Michael and Brendan came to Santa Barbara earlier this year for their intimate wedding. They eloped in the most quintessential Santa Barbara way, making the most of the incredible landscapes that Santa Barbara offers. Starting their day, they exchanged vows at the Santa Barbara Courthouse with its beautiful Spanish Mission style architecture and picturesque sunken gardens. After they went back to San Ysidro Ranch – one of our favorite venues in Santa Barbara – where they were staying, to cut cake and make toasts! We were especially happy to be able to explore the amazing grounds and spend some time capturing portraits of the two of them in the olive groves and gardens. At sunset, we headed to the iconic Butterfly Beach for a walk on the beach and portraits at sunset. 

Michael and Brendan were very inspiring to photograph. They have been together for 14 years, and their deep love and care for each other really shines through in this gallery. Meeting all different kinds of people and especially couples at different stages in their relationship is always quite interesting. Couples who have been together a long time and who know each other really well bring a special quality of ease and appreciation that is beautiful to capture in portraits. Michael and Brendan in particular, have a great sense of humor, so we had a lot of fun celebrating with them!

Cake: Lilac Patisserie, Florals: Kaleidoscope Flowers, Film Scans: Goodman Film Lab