Breathtaking Pre-Wedding Photos in California


GOLDEN LIGHT, ENDLESS VIEWS, AND A DRAMATIC SETTING.

THIS CALIFORNIA PRE-WEDDING SHOOT IS PURE MAGIC


Two silhouetted figures stand on ancient stone ruins overlooking a misty mountain of California landscape at sunset.

Santa Barbara holds a special place in my heart, ranking at the top of the list of destinations where I've experienced some of the most unforgettable moments of my life. It was here that I shot my first destination wedding abroad, and it was here I returned with my family to soak in the beauty of sunset after sunset.


At one point, I never imagined I'd return - after all, there are so many breathtaking places to explore in the world - but Alice & Ronald made it possible. Their story brought me back, and I couldn’t resist capturing not just their wedding, but also their pre-wedding photos.


While I had already had the privilege of photographing them on the rolling hills of Tuscany, California's allure was undeniable. And the location they chose? Absolutely captivating.


Knapp’s Castle is a hidden gem, loved by both locals and travelers alike. It brings to mind the ancient ruins I've have in Italy - though not quite as old—yet just as rich in history and beauty. The castle itself may be weathered, but its stunning views over Lake Cachuma and the Santa Ynez Valley, framed by the arching stone walls, make it a must-see. The vista of Santa Barbara is nothing short of magical, especially during the golden hours of dawn or dusk.


It's a photographer's paradise, ideal for Instagram-worthy moments, engagement sessions, and romantic portraits. I encouraged Alice & Ronald to embrace the enchanting sunset, and the results were nothing less than spectacular.


The warm, golden light bathed the surrounding California mountains, creating an ethereal glow. The couple wandered through the ruins, stealing kisses amidst the serene silence, only interrupted by the distant call of birds. Both stunningly beautiful, Alice & Ronald made my job a joy. Their previous experience in front of the camera only enhanced the connection we shared, making this pre-wedding session one of my favorites.


So, without further ado, I invite you to enjoy this magical pre-wedding session in Santa Barbara, where every moment was infused with love and breathtaking beauty.

Scenic mountain vista showing hazy rolling hills and distant valleys under a soft pastel sky at sunset.
Silhouettes of hikers on a scenic mountain trail at sunset with sunlight streaming through tall trees.
Romantic couple stands together on mountain overlook during golden sunset in formal attire.
Portrait in soft light showing elegant crystal drop earrings and bare shoulders in warm sunset tones.
Two people stand together on a scenic overlook at sunset with tall eucalyptus trees casting dramatic shadows.
Someone wearing a classic black tuxedo with bow tie poses outdoors at sunset with trees in the background.
Golden sunlight illuminates a majestic tree perched on a hilltop path overlooking misty mountains at sunset.
A person in a flowing pink dress stands on a mountain overlook during golden hour with misty valleys below.
Romantic couple in formal wear embraces intimately during sunset photoshoot with elegant jewelry and styling.
A couple stands silhouetted against sunlit eucalyptus trees on a misty mountainside during golden hour.
Two silhouettes stand atop ancient stone arches at sunset with mountains in the background creating a romantic scene.
Couple shares an intimate moment against misty mountain landscape at sunset, dressed in formal attire.
A stunning sunset casts orange and pink hues over silhouetted mountain ranges and forested hillsides.
A couple embraces on a scenic mountain overlook at golden hour with dramatic landscape views behind them.
Two silhouettes hold hands while standing on stone ruins overlooking a misty mountain landscape at sunset.

Our best engagement shoots

A dark brown horizontal wooden text logo spells out PACIBEN against a black background.
Black and white portrait of a bald individual wearing glasses and a mandarin collar shirt, smiling warmly at the camera.

Crafting Legacies, Not Just images

Extraordinary weddings deserve extraordinary vision.


At Facibeni, we don’t just capture moments - we create timeless legacy.


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Discover our story and what sets us apart.

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Your love story deserves to be told with unparalleled elegance. Explore our portfolio and discover how we capture extraordinary moments in the most breathtaking locations across Italy

Elegant white wedding dress with corset bodice, puffy sleeves and romantic landscape backdrop in studio setting.
A dark monogram design featuring the letter F in a shield-like frame with decorative floral elements and a fleur-de-lis ornament.
Elegant wedding aisle in ancient stone abbey ruins with ornate arches and white floral arrangements lining the path.

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