Santa Barbara held a dear place in Alicia and Andrew’s hearts so they knew it had to be the backdrop of their engagement session. They headed to the La Purísima Mission State Historic Park for some historic charm, not to mention the mission’s striking pink walls, and I Heart My Groom captured their love behind the camera. Head to the gallery for even more and consider your Saturday off to a perfect start.

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From the couple… Andrew and I first met at a beach famously known by the locals, as “Hammonds Beach” in Montecito, CA. We arrived separately, but with mutual friends. After being introduced, we instantly hit it off and spent most of the afternoon talking and laughing. As the sun was setting, we walked back to our cars along the train tracks, where Andrew got up the nerve to ask for my phone number before parting ways. A few weeks went by before fate took over and we happened to be in the same local pub on Andrew’s most beloved and celebrated holiday, St. Patricks Day! Fast forward and we haven’t been apart for almost 5 years! Andrew and I are both part Irish and we felt it only fitting to add a very special Irish Blessing known as, “May the Road Rise up to Meet You” as the closing in our wedding day vows. Andrew, who has lived in Santa Barbara since a young child and I having lived here since attending college at UC Santa Barbara, both consider this amazing and stunning town our forever home! We hope to raise a family here someday soon.

Andrew and I both share some of our fondest memories in Santa Barbara, so it was only fitting that we had our engagement shoot in locations that meant something to us, but also were unique and stood out from other sites. After some thought, two places were decided as the perfect backdrop for our engagement shoot, The La Purisima Mission and Knapps Castle. La Purisima Mission borders the Santa Maria River and the Gaviota coast line covered in old adobe pink walls with a true Spanish flair that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It was actually where I did my 4th grade California mission project, never dreaming that at 10 years old, I would be shooting my engagement photos and getting married a few miles away. Andrew also spent time there, riding horses around the mission property as a child with his aunt. It was a meaningful spot that is rich in history and we had a fun day, enjoying a packed picnic lunch and capturing some amazing light!

Knapps Castle was the second location in Santa Barbara and was built in the 1940’s before burning down in a forest fire. What remains today are these incredible brick bones of a house once lived, that really showcase the dramatic arches and left over pieces of what was once a fire place with some incredible and dramatic views. The Santa Barbara valley in the background and gorgeous sunsets, really takes your breath away at times. We often take our dogs to walk around the mansion’s ruins. There is a rope swing in a near by tree and a great place to bring a blanket and relax together. We especially enjoyed the thrill, as we ventured out to the far corners of the tallest parts of the mansion to get that perfect sunset shot! It was really exciting to be that high above the ground, hand-in-hand!

Our Save the Date video was sent out to our guests and used on our wedding website which included amazing calligraphy design by one of my bridesmaids which showcased our date and names for all our guests to watch over and over again! We loved every minute of our photo shoot and we hope you do too.

Andrew and Alicia were married at Apple Creek Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley on June 24th, 2017 choosing all local vendors who we had a personal connection with. We celebrated into the night surrounded by good friends, loving family, amazing food, incredible live music, and local wines! #happilyevergerbac

Photography: I Heart My GroomCinematography: I Heart My GroomDress: Show Me Your MumuEngagement Ring: Hani Jewerly Makeup: Leah WashutaCalligraphy + Design: Little Road Design & CalligraphyFlower Crown: BHLDNHat : Hats By OliviaLa Purisima Mission: Purisimia MissionMansion: Knapps Castle

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Post tags: Engagement + Proposals
Post categories: Engagement Session, The Blog