best of 2008...weddings

it's the season for wedding planning...So I thought it would be appropriate to post a handful of my favorites from 2008! SO hard to choose!

enjoy!

San Luis Obispo Weddings

San Luis Obispo wedding photography

Big Sur weddings

Paso Robles winery wedding

looking for that perfect wedding location?

Paso Robles Wedding Photographer

Central Coast Weddings




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

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!

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

Melissa + David | Shell Beach, CA

These guys were the greatest! They are so FUN and kept us laughing at a mile a minute, if that's possible. Here are just a few shots, but you'll have to watch the slideshow to get a real feel for their wedding - totally fun, intimate, with lots of character! Congratulations Melissa + David!!
~allyson + jill


Wedding reception at Guiseppie's in Pismo Beach One of my all time favorite venues for smaller weddings.
Flowers by Panacea
Coordination by Accompli

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!

Shannon + Quinn | Adelaide, CA

Shannon and Quinn had a traditional wedding, at home, on the ranch. But it's not like your typical "ranch" wedding when I say ranch. Their family's home was incredible, incredible views, incredible infinity pool, incredible light!

I just love this shot!
Quinn made his bride this oversized very sweet card, with an exceptional photo on the cover!
rockin out to some sweetness 80's rock!

your blogmaster

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!

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

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!

Meghan + Matt | Willow Creek Olive Ranch

Meghan and Matt.....ahhh where to start. To say their wedding was incredible would be an understatement. The details were over the top, from canned champagne to a multi talented audience, nearly any of them could step up to be a part of the band. Did I mention how cool the shoes where?! Not just Meghans, but lots of people's! And the love, there was love in abundance....you'll just have to see for yourself!

Nelson, their French Bulldog was the ring bearer, I think he's been my favorite ring bearer to date!Jackson Browne played....he's fabulous, and pretty cool to see right there in front of me, I got the chills...All of this at the lovely Willow Creek Olive Ranch
Delicious delectibles by Trumpet Vine
Cake by The Cakery
Music in the slideshow by the lovely Dawn Lambeth

Well I'm off to Oregon for a few days to visit some friends - I hope to blog along the way! Have a super weekend.
allyson

Crystal + Jesse | Shell Beach, CA

So much LOVE!!! That is how I would sum up Crystal & Jesse and their families. And you know when there are about a million children in the wedding, it's just up my ally! Congratulations Crystal & Jesse!
allyson

::::: CLICK HERE to view the mini production! ::::

Ellen + Lou | Chapel Hill

Ellen & Lou, had a especially special wedding, super intimate, a ceremony rich with symbolism & tradition and simply their kids as guests, it all topped off to perfection! They got married up at Chapel Hill in Shandon, one of my favorite places in this world.....it's just special up there.
They had weather blessed from above and deserve a life together just the same!

Congratulations Ellen & Lou!
Allyson