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Maybe I can help. The Grapeline does a monthly tour of wineries for wedding industry professionals, and I was lucky enough to get on the train for the ride this month! We visited four locations, most of which are somewhat unknown to us in the wedding industry.

Still Waters Vineyards has always been one of my favorite locations, you can see a wedding I shot there by clicking HERE.

Chateau Margene has some amazing wine and a beautiful lawn for a "garden" wedding.

Pomar Junction was the surprise of the day for me. I've never been there as it's newer and it ROCKS! It's got a couple of train cars, amazing views and just straight up, down-home feeling where you could sit and enjoy for hours.

Maloy O'Neill has a beautiful tasting room and patio, simply gorgeous and elegantly done.


Special thanks to:
Cathy at the The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle - Paso Robles
Jennie at Trumpet Vine Catering for delicious Tapas for lunch!



Central Coast Winery Weddings
central coast weddings

Bev + Adrian | Pfiefer State Beach Wedding, Big Sur

Bev and Adrian came all the way from New York to have their wedding at Big Sur, at Pfiefer State Beach....it's a beautiful beach if you've never been or seen photos. We met up at The Post Ranch Inn and headed to the beach for their intimate wedding. You know, I see a lot of weddings, and sometimes it's really great to see such a simple but incredibly beautiful affair, but you can decide for yourself!






















Big Sur Wedding Photographer
Big Sur weddings

Angela + Tim | Paso Robles Wedding

On the note of my last post, I chose a Toby Keith song, called "The List" for this Paso Robles wedding. I think Angela and Tim's wedding was long in the making, such a sweet couple. Congratulations you two!

Credit where credit is due:
The talented Jenn Hocker with Allure Events - this was my first time working with Jenn and she and her team were excellent to work with! {the even did the flowers!}
Catering Unlimited - always delicious
Meridian Vineyards - one of my absolute favorite winery venues here on the Central Coast







ENJOY THE SHOW BELOW!



Paso Robles Wedding Photographer

Central Coast Weddings

Jennifer + Aaron | Palm Springs Wedding

It was our true honor to be a part of Jennifer and Aaron's wedding this year, at the Parker Palm Springs. Cathy from Celebrations of Joy had all the details fixed to a "t," if you're in need of a wedding coordinator, I could not more highly recommend Cathy and Dorry...and they travel!

The Parker Palm Spring is totally rad....I don't know where to start, I guess it's like stepping back in time to 1965 or 1970...which is before I was born, but I could imagine what it was like with the help of the decor. I seriously felt as if I was in Allyson's wonderland of the 1970's.

Jennifer and Aaron chose to have their intimate wedding on the croquet lawn and then reception at the Gene Autry house. It was pretty sweet because they had the whole house and yard areas, so guests could hang out inside if they felt like socializing or out on one of the patios for dancing. Dinner was on another lawn. Very private, exceptional service and delicious cuisine. I believe they have several sites for brides to choose from...I just can't stop writing about this place, because it was THAT cool! and it's totally a destination area with lots to do! Here's a link to the Parker Palm Springs Wedding site.

A special thanks to my super special assistant - Dan - my husband - he took most of the good shots - honestly, I don't even know why I'm the photographer?!

Have a great weekend!
allyson
























Palm Springs Wedding Photographer

Palm Springs Weddings

Natalie + Carson | Santa Margarita Ranch Wedding

We shot Natalie and Carson's much anticipated wedding near the end of our wedding season this year. Let me start with saying that Natalie is a true visionary, from beginning to end, and how lucky Carson is to have her! Their wedding was off the hook in terms of details, from their amazing and beautiful invitations to the mass amounts of magnolia leave swags and wreaths, to the denim, yes incredibly fashionable denim bridesmaids dresses, to the train ride - did I say TRAIN ride to the reception for the guests!? And that's just a start...

Home grown honey bears - for the guests to find their tables
A handmade quilt, created from blocks each guest mailed to the couple over the past year!
Custom labeled Jones Soda {with engagement photos}
Kettle Chips
Gown by Caroline Herreira
Divine delectibles by the lovely Jennie and staff at Trumpet Vine Catering
Video by the talented Linda at Fig Leaf Studio
Florals by Corinne Smith from Panacea
Music by the ever sweet sounds of Dawn Lambeth and the Usonia Jazz Band
And finally rockin' the night away with Kramer Entertainment Mobile DJ


Ella - the second sweetest pup in the world {you know my G-man takes first!}, was the flower girl!

















