The giddiness and joy these two have for life and each other has quickly become one of my most favorite things. To be so close and able to watch their wedding day unfold at the beautiful Higuera Ranch was a huge honor. The love from their friends and family that surrounds them alone speaks so highly of who they are individually and as a couple. Everything about the day was so genuine, so sincere, and so joyful – I could relive the day over and over and over again and wouldn’t change a single thing.

Katie was all done up by the ever so lovely Sammy William and her team and wore a stunning Willowby Bali dress and Anthropologie jewelry. Matt wore a classy midnight blue Neiman Marcus suite. One of my favorite moments of a wedding day, beyond the vows and first dances… (and the food)… is the first look. Matt waited outside of the house the girls were getting ready. As family and the girls remained inside, and I’m sure were watching from the windows, Katie walked around the corner to see Matt standing with his back turned. A swell of emotion surfaced. She let out a sweet and quiet “oh my” as she wiped away tears. The smile on her face said it all. In that split second you think about everything that has ever happened and how the two of you ended up at this place. Their story started when they were sixteen years old and to watch the as they laid eyes on each other on their wedding day made me speechless and ecstatic. The smiles these two have and the happiness and kindness they radiate is… I don’t even know the word to describe it. It’s perfect, inspiring, contagious and simply authentic. I love it. This day was perfect. These two… perfect.

Beyond the fact they were each marrying the love of their life, the number one priority in planning their wedding was the food. Awesome fact: they actually scheduled their wedding date around their caterer. No one would think that was crazy when you found out their caterer was Field To Table. They are outstanding and not only what they present to you are celebrations in your mouth within each bite, they themselves are works of art. Katie and Matt chose Higuera Ranch as their backdrop for their day and I couldn’t say more amazing things about this place either. Every turn is stunning and everything is within an easy walking distance away – there is so much beauty within one place, it’s not hard to fall in love with instantly. If you’re seeking out venues, be sure to take time to visit Higuera Ranch – I have no doubt you’ll fall in love too. They decorated their day in shades of midnight blue, eggplant, gray, lavender, and sage. Their table decor were to die for and meshed beautifully a mix of  vintage and elegance using elements from Taylor Rentals, Embellished Vintage Rentals and All About Events. Also, Michele Carroll from Planimation Events is a gem! She and her crew made the day seamless with constant genuine smiles and a beautiful job well done.

Along with the vendors they found locally, they incorporated a few “DIY” elements as well. When weddings have personal touches of elements executed by family members there is no doubt they hold an even extra special place in your heart. Matt happens to be related to some extraordinarily talented ladies. One happens to have a business in the LA area and brought her craft to SLO to make some of the most stunning flower arrangements and decor – WildFlora is beyond magical. Also, Matt’s sister, who happens to be one of the bridesmaids, made all the bridesmaids tulle skirts and the flower girls dresses. Like seriously? Blown away.

Their wedding quickly became a favorite of mine and it was not difficult to fall in love with the two of them, their sweet family and friends. Here are a few sneak peeks of their day. Katie and Matt – I send you both so much love as you continue your honeymoon getaway. Happy Marriage Life to you! xoxo

The most lovely of Vendors: Day Of Coordinator Michele Carroll of Planimation Events | Hair/Makeup Sammy Williams | Florals WildFlora | Caterer Field To Table | Ice Cream Truck Negranti | Cake Seabreeze | Wedding Dress Willowby Bali | Groom’s Suite Neiman Marcus | Groomsmen Nordstrom | Bride’s Ring Sarah Leonard | Groom’s Ring Gusterman’s Silversmith | DJ Cultivate Entertainment | Video Estrella Films | Rentals: Embellish Vintage Rentals, Taylor Rentals, All About Events | Photography Austyn Elizabeth Photography