MacKenzie Rana Photography

Getting the job after nursing school was the last thing on Nautika’s checklist before she felt ready to get engaged.
So naturally... life(Andy) decided to do both at the same time. 💍✨

Fresh off accepting her new nursing position, Nautika thought she was headed to a casual weekday wine tasting and luncheon at Sunstone Winery. Instead, she walked into a beautifully styled courtyard filled with florals, music, and one very nervous boyfriend ready to ask the biggest question of his life.

The best part? She had absolutely no idea.

Andy intentionally planned a weekday proposal to keep things quiet, intimate, and focused on what mattered most: the two of them. No crowds. No audience. Just a moment they could fully soak in together.

Watching the realization slowly hit her that this wasn’t just the luncheon she thought she was attending… was a favorite part!

Their full proposal is on the blog!

The best proposals always feel a little like them!

For Zachary and Rhiannon, that meant ocean views, quiet trails, and a sunset at Montaña de Oro.

They met at the gym after months of noticing each other — until one day Rhiannon jokingly called him out for always wearing a hat and “catfishing” everyone by hiding his hair. 😂

Six years later, they stood above Spooner’s Cove on the Bluff Trail while Zachary asked one of the biggest questions of their lives.

Afterward, we wandered the cliffs and trails together while the sun dropped over the coastline.

Playful. Relaxed. Intentional.

Exactly how a proposal should feel. 🤍

If you’re thinking about proposing on the Central Coast, Montaña de Oro continues to be one of my favorite places for intimate proposals and engagement photos. I support you through the entire process! Their proposal is now on the blog!

Some places just feel like they were always meant to hold a moment like this.

Montaña de Oro wasn’t just a beautiful backdrop for Matt & Allison — it was part of their story. A place they found by accident, explored together, and eventually came back to for something even more meaningful.

A quiet trail.
A tucked-away dune.
A sunset that showed up exactly when it needed to.

These are the moments you can’t recreate — only remember.

More from their Montana de Oro proposal is up on the blog. 🤍

I’m not here to take over your day.
I’m here to notice it—
the glances, the pauses, the people who matter most.
That’s where the story lives.

Venue/ Catering/ Bartending -
Photography -
Videography -
Florist -
HMU - .artistry
Brides Dress and accessories - 
Bridesmaids Dresses -
Grooms Attire - F
Officiant - Zak Shellabarger
DJ -
Stationary or Invitations -
Cake/Desserts -

2025 was full of stories I’ll never forget.

From proposals whispered in quiet corners, to wedding days surrounded by the people who raised you — this year reminded me why I do this work in the first place.

I’m deeply grateful to every couple, family, planner, nonprofit, and friend who trusted me to document moments that can’t be recreated. The numbers matter, but the people matter more.

I’m stepping into 2026 with intention — prioritizing faith, family, creativity, and growth that feels aligned. I know exactly why I am where I am and the trials that shaped me to stand here.

More presence. More heart. More risk in the work that lights me up.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for your trust.
Here’s to what’s ahead. 💛

Some wedding days stand out not because of the skyline or the venue (and London House is breathtaking), but because of the people.

Tom and Alyssa have a way of making everyone around them feel something — joy, warmth, connection. I flew from California to Chicago to document their wedding day, but truly, it felt like witnessing a family story unfolding.

Their first look at the top of London House… their wedding party cheering for them on the Riverwalk… their ceremony at St. Joseph’s Parish… and the way they lit up when they walked into their reception for the first time.

Every moment centered around the relationships that built their life together. And the dance floor? Saxophone and all — it was a celebration no one wanted to end.

Their proposal, engagement and wedding are all on my blog now! Link in bio!

Vendors: 
Planner:
Hotel/Venue:
Ceremony: St. Joseph’s Parish 
Photographer:
Video:
Floral/ Decor:
DJ:
Cake:
Transportations: Absolute Dream Trolley 
Hair/ Makeup: Bianca Sansoti 
Photobooth: Shutter Booth