My buddies...Linda of Fig Leaf Video and Dawn from the Usonia Jazz Band

Really to get the full experience of this wedding you should watch the slideshow, with about 200 photos in it, which were so hard to pick!, you'll feel like you LIVED it! Congratulations Nat and Carson!

PS Carson is a KJUG DJ, so listen at night from 7-til I'm not sure when and you can hear his broadcast!

Featured...The Little Black Book Blog!

My morning was made in the shade when Michelle from Style Me Pretty {The BEST wedding resource for brides planning their big day} called to tell me we are featured on their "Little Black Book" blog today!

Check it out HERE!

They're featuring Tara and Sarkis' beautiful wedding. Ceremony at Mission San Luis Obipso and reception at the serene Still Waters Winery.

Nicole + Jamie | Carmel Valley

Nicole and Jamie, so sweet, so delightful, sooo many wonderful touches! Jamie and Nicole are a special couple, filled to the brim with kindness and love for each other, as well as those around them. They are the type of people who just ooze, sugar, instead of sweat.....

Their wedding was in Carmel Valley at one of my favorite spots, Bernardus Lodge. It reflected the love and goodness they give others. Seriously, I think you could feel the warmth of their family and friends surrounding them, for what will surely be a lifetime of joyful moments and a successful marriage for years to come.

Nicole and her aunt did the flowers! Wow, seriously the best "homemade" bouquets and center pieces I've ever seen! Russell from Stellar Films did the super 8mm film - can't wait to see how that turns out, check out their website HERE, and blog HERE!









a little croquet on the lawn during cocktail hour...And finally....
all I do at weddings couldn't be done without Jill!!! Take a minute and check out her section of our website, she shoots her own weddings, and as you'll see, is incredibly talented!

For the complete experience of their wedding, watch the slideshow!







Carmel Valley weddings

Carmel Valley wedding photography

Jen + Chad | Oakland, San Ramon Wedding

Jen and Chad! We're totally fun and wonderful to work with! Chad, was like the president at their reception and was cracking us up. They had 500, yes 500, guests! and as you can imagine, it would be hard to say hello to all 500 guests, being the guest of honor, so when he saw someone he knew, he gave like a presidential wave, and that was all night long. And Jenn, well I can just say she graced us with a beauty and class we all wish we had! Chad, you certainly "married up" haha... Check out their slideshow and enjoy... Over and out, have a great one! ~allyson

Click here for their engagement photos





















San Luis Obispo Weddings

san luis obispo wedding photography

Nyssa + Danny | South Coast WInery, Temecula Wedding

Nyssa and Danny know how to throw a party! They planned their Temecula Wedding at South Coast Winery. You might remember their engagement photos from this summer, down at Canyon Lake. They live on a private lake - pretty cool - and love to wake board. I have to say, these two are just full of fun, Dan was thrilled to be shooting with me. But you'll have to see for yourself in the slideshow! If you've been following this blog for any sort of time, like 2 years - you might recognize Kyla and Chad in the photos - Nyssa and Kyla are sisters!













San Luis Obispo Weddings

san luis obispo wedding photography

Danielle + Bryan | Atown!

Danielle and Bryan had a wonderful ranch wedding at Taft Ranch here in Atascadero. They are sincerely the sweetest couple, who met on the debate team in high school...I'd hate to see an argument in their house!

Danielle got ready in the hunting lodge out near the pond - gotta use what you have for photos...so I thought this one was pretty funny:









Florals done by the lovely Corinne at Panacea

invitation to share

Natalie and Carson are getting married in October. If you've been following my blog you'll remember hearing about them a few times. We did their engagement session in July - and it was awesome! Anyhow, I love it when my brides send me their invites - so much fun! I really liked the fabric ribbon on Natalie and Carson's invite, eluding to the rustic elegant wedding they will put on at Santa Margarita Ranch!

