Romantic Engagement Photos Among Castle Ruins: Rachel + Nicholas

Castle Engagement

Today’s engagement shoot sent over from photographer Katie Shuler is sure to inspire couples looking for an adventurous twist on a classic feel for their engagement photos. The Knapp castle ruins in Santa Barbara are a well-kept secret in the mountains of Santa Barbara (well, were a well-kept secret!) and serve as the stunning backdrop for these photos.

Let’s here a bit about the engagement shoot from Rachel….

Our engagement shoot was much anticipated for us. Both of us were completely overjoyed to work with Katie Shuler. We knew there was something absolutely wonderful ahead with her behind the lens. We envisioned something unique with a hint of a garden feel. Katie suggested Knapp’s Castle and it was a no-brainer. The combination of the ruined architecture with the gardens along the outskirts made for the perfect location for us.

Castle Engagement

H&M dress

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

Nick & I both enjoy a good reason to dress up. I opted for a blush long sleeve floral lace dress from H&M. I picked it up on a whim, and realized it would make for the perfect engagement shoot dress. I wanted to choose something that reflected my personal style, and a piece that was feminine and soft. Nick wore a John Smedley sweater over a white Theory button up. Blue fitted slacks and brown wing-tips were the perfect compliment.

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

Picture perfect, right?!

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

H&M Dress

H&M Dress

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

Castle Engagement

And since we all love a proposal story, let’s hear their story as told by Rachel :)

Nick proposed on a sunny August day at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. Nick had planned a surprise day, all under the guise of my birthday. The only hint I had was the nude lace Diane Von Furstenberg dress he gifted me the week before. After Tiffin Tea, we began to explore the gardens and take in the summer air. Before long, he reached for my hand and pulled out a stationary set I had given him on our first anniversary. It was stationary from Florence, and I gave it to him on our anniversary asking he return it to me one day, making it all the more meaningful with his words. I never imagined it would be the words of his proposal. The moment washed over me & like a dream, he lowered to bended knee. In all my life, I’ve never met such a romantic.

Congrats you two! We can’t wait for your wedding. :)

photography: Katie Shuler Photography // venue: Knapp’s Castle in Santa Barbara, California

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