Ali and Ryan were one of my first couples to hire me when I moved to SLO – that only explains a small amount on why these two are special to me. Their Montana de Oro engagement was perfect and it is hard not to see that these two were made of each other. Their hearts are pure gold and there is a fire about them you don’t always see with other college sweet hearts. I knew their wedding was going to wonderful, but I had no idea how amazing that dance floor was gonna be! Goodness gracious!! What an epic way to end the night…

They wanted to do the traditional “don’t see each other till walking down the isle;” something Brian and I chose to do for our own wedding. I’m so glad they did. The instant Ryan saw Ali… tears were welling up in his eyes. All of us followed suite watching him. Even though I’ve witnessed over twenty five guys this year alone seeing their bride for the first time, I am still blown away by the emotion that leads up to that moment. It is such a beautiful sight, and truly reflects the love he has for her. Ah! I just love it so.

Another special moment of the day was because of one of Ali’s requests. She wanted to attempt to do a photo similar to her mother’s from her wedding day. As she showed me the photo, she expressed how she loves that her father still has it framed. It’s a photo that has not only become so special to her dad, but I’m sure as a lil girl it became extremely special to Ali. It was so meaningful to photograph that for her, and she looks absolutely stunning in it.

Their day was beautiful. We began with the girls at the Madonna Inn where all the girls had their hair and makeup done by Lisa, Anna + Lindsay from The Wedding Beauty Collective. Then we moved over to Spanish Oaks Ranch to finish getting ready. Ali wore a elegant Maggie Sottero dress. Melinda Lynch with Festive Designs Floral created stunning floral design. The ceremony, due to the drought, was moved from the pond and up by the majestic Oak Trees… I am not sad about this one bit. Their celebration was catered by Marston’s Bar and Grill, cake created by Lauren McKay’s Custom Cakes and Sweet Treats, and DJ’ed by Epic Entertainment.

Ali + Ryan, firstly, thanks for simply being awesome humans. And thank you so much for entrusting Brian and I to document your wedding day. We love you guys and grateful we don’t live far from each other. Here is to a marriage worth celebrating for years to come!! xoxo