Shanna & Andrew : Engagement Session : Santa Cruz, California

This couple. 
This destination weekend in Santa Cruz, California. 
This destination engagement session in multiple, breathtaking locations, was truly magical. 

I was introduced to Shanna and Andrew by a very dear friend whom I've not only shot her engagement portraits and will shoot her wedding in Texas in October, but whom has referred me to some of her warm-souled friends. 
We had a skype consultation as they're in Northern California and I'm in Southern California. 
Immediately, we giggled, bonded on both being certified yoga teachers and lovers of traveling our expansive world. Before we knew it, all the goods for getting the contract signed, their destination wedding timeline created and destination engagement adventures were underway.

When planning their engagement session, I immediately fell in love with them and their organizational skills. 
Not sure which one came first.
Okay, yes, I'm kinda a nerd and a really organized nerd. 
They sent me a spreadsheet of all their favorite locations in and around Santa Cruz,
​where they were located and why the location was special to them as a union. 
With another skype call, we narrowed down to the top of the top locations and had the day planned. 

And my goodness, was the day so magical. 
We started at Cafe Gratitude in Santa Cruz as that's where they had their first date.
If you're not familiar with Cafe Gratitude, I suggest you do some resarch and even visit one of their locations as when you order, you do so with a positive affirmation, "I am creative. I am energized. I am nourished." 
It's a genius vegan/vegetarian organic positive affirmation type of environment.
 The perfect spot, I believe for a first date and the first location on the engagement session tour. 
The second, was a full of life, dynamic beach, Seabright State Beach. 
We explored the backdrops of cliffs, driftwood, played in the water and even found ourself just steps away from the Santa Cruz Broadwalk. This a nostalgic moment for myself and my childhood. 

The final, grand finale of a location was that of Nisene Marks State Park. 
A forest of a dream.
​A place every special to both Shanna and Andrew and this is where Shanna runs on a regular basis and Andew joins in the bonding experience. Just being within these dreams made for conscious, deep breaths and the air was so unbelievably fresh. 

Below, are just a few of my favorite. 
Shanna and Andrew, thank you for the unique opportunity to sharing the day with the both of you 
and capturing so many magical moments around your engaement. 
I cannot wait for you wedding in June! 
And Gabby, you are a rockstar for connecting me with such beautiful souls!