Sarah + Bill | Paso Robles

Sarah and Bill eloped on the sunny central coast! They came all the way from Texas to the California Mid-State Fair to see one of their favorite bands and decided to turn the trip into their wedding! It was a simple ceremony, I was the only witness, along with the officiant. They were staying at Villa de Buena Vista, which provides for a beautiful backdrop. Here are a few of my favorites, congratulations Sarah & Bill!
~allyson

Michelle + Robert | Santa Ynez, Fess Parker Winery

Michelle & Robert had an exclusive wedding and guest list, with just about 20 guests, they really paired down who they chose to invite. Their guests traveled from as far as Germany! I think that says something about what a swell couple they are. They chose Fess Parker's Winery for their ceremony and the Inn for the reception. Michelle left no detail undone, everything was perfect to a "T!" Congratulations to you both!
Their puppy was very intent on watching the ceremony!

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

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

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

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!

Shandi + Jason photos...

I've patched things up with Blogger and it's allowing me to post images again... yeah! Here are a few of the shots I was trying to post in my last issue.
hope you enjoy!
allyson




Taken by my lovely associate, Jill, isn't she talented?

Shandi + Jason | Carmel

So I'm totally frustrated with Blogger, it's not letting me upload photos, or it's not showing them, but is uploading them. Any suggestions? I've tried for two days. So, sorry folks, not photos in this entry, but there is a great slideshow!

The joy and happiness Shandi & Jason share are quite evident, I think you'll agree!

Christy + Rob | Harmony

Our last wedding of the year was on the 29th - smack between the holidays. But I could not have been more blessed to have the opportunity to work with one of the sweetest couples. Their whole wedding was planned around the theme of Harmony.....so much that they even got married in the town of Harmony - population like 10 - between Cayucos & Cambria. It's a little art town, which I've always been fond of. We had a great time with these two in their intimate wedding. They wrapped up with a reception at Villa Creek in Paso. Congratulations you guys!

Special thanks to my awesome assistant Jill - many of her photos are featured in this slideshow!







Flowers by Denise
Music by Benise

Courtney + Josh | Maui

Courtney and Josh's Maui wedding was very close to perfect, thanks to Robin Williams of Event Masters wedding planning. The light was subdued but beautiful, the weather held off, just until after dinner, when the hurrician winds picked-up, and the bride, Courtney, was of course, gorgeous! Here are a few highlight photos:

Thanks again, Vicki, Courtney + Josh, Robin & Dan!

Jodi + Joe | Pismo Beach

Jodi called me just a few short weeks before their wedding here on the central coast. She had canceled their "big" wedding and was coming to the coast to get married quick and easy way. Jodi is the first bride that I have ever encountered, who like myself, completely changed their whole wedding to make it simple, quick and still fun. She looked beautiful - and can you believe she is a mom to three?!!! Congratulations Jodi + Joe!
~allyson

Catherine + Brett | Carmel

Catherine + Brett = fun & laughter
Hope Thailand is treating you right!
~allyson








Beautiful flowers by Catherine Smith
Beautiful cake by Layers
Beautiful venue by Clint
Beautiful music by U2

Molly & Laurence | Meridian Vineyards, Paso

Congratulations Molly + Laurence! Their wedding was beautiful, held at Meridian Vineyards, with the design of Mark Padgett. Check out the awesome cake & flowers, Flowers by Denise, Morningstar Creations. Enjoy!
allyson

Jaime + Jason | Pt 16, Big Sur

Last Saturday Jaime & Jason tied the knot. Despite the threatening clouds and possible rain their wedding was awesome to say the least! Perfect details, perfect weather, for a perfect couple. Seldom do I meet people who place such a high value on 80's music as myself, needless to say, I was pleased with the musical selection when it came time to boogie-down! Complete with roasting marsh mellows, puffin' on a cigar and sipping espresso, Jaime and Jason know how to throw a party! Congratulations you guys! allyson

Jordan & Ryan | Santa Ynez

Perhaps you remember the incredibly photogenic Jordan & Ryan's engagement session from a few months back....well they're finally married! Their wedding was incredible, from Jordan's absolutely stunning dress to the lovely Jimmy Choo shoes on her feet, to their first dance of "Jersey Girl" - she's from Jersey, of course! OK, enough of me, here they are....






PS... I've lagged a bit on my postings lately, I have been shooting a ton - with 4-8 shoots per week, plus weddings on the weekends, there is plenty to share, help me out and leave comments telling me what you'd like to see more of....weddings, seniors, children.

Heather + Sean | Templeton

You might recognize Heather & Sean from their engagement portraits a few months back at Morro Bay. They got married at Heather's Grandparent's ranch in Templeton, it was one HOT day, but absolutely beautiful!





