Planning a Santa Barbara proposal or family photo session comes with so many decisions, from choosing the right location to finding vendors you can trust. Over the years, I’ve worked with some incredible local creatives who help bring these moments to life in a way that feels natural, elevated, and seamless.


Whether you’re planning a proposal, celebrating a milestone, or simply wanting to add something special to your photography session, these are a few of my go-to recommendations.

Picnic Setup Recommendations


For Santa Barbara proposals, I’m often asked about picnic styling, and there are two companies I consistently recommend.


The Picnic Place


Monica and her husband Alex create beautifully styled setups that feel elevated but still relaxed. They offer customizable designs with florals, layered textiles, champagne, and charcuterie, all thoughtfully arranged in a way that photographs beautifully.

Website linked here

Email: thepicnicplacesb@gmail.com

Phone: (805) 203-0047

Romantic beach setup with red flowers on a wooden table, white cushions on sand, at golden sunset by the ocean.
Metal bucket filled with ice, colorful beverage cans, a green bottle, and pink lily flowers on a sandy beach.
Romantic beach picnic setup with red roses in vases, white linen, wicker placemats, and elegant plates on sandy shore.
Romantic beach picnic setup with low wooden table, red roses, plates, and champagne bucket on white blanket with pillows.
Beach wedding ceremony setup with white cushions and floral arrangements on sandy shore with ocean view.
Romantic beach picnic setup with white roses, champagne glasses, and a bottle on a white blanket by the ocean.
White roses arranged in sand on a sunny beach with ocean backdrop, perfect for a romantic wedding ceremony.
White roses and pillows arranged on a blanket for a romantic beach picnic setup at sunset.
Romantic beach picnic setup with white umbrella, low table, and chalkboard sign on sandy California coastline.
Romantic beach picnic setup with white plates, wicker chargers, white flowers, and a wooden table on sandy shore.
Romantic beach table setting with white roses in glass vases, wine glasses, and a chalkboard sign on sandy shore.
Romantic outdoor picnic setup with wooden table, red roses, pink pillows, and a Will You Marry Me chalkboard sign.
Outdoor picnic table with red roses, fruit, and place settings on grass near a white mission building.
Outdoor picnic proposal setup with striped umbrella, red roses, pink pillows, and Will You Marry Me chalkboard sign.
Elegant outdoor table setting with red roses, wicker placemats, white plates, and a charcuterie board with grapes and meats.
Romantic beach dinner setup with red roses, white table, and striped umbrella at golden sunset by the ocean.
Romantic beach picnic setup with red and white roses, wooden table, green pillows, and elegant tableware on white blanket.
Romantic beach picnic setup with red and white roses, a fringed umbrella, and elegant table setting by the ocean.

FLOWERS FROM MERCY


Mercy’s work leans more floral-forward, with lush, abundant arrangements that feel especially special for proposals or milestone moments. She also offers picnic-style setups with champagne and light bites, bringing a slightly more elevated, garden-inspired feel.

Website linked here

Instagram linked here

Email: mercymcmurry@cox.net

Phone: (805) 886-9282

White roses planted in beach sand with ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
Romantic beach setup with red rose petals in heart shape on white blanket near ocean shore under striped umbrella.
Red rose petals arranged in a heart shape on sandy beach with white blanket, pillows, and a bouquet for a romantic setup.
A romantic bouquet of red and pink roses resting on a beige knit blanket with striped pillows in soft natural light.
Romantic wedding champagne setup with pink roses bouquet, ice bucket, candles, and rose petals scattered on brick floor.
Romantic outdoor patio decorated with white and pink roses, scattered flower petals, and candles for a wedding proposal.
Elegant outdoor wedding setup with a glass table holding flowers, surrounded by rose petals on a brick patio.
Romantic proposal setup with pink roses, champagne on ice, ring box, candles, and scattered petals on a round tray.
White roses and pillows arranged on a sandy beach at sunset with coastal homes in the background.
Romantic beach picnic setup with white roses, pillows, and a lantern on a woven mat surrounded by rose petals on sand.
Romantic beach picnic setup with white floral arrangements, pillows, and coastal homes in the background.
Romantic outdoor setup with white roses, linen cushions, champagne, and a silver bowl on a woven mat.
Elegant beach picnic with white roses, decorative pillows, and champagne on a woven mat at sunset.
Heart-shaped arrangement of white roses on sandy beach with ocean backdrop, perfect for romantic wedding or proposal decor.
White roses arranged in a grid pattern on a woven mat in sandy beach setting with soft cushions.

Horseback Riding & Pony Experiences


If you’re looking to incorporate something more experiential into your Santa Barbara photo session, horseback rides or ponies can add a really memorable and fun element.


Los Padres Outfitters (Tessa)


Offers guided horseback rides through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area.

