• Don’t be afraid to get messy. Water, sand, wind, splashes — those unplanned moments often become the best memories.

• Let the evening unfold naturally. The best photos happen when you stop performing and start enjoying.

Reagan and Justin’s session is proof that when you bring your heart — and your story — into your photos, the magic follows.

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