There’s nothing lovelier than a gorgeous engagement session, but even better is hearing the back story of our sweet couples. Amanda and Brad were photographed by Danielle Capito and we could not love the images (or their story) any more! We know you’ll love!
Here is what the bride-to-be, Amanda, told us about the two of them:
My fiancé Brad and I met about 6 years ago in a bowling alley in Santa Barbara. I was in Santa Barbara for an architectural drafting and art class and he was there for an internship as an engineer. Ironically we both hate bowling but were there because our friends brought us there. We were in lanes next to each other and every time we would bowl we’d be up at the same time. We’re both a bit competitive so we tried to out bowl each other every time we went up. I ended up winning by the way. After our “bowl off” we ended up talking to each other and realized we were going to the same concert a few days later. He got my number and we hung out every day up until the concert. Brad was such a sweet, and fun southern gentleman and had a southern accent to go along with it. He was adorable and we just felt so drawn to him from the moment I glanced over and saw him. He also felt a very strong connection and he knew I was exactly his type. It was sort of bitter sweet to meet this awesome guy but know we both had to leave Santa Barbara within the next few days. I had to pack up the day after the concert and head back for my cross country practices at the University of Nevada and he had to go back to school in Louisiana. We didn’t see each other for a year but kept in touch over the phone and became really good friends. A year later Brad moved to Santa Barbara after accepting a job offer from the company he was interning with and we started dating shortly after while I was still in school at Nevada. A year later I decided to transfer to UC Santa Barbara for school, running, and Brad. Fast forward a few years and we live together, have an awesome dog, and a wonderful life by the sea.
When we set up our engagement session with Danielle I knew exactly what I was going to wear. My mom kept several of her clothes from when she was in high school and gave them to me. I was in heaven! She has some AWESOME pieces from the 70’s. But one of my favorites was a skirt and top from Pier 1(back from when they use to sell clothing). I wear it quite often because it is just so light, flowy, and very me. I considered wearing it for our wedding with a floral crown but thought it was a bit too casual. But I knew it’d be perfect for our engagement session.
Brad also has quite a few clothes from his dad from when he was Brad’s age. When Brad was in college he had very long, curly hair, wore lots of vintage clothes from thrift stores and clothes from his dad. His style has changed quite a bit since then but he still has some of his dad and grandfather’s pieces which are my favorite. When I went back home with Brad for Thanksgiving I noticed a photo of Brad’s mom and dad on their wall. Brad’s dad was wearing my absolute favorite shirt of Brad’s. It turns out it was the same shirt that Brad’s dad wore for HIS engagement photos. So it was a no brainer when we were trying to decide what Brad should wear.
We both don’t live near our family. It may seem kind of weird but it’s nice to have pieces of them wherever we go. It makes us feel like they can be a part of this whole process even though they are far away. They created us and taught us how to love so I think it’s important to incorporate them in some way. I’m so happy that we chose to wear our parent’s old clothes. It made our engagement session that much more special.
Vendors: Photography: Danielle Capito Photography // Location: Green Gate Farms // Clothing: Vintage // Hair: Shanna Spencer at Carlyle Salon and Style Bar // Hand Wreath: Victor the Florist