Tucked into the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Aubrey and Rylan spent a golden afternoon in Horsethief Canyon celebrating their upcoming wedding with a western-inspired engagement shoot. With sweeping green hills, soft spring light, and Western details woven throughout, their session was a romantic display of their personality and vibe.
The Couple
Aubrey and Rylan got engaged in the fall of 2025, overlooking June Lake. Their love story began in 2021, all centered around the things they love most: music and the arts. The two met after Aubrey and her friends hosted a series of backyard concerts to help bring live music back after the pandemic, and Rylan happened to be performing in the very first lineup!
The Location
After a rainy stretch in California forced Aubrey and Rylan to postpone their original session date, the delay ended up being a blessing in disguise. The recent rain left the landscape blooming, covering Horsethief Canyon in the most vibrant shades of green. The rolling hills created the perfect backdrop for their western-inspired engagement shoot, adding a cinematic feel to every image.
The Style
Aubrey wore a dreamy Selkie gown inspired by one of her favorite bluegrass artists, Sierra Ferrell. The dress was full of charming, personality-filled details, including velvet bows, a lace bolero shawl, and two dramatic external bustles. To complete the outfit, she paired the gown with a classic Stetson hat and vintage Frye cowboy boots, the perfect finishing touch for her vision.
The Team
This engagement session came together beautifully thanks to photographer Madison Ellis, who styled and captured every romantic moment. The shoot also would not have been the same without Emma of Josie’s Equine Services and, of course, Josie the horse, who brought an unforgettable addition to the day.
The Wedding
Aubrey and Rylan will say “I do” this July at Dove Canyon Golf Club. Their wedding palette beautifully complements the aesthetic of their western-inspired engagement shoot, with guests invited to wear chocolate brown, shades of green, and sky blue, a nod to the earthy, romantic tones that made this engagement session so memorable.
For an even closer look at the beginning of their love story, be sure to check out their engagement story, A Mountain Proposal With Western Charm Overlooking June Lake.
