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I forgot to mention this AWESOMEST detail from Julie and Graham's wedding....they had those old school viewmaster mini slideshow toys on the table, they where each different and had photos of Julie and Graham and their cat!

Baby Teagan

Marna has become my friend over the last few years and when she told me another bambino was on the way, I was SO excited for her. Teagan was born just 6lbs 5 ozs about a week ago. She's welcomed by a big brother, Porter, who is amazing on the drums, and he's only 7! And of course two loving and wonderful parents. We where quick to get the newbie shots of her while she was still tiny, these suckers grow up fast! Here are a few of my favorites:

Julie and Graham | SLO Dallidet Adobe

I can't say enough how SWEET Julie and Graham's wedding was. It all took place at the in the heart of San Luis Obispo at the charming Dallidet Adobe, I just love that place! Julie and Graham certainly know how to put together a wonderful celebration and wedding. With details through the roof, I had a hard time narrowing down images for this post! I don't have time to put together a slideshow at the moment, so individual images are going to have to do the trick. Let me get down to the dirty details.....

Can I just start with saying, in my 9 years of shooting weddings, only TWICE, have I done a luncheon wedding. I truly believe this will be a trend for the coming years for several reasons, of which I will not go into now, but mark my words, I bet this will become a new thing. For one, you can have "lemonade" hour in between the ceremony and reception, now, if that's not darling, I don't know what is. If you'd like to know more, drop me a line and I can share!

OK so back to the details, how about this:
Julie and Graham spent months shopping at thrift shops and yard sales for assorted antique glassware, and they refused not pay more than 50 cents per piece! ALL of their barware, purchased, didn't exceed $150, for the whole wedding! That includes champagne, water AND wine glasses!!! How clever is that. PLUS, their guests could take home the glassware! Some of them even got a complete set of matching glasses!

Dallidet Adobe doesn't allow for candles, so they got a plant to water together instead of the unity candle idea....pretty cute! plus they can watch it grow over the years, like their love!

Ummmmmm, succulents as favors for guests, always one of my favorites! Plus Julie went up to Glass Beach - n of SF - and collected glass, to match their wedding colors of course, to put in the top of each plant.

I'm running out of time, but here are some more of their clever details and thoughts put into their magical day:
Custom printed paper products...
Homemade beer!
Eco-friendly bamboo flatware and dishes
Vintage family heirloom cake topper
Floral decor by the talented ladies at Adornments
Cake by Morningstar Creations

To me, all this creativity and effort makes such a statement about the type of people Julie and Graham are, I was truly blessed to be a part of such a special day in their lives. Congratulations you guys!

~allyson

Christmas in July!

Our most awesome lab, is having a sale on canvases. SO, we are passing these great deals along to you, our clients. Now until the 30th of July, all canvas prints are 20% off. So if you've had your eye on one of these fancy daddy's for a while, but have put off purchasing it, now's the time to buy! Email Allyson or phone the studio to place your order: 805-459-2704

Tanner Drew | week 1

Tanner came into this world into the most awesome family. He was just one week old when we took theses, and he's quickly approaching 2 weeks! Thanks Bekah and Bryan for this opportunity. much love and many years of blessing with your little gift from God!
a+d

Nancy + Chris | Paso Robles & A town

So I rarely post right after a wedding, but we just got back from such a wonderful and lovely day, I couldn't resist! Here are a few shots from today's wedding, Nancy and Chris. Such a beautiful and FUN couple, thanks you guys!
allyson + jill

Beautiful event by: Patrice!
Gorgeous flowers: the Flower Lady of Paso Robles
Music: San Luis Jazz Band
Slideshow Music: The Grateful Dead

Natalie + Carson + Ella :: SLO town | Central Coast

Natalie had this awesome idea to have their e-session be totally "central coast" themed based. So we made a list and hit up several common places they might like to go. Like a lot of my clients, Natalie and Carson met in San Luis Obispo, so when they got engaged, it was natural they wanted their wedding somewhere on the Central Coast, they are getting married in October at one my of favorite venues, Santa Margarita Ranch. We hit up downtown, a pub, bubble gum alley (of course), Mission Plaza, a winery, and to top off our hard work, we ended up with desert (and orange juice - you've gotta have their OJ) at the Madonna Inn.

So, we had SO much fun, I think this is something I'm going to offer for future couples. If you'd like to book your adventure photo safari, let me know... I will guaranteed good times and awesome images!

Thanks Natalie, Carson & Ella, can't wait for October!

Ella was named after "ella" street here in SLO.

Congratulations Emily & Eddie!!!

Our 2008 contest winners are Emily and Eddie from the Bay Area!

To my devoted readers.....please excuse my delay in posting, this is about the time of year that I begin to feel slightly in-human. But keep checking, I have some super fun stuff in store to post!

Tara + Sarkis | SLO + Paso

Where to start with Tara and Sarkis I'm not really sure, their wedding was a hit! When we had finished up with the family portraits and I asked if they had a preference what we did, their response: "we want to go to the Allyson Magda oak tree!!!!" I didn't know there was such a thing!

To clear the air, I don't have one oak tree, you may see oaks in my work, but they are all over, not just one spot! So, as my only solution, we promptly went to trespass in full wedding attire to get the photos below.

If you'd like to get the complete story, view the slideshow.... (for some reason the slideshow is out of order, it's late and we're just going to have to watch it that way!)

credit, where credit is due:
wonderful event planner: taffy gonzalez
sites: SLO Mission and Still Waters' Winery
the lovely photographers: allyson + jill
cake: cakery
music: the police

4th of July

As I sit to write this post, I wonder what the 4th of July means to most of America. To me, it means a celebration of freedom, but when we distill that down, it should be a celebration of those who have fought for the freedom. I just want to thank all the men and women who sacrifice, days, years and lives to allow for me, my family and you, to walk the streets, play at the beach, run in the forest, completely free. It truly is one of the best gifts ever!
Enjoy your day, and be thankful.

Above is my special belt buckle I wear, well a lot, but mostly for days like today, don't ya dig it?!

Oh yeah, I'll be posting the lucky winner of our contest early next week!!

Leah + Jason | Carmel

Leah and Jason were married at Carmel Mission Ranch, one of our favorite venues. I love cultural ceremonies, like Jewish ceremonies. The culmination of tradition, symbolism and love are so fun to shoot. Congratulations Leah and Jason, we wish you many years of joy and happiness!
~allyson & jillThe always lovely Dawn Lambeth & Usonia Jazz Band!
This little fellow had way too much!