Santa Ynez Engagement | Vivian + Matan

I recently headed up to the central coast with two good friends of mine to capture their Santa Ynez engagement session. I was first introduced to Vivien and Matan last year when I photographed a mutual friend’s wedding in Santa Monica. We instantly hit it off and I knew these two would be perfect to sit in for a portrait session for me. They have that unique LA fashion sense and just look really damn good in front of the camera.

We first met up and began our session at a lavender farm in Los Olivos. I knew that the season for picking lavender was nearing its end so this was the perfect time for some photos. As we walked through the fields together I captured them exchanging sweet glances with one another, holding hands, and exchanging sweet (or possibly very dirty) whispers to one another. I couldn’t tell which it was but it certainly got them laughing. Vivien and Matan are both naturals in front of the camera ad required little direction. I’m so used to my subjects never having been photographed professionally before that this was an absolute delight.

After we captured everything needed at the farm we headed up into the mountains where we would finish the rest of our session and watch the sunset. I scouted the location a few hours earlier and had a couple of spots in mind that turned out to be just perfect. Following a quick wardrobe change we played around in the tall grass and stumbled upon the most beautiful dead tree positioned on its side that made for my favorite photos of the day.

Guys, take a note from Matan- don’t be afraid to rock some jewelry! Just a couple of extra additions to your outfit can take your look to a whole other level. His accessories paired with the unbuttoned dress shirt and cuffed pants were the perfect look to compliment Vivien’s nude pants suit. With epic views all around and a picture-perfect couple in front of me, this shoot could not have been any better. Once the sun set and day turned to night we headed back down the mountain to celebrate a successful shoot over some dinner and beers. I can’t wait to work with these two again!