This gorgeous engagement session had us thinking it’s summer already! Dreamy golden light, the beautiful colors of the classic Santa Barbara Historical Mission, a private beach, and this incredibly gorgeous couple made for a perfect shoot!

Kris and Sammie currently live in San Francisco and came into town for their engagement session. They have both lived in Santa Barbara previously, but didn’t meet here, they actually met in the bay. The first time Sammie met Kris was at a friend’s event, and it was on a cold San Francisco night and they huddled together by the fire as they talked the night away. But little did she know, they had already crossed paths years prior at another event, and Kris had his eyes set on her ever since. After just a few minutes with them you can see their trust, respect, and deep passion for each other, and they are absolutely hilarious too! We laughed so much during drinks beforehand and our faces were sore from smiling during the shoot! Such a good way to spend the afternoon!

They choose to do the engagement session in Santa Barbara because they both lived important parts of their lives here, and they’re getting married there next year! Kris went to college in Santa Barbara, and Sammie grew up in Santa Barbara. And Jess knew Sammie growing up because they went to so many birthday parties together! Sammie danced with one of Jess’ close friends Hanna (who had a gorgeous estate wedding in Santa Ynez) and when Sammie reached out to us to tell us she was engaged we were thrilled! She is still a fantastic dancer, and we had so much fun photographing them play together in the golden light by running, dancing, and dipping.

We started the session at the beautiful SB Mission, and then we went to her family’s private beach house and as soon we walked down the path we saw dolphins jumping just past the waves! It just doesn’t get much dreamier than that folks! We had such a wonderful time with them and we are so excited for their wedding next year!