Summer Engagement At Spanish Oaks Ranch

couple holding hands and looking at each other

Spanish Oaks Ranch Engagement

Jason and Kirisa are getting married! To celebrate, we headed out to Spanish Oaks Ranch for some engagement photos. Their wedding will also be held at this venue, so it was a great choice for getting some pre-wedding photos. They fit right in at the ranch!

Loving the Barn!

We parked right outside the main barn, so we started there for photos. I quickly learned that Jason was all about the pictures, but Kirisa was a little more hesitant to have her picture taken. Time to take it up a notch! Since Kirisa was a bit like me and being in front of the camera is not her favorite, I decided to take a much more relaxed approach with their photos.

I normally have couples play games to get some real smiles, but with this couple, I needed to make sure we did that a lot. I’m so glad we did! Kirisa has a beautiful smile and I loved seeing them have so much fun with each other. As we explored Spanish Oaks Ranch together, I really got to see her wonderful personality shine. She and Jason are a great couple and I’m so excited for their wedding!

  • couple walking toward the camera holding hands in front of the barn doors at Spanish Oaks Ranch
  • couple almost kissing during an engagement photo
  • man hugging a woman from behind while she smiles at the camera
  • couple spinning around in an embrace in the grassy area at Spanish Oaks Ranch
  • Couple looking at each other in front of wood barn doors
  • man kissing a woman on the cheek while she smiles at the camera
  • woman laughing while her boyfriend hugs her from behind
  • couple nuzzles into each other during an engagement photo session
  • woman looks at her fiance while he kisses her neck
  • couple kissing

Exploring Spanish Oaks Ranch

After we broke the ice at the barn, we headed down to the pond for a change of scenery. By now, they were much more comfortable with me and they were starting to see that this engagement photo session was actually fun! That’s my goal! If my couples have fun, they don’t have to feel like it’s picture day.

  • couple bumping hips at the pond at Spanish Oaks ranch
  • guy giving his fiance a piggy back ride under some pine trees
  • couple playing and laughing during an engagement session
  • woman kissing her fiance on the cheek while he smiles back at her
  • couple holding hands and looking at each other
  • couple holding hands kissing

Wardrobe Changes

I always recommend having at least two different outfits for engagement photos. One outfit should be pants or something super casual. This way, we can get piggy back rides and the less formal phots. The second outfit should be a bit more formal. I like to suggest a long, flowy dress for the girls and a solid color coordinating shirt for the guys. These outfits are perfect for the more romantic photos.

  • couple dancing together in front of the barn at Spanish Oaks Ranch
  • Couple walking along a wall holding hands
  • couple kissing at the fountain in front of the barn at Spanish Oaks Ranch
  • couple walking together under pine trees
  • couple kissing by a fountain
  • couple looking at each other in front of a fountain at Spanish Oaks Ranch

Ranch Photos

We wrapped up the engagement session in one of the fields by the barn. Jason and Kirisa had one request…at least one photo with a cow in it. Well, I’m happy to report that we were able to get a photo with a cow. The cow nearest us cooperated just long enough for a photo or two, then casually walked away, wanting nothing to do with our photo shoot.

The fields at Spanish Oaks Ranch are amazing. Not only to they offer the rolling hills that are so typical of the Central Coast, but they have gorgeous oak trees scattered throughout them. These are among my favorite photo from this engagement session. I just love a wide, open field!

  • couple embracing in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple looking at each other in front of an oak tree in an open field
  • couple embracing in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple sitting on the ground and kissing in front of an oak tree in a field
  • couple sitting on the ground and cuddling in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple sitting on the ground and cuddling in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple standing together with the girl looking at the camera and the guy looking at her
  • couple sitting on the ground and cuddling in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple sitting on the ground and cuddling in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple sitting on the ground and cuddling in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple sitting on the ground and cuddling in a field in front of an oak tree
  • couple separating their hands

Final Thoughts

Spanish Oaks Ranch was a wonderful venue for this engagement session and I can hardly wait for Jason and Kirisa’s wedding there. Every time I photograph at the ranch, I love it more. If you’re looking for a spot for your own engagement photos, I highly recommend Spanish Oaks Ranch.

Schedule a Call
couple spinning around in an embrace in the grassy area at Spanish Oaks Ranch

Looking for a wedding venue?

I have completely fallen in love with Spanish Oaks Ranch. Check out their website for more information about having your wedding there.

couple looking at each other while standing on the rocks at the beach in Pismo Beach

When to take engagement photos.

Learn all about when you should take engagement photos and what to do with them.

groom dipping the bride in an open walkway at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

Wedding photography timeline.

Get a free sample photography timeline here.

Bride and groom walking along the grass with palm trees behind them at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

First look ideas.

Looking for some ideas for your first look? These are some creative ideas for everyone, even if you don’t want to look.