Website linked here

Email: lospadresoutfitters@gmail.com

Phone: 805-755-8687

Romantic couple kissing on a sunny beach while holding hands beside two horses near golden cliffs.
Couple riding horses together on a sandy beach beside ocean waves on a sunny day.
Couple walking with two horses on a sunny beach, dressed in elegant white and casual attire.
Couple in white outfits walking two horses on a sandy beach with golden cliffs and clear blue sky.
Couple standing together with two horses on a sandy beach at sunset near rocky cliffs.
A curly-haired woman in a white sweater stands with a brown horse on a sunny beach near the ocean.
Woman in white sweater and jeans leads a saddled brown horse along a sunny sandy beach with ocean waves.
Couple walking with horses on a sunny beach near sandy cliffs, man in white suit leading brown horse.
Two riders on horseback walking along a sunny beach at golden hour with ocean waves and cliffs in background.
Two women riding brown horses on a sandy beach at sunset with golden cliffs in the background.
Two riders on horseback walking along a sandy beach at golden sunset with warm glowing light and trees in background.
Two riders on horseback pose with outstretched arms on a sandy beach at sunset, wearing helmets and casual attire.
Two women riding brown horses on a sandy beach at sunset, wearing helmets and casual clothing.
Two riders on horseback along a sunny beach shoreline at golden hour with ocean waves.
Two riders on horseback along a sandy beach at golden sunset with dramatic cliffs in the background.
Two riders on horseback walk along a sandy beach at sunset near ocean waves.
Romantic beach picnic setup with a striped blanket, bouquet, champagne bottle, and red rose petals scattered on sand.
Romantic beach picnic setup with red rose petals scattered on sand, blanket, cushions, and champagne by the ocean.
Romantic beach picnic setup with rose petals, champagne, and flowers on white blanket against sandy cliffs.
Romantic beach picnic setup with rose petals, champagne, and white blanket on sandy shore near rocky cliffs.

SB PARTY PONIES (SHANNON)


A wonderful option for families with younger children. Her ponies are well cared for and always such a sweet addition to a session or celebration.

Website linked here

Email: sbpartyponies@gmail.com

Phone: 805-335-0538

White horse adorned with pink floral crown and neck wreath standing on sandy beach near rocky cliffs.
Woman in cowboy hat and boots stands with a flower-adorned white miniature horse on a sandy beach.
A woman in a cowboy hat leads a decorated white pony with flowers on a sandy beach near the ocean.
A white miniature pony decorated with pink flowers on a leash at an outdoor event on a sunny day.

Hair & Makeup Recommendations


If you’re planning a photo session, having hair and makeup done can make a big difference, both in how you look and how you feel.


Marla (Hair & Makeup)

Website linked here

Phone: (805) 886-2826


Patricia (Hair & Makeup)

Instagram linked here

Phone: (805) 637-6334


Drybar (Hair)

Website linked here

Phone: (805) 770-1910


Additional Santa Barbara options:

Carlyle Salon

Pretty Please Beauty

Shanie Crosbie

Team Hair & Makeup

Guitarist Recommendations


For proposals and small gatherings, live music adds such a special layer to the experience.


Chris Fossek

Email: chrisfossek@gmail.com

Phone: (805) 455-1005


Chris creates a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere that blends seamlessly into the moment. A fun personal note, he actually played at my wedding over two decades ago, which makes it especially meaningful to recommend him to my clients today.

Guitarist Recommendations


For proposals and small gatherings, live music adds such a special layer to the experience.


CHRIS FOSSEK

Email: chrisfossek@gmail.com

Phone: (805) 455-1005


Chris creates a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere that blends seamlessly into the moment. A fun personal note, he actually played at my wedding over two decades ago, which makes it especially meaningful to recommend him to my clients today.

A man playing acoustic guitar at a holiday event beside a Welcome Home for the Holidays sign with poinsettias.

Planning Tips for a Seamless Experience


If you’re starting to plan your session, a few small decisions can make a big difference.


Think about your location first, whether you’re drawn to the beach, a garden setting, or the foothills. From there, you can layer in details like a styled setup, florals, or music.


The most successful sessions are the ones that feel thoughtful but not overdone, where everything works together naturally and allows you to stay present in the moment.

Bringing It All Together


Santa Barbara has such an incredible community of creatives, and it’s always a joy to bring these elements together in a way that feels natural and personal.


If you’re planning a proposal or family photo session, the right combination of location, light, and thoughtful details can completely transform the experience, not just how it looks, but how it feels in the moment.


These are the vendors I return to again and again, and I’m always happy to help guide clients toward what will feel like the best fit for them.


If you’re planning a proposal or photo session in Santa Barbara, I’m always happy to help guide you through the process, from choosing the right location to connecting you with vendors that align with your vision.


You can reach out here to begin planning your session, I’d love to help bring it all together in a way that feels easy and meaningful.

Vibrant red roses in full bloom with a serene ocean horizon and sailboat in the background on a sunny day.
Red roses and white pillar candles in glass holders arranged on a sandy beach with ocean in the background.
A romantic beach proposal setup with hundreds of red roses, white candles, and a bouquet on sand overlooking the ocean.
Heart-shaped red rose arrangement with white pillar candles on a sandy beach with ocean views.
Heart-shaped red rose arrangement with white candles on a sandy beach, romantic proposal setup with ocean view.
Romantic beach dinner setup with red roses, elegant table, and striped umbrella at golden sunset near ocean cliffs.
Romantic beach picnic setup with red and white roses, wooden table, white blanket, and green pillows on sandy shore.
Romantic beach picnic setup with red and white roses, elegant table setting, and fringed umbrella on sandy shore at sunset.
Romantic beach wedding arch with red roses lining the aisle at sunset, ocean pier visible in the background.
Romantic beach picnic setup with white roses, open book, wicker basket on sandy shore with ocean waves at sunset.
White roses blooming on green stems in a sunlit garden with sandy soil background.
Red rose petals form a heart with MARRY ME sign on a sandy beach with coastal homes and palm trees in background.
Red rose petals arranged in a heart shape on sandy beach with white blanket, pillows, and bouquet for romantic occasion.
Rose petal marriage proposal spelling MARRY on a sandy beach at sunset with white flowers and coastal homes in background.
Romantic beach setup with rose petal heart, white umbrellas, cushions, and champagne on a rug at sunset.