Kiera+Michael

Yesterday, I was prepared to drive up to the top of La Cuesta Ranch. For anyone who has ‘summited’ or trekked up to the Ridgeline in the Miossi Open Space, y’all know it offers views of the Cerros of San Luis Obispo that can’t really be seen or experienced elsewhere. It’s high, but it’s also close to the former volcanoes—an intimate look at the geology that makes San Luis Obispo special.

But alas, we didn’t drive through the gate. There was some Octoberfestivalling taking place, and we instead polka’d our way through a crowd of lederhosen-clad revelers until the accordion music faded, and the sounds of nature—the rustling wind and the babbling brooks of nearby streams—took over. What we found beyond the festival was nothing short of magical.

The golden California hills stretched out before us, dotted with grazing cattle and frolicking deer. The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the landscape, creating a backdrop that felt almost otherworldly. Kiera and Michael, amidst all this natural splendor, whispered sweet nothings to one another (and I’m fairly certain they literally whispered the words “sweet nothings”). Their shared giggles, whether for each other or to appease me, only added to the charm of the moment.

The day was filled with small adventures. My boots came back delightfully muddy, a testament to the rugged beauty of the ranch. Grasshoppers flitted about, occasionally leaping onto my pant legs as I inadvertently disrupted their habitat. Nearby, calves practiced stampeding, their playful energy a perfect mirror to the joy and excitement that Kiera and Michael brought to the session.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we were treated to one final show: the last glimpse of pink twilight fading into the horizon. The scene was a masterstroke of natural artistry—soft hues blending seamlessly with the rugged textures of the landscape. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause and breathe deeply, fully present in the beauty around you.

Kiera and Michael’s connection was palpable throughout the evening. Whether they were holding hands, sharing a quiet laugh, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, their love was evident in every glance and gesture. It’s always a privilege to witness such authentic moments, and their engagement session felt like a perfect encapsulation of their bond.

Eventually, the light faded, and it was time to head back. We loaded into our cars, our hearts full from the beauty of the day. The drive home was brief—just two and a half minutes—though traffic was a bit chaotic with the remnants of the festival still bustling. As I pulled into my driveway, boots muddy and memory card full, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience.

Engagement sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. It’s not just about the photos, though those are certainly important. It’s about capturing a slice of life—the laughter, the love, the landscapes, and the little moments that make each story unique. Kiera and Michael’s La Cuesta Ranch engagement was all that and more, a day filled with joy, beauty, and a touch of whimsy that will stay with me long after the images are edited and shared.

Another fine day in this land we live…

Congratulations to Kiera and Michael ~ on their sweet little love story, and an exciting wedding upcoming in 2025, where we’ll be right back at La Cuesta Ranch, and this time we’ll have it all to ourselves (with a couple hundred guests of course).