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San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer

A couple hold hands on a country road at sunset, with a flowing wedding dress, burgundy jacket, white fence and rolling hills.

San Luis Obispo wedding photographer

Love,
captured.

The people you love. The light you chased. The part of the night nobody wanted to end.

Windswept whimsy. Soft kisses. Sun-kissed tears. The quiet moments in between. The laughing & the dancing. A whole lotta soul. Real moments that look like cinema. The magic of your love. Free to be yourself. All shapes & shades welcome. A space to belong.

Queer-owned · open-hearted · California-rooted

The big feelings.
The in-between moments.

Maybe you’re getting married beneath the trees, sneaking off to the courthouse, or gathering your chosen family for a gloriously loud dance party. I’m here for all of it, with gentle guidance and a very happy heart.

Austen and John embracing beneath a sweeping canopy of sculptural oak branches
Austen & John
Olivia and Felicity holding hands in flowing wedding gowns beneath a dramatic sunset at Almond Springs
Olivia & Felicity
Tracy and Alex holding hands in richly embroidered wedding attire among the gardens at Heritage Estates
Tracy & Alex
Tina and Kendrick celebrating beneath the courthouse arch
Tina & Kendrick
Sean and Stephan laughing on a flower-painted bench, framed by a soft green and pink light leak
Sean & Stephan
Alice and Ryan laughing together on the reception dance floor
Alice & Ryan

Photography + iPhone video

Meet your wedding-day besties.

We’re James, Makayla, and Faith. Here’s who’s behind the cameras, what we each offer, and where to see more of our work.

James Lester smiling in glasses and a sage sweater outdoors.

James

Wedding photographer + founder

Atmospheric portraits, honest moments, and a calm presence through the whole celebration.

James’s work + pricing
Makayla Grogan smiling with her camera outdoors.

Makayla

Associate wedding photographer

Warm colors, relaxed direction, and budget-friendly wedding photography in Makayla’s own style.

Makayla’s work + pricing
Faith, JLP’s iPhone wedding videographer, smiling outdoors.

Faith

iPhone videographer + day-of assistant

iPhone wedding video as an add-on to James’s photography, from ceremony recordings to 72-hour highlights. Curious about Polaroid photos, too? Just ask.

Faith’s films + pricing
James Lester laughing in warm outdoor light.

Hey, I’m James

photographer + people person

I’m a California wedding & elopement photographer who’s passionate about capturing the magic of life.

At the core of everything I do is connection. Living with chronic illness has enabled me to focus on what matters most: LOVE. Photography lets me freeze moments in time and make art out of memories with some incredible humans. It’s a joy and an honor to turn so many love stories and milestones into images that last.

If you like my portfolio and would like to work together, drop a line anytime. I can’t wait to meet you. 🙂

Meet James + the team
Close emotional portrait of two brides illuminated by a rainbow prism

Kind words

“They made us feel so comfortable and at ease, when we are typically very awkward and not photogenic people.”

— Emily Gomes

Features, awards + inclusive-industry certifications

A few recognitions I’m grateful to carry.

Featured in The New York Times
Rock n Roll Bride feature
Preferred Vendor recognition
The Knot Best of Weddings 2024
Wedding Awards recognition
WeddingWire 2023 recognition
The Knot 2023 recognition
Equally Wed Pro LGBTQ inclusive certification

San Luis Obispo County + across California

What are you dreaming of?

Tell us about your date, your people, and the little things you’re already excited about! We’ll help you find the right coverage and take it from there.

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SLO County wedding vendor recommendations

this list is curated for couples seeking out high quality slo county & central coast vendors that feel grounded, kind, and highly professional, with an elevated, relaxed experience. please still confirm availability, pricing, and overall fit with each vendor first. for your convenience, i've included links to each vendor's website and/or google search results so you can quickly shop around. if you’d like, i can also help you narrow this to a short “top 3” based on your venue, guest count, and vibe.


planners + coordinators


venues (slo + paso + nearby)


catering


bartending + mobile bars


hair + makeup


florists


videography


dj + lighting


rentals + decor


dessert + cake


photo booths


officiants


bands + musicians

  • come alive entertainment (dan curcio of moonshiner collective — singer/songwriter out of san luis obispo)
  • brass mash band (funky mash-ups & covers out of san luis obispo)
  • dante marsh (san luis obispo based singer/songwriter with a heart of gold and the voice of an angel!)

magicians + eclectic entertainment


live painters + live guest artists


other niche vendors

inquiry form »

Let's get this party started.

Please provide as many details as you can, and I'll get back to you in 1-2 business days. Thank you!