During the reception the party came alive with the sounds of Dawn Lambeth & the Usonia Jazz Band, the food was excellent, as usual from the lovely Jennie & Jill of Trumpet Vine Catering and the cake to round off the evening from Yarrow at The Cakery. Many of my photos you'll see a breathtaking display of haning orchids and jewels - creatively arranged by Flowers by Denise.

Congraulations Heather & Sean, I know you will be happy together for a lifetime!
~allyson

Mary Kate + Brian | Paso Robles

You might remember Mary Kate & Brian from their engagement session on the horses back in December. They got married at Mary Kate's parents ranch outside of Paso - such a beautiful location! I tell you, I just must be one of the luckiest girls on earth to get to do and see where my clients take me - beautiful venues, beautiful people, beautiful flowers, delicious food, all this makes me happy, and happy photographers, make happy clients!!! OK back to Mary Kate and Brian, the horses did not show up at the wedding, to my disappointment, but we had a good time without them, as you can see! Congratulations Mary Kate & Brian!

No more ranch weddings for a while - check back, we have lots of good stuff in store for you!
~allyson

Kandie + Jason | Paso Robles

Kandie & Jason are high school sweathearts and have been together for 7 years! It was finally their day and boy did we experience some WIND!

Kandie and Jason are true sweathearts in every sense of the word. you know when you meet someone and you can just tell they are kind to the bone - well in this couple they both are!

I learned after the ceremony that Jason's Aunt has played the organ at Dodger stadium for 30 years!!!! 30 Years - that sounds like forever!!! SO, they incorporated her and she played the organ at their wedding via keyboard! As they were announced and getting ready for the recessional, she started playing the "charge" theme they play at the base ball stadiums - too funny!

Also, Jason and his buddies built the gazebo thing they stood on for the ceremony, complete with burning the wood in some special process to give it a really cool effect - pretty awesome!

Everyone had a great time celebrating their committment at Kandie's parents ranch in Paso Robles. Ranch weddings tend to be some of my favorites, and I have been up to my ears in them lately! I think 80% of the weddings I've done so far this year are on ranches, I think I might start to call myself the Ranch Wedding Specialist!

on deck...
new prop, super cool
ethan turns one
little henry
hasiaolei & scott engaged
mary kate & brian, married at last

I know I lagged since my last blog post, but promise to try and keep up better!

| Sarah & Jay | SLO town

Sarah and Jay were an absolute joy to to work with from beginning to end. They booked me far-far in advance, so I've had the opportunity to really get to know them personally. Their wedding was pretty much perfect and we had absolutely perfect weather. Here are a few of my favorites of the two of them, but you should really check out the SLIDESHOW, to get the full scope and feel of their wedding.

Speaking of booking early - we're booking for 2008, so if you're sittin' on the fence, don't miss out, book early! Sarah was referred by her friend who happened to see my Mother's Day display at Mother's Tavern. For the past 4 years Jayne & Paul have been kind enough to let me put together their window display of mom's and kids in honor of Mother's Day. I've been meaning to blog about it, but haven't gotten back down there to take a photo of it to post! If you live in the area and you're in downtown SLO, check it out! If you don't know where Mother's is - YOUR MISSING OUT! They are on Higuera just north of Broad (I think : ).

10 years and counting!

Joelle and Jose have been married for 10 years! They have two beautiful children and are still very in love ~ it shows! Congratulations on your celebration, I wish you many years of love, joy & blessing to come!
~allyson

Madonna Inn

I've lived in the San Luis Obispo area for almost 4 years now - and I can hardly believe I've never shot a wedding at the famous Madonna Inn, until yesterday! We had a great time and I hope to shoot there more often, the place really is unique and has some quite interesting features, if you've never been, you must stop in for the experience....brace yourself, it's an experience! If you stop in around dinner time, you must have the filet, and if you're there for breakfast, they have the BEST OJ in town!

In the room we were in for the reception (I can't remember the name) there were paintings on the walls, murals, with flowers, hills, silent guests....I kind of thought it interesting, these silent guests have seen many years of celebrations, political dealings and more...

Amy & Don have been together for a long time (8 years!) but Thursday was their special day. Wishing you many years of joy, blessings and laughter - that one you'll never be without!
~allyson