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Perfect for dreamy oceanfront sessions with dramatic landscapes and golden sunsets.
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Montaรฑa de Oro offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the county. With rugged coastal cliffs, lush eucalyptus forests, sweeping ocean views, golden bluffs, and secluded coves, this location is perfect for couples wanting an adventurous, cinematic feel to their photos with a bit of everything scenic. Trails lead to hidden beaches, and the sunsets here are unreal. Parking is free but can get crowded on weekends.
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The Oceano Dunes offer a stunning desert-like backdrop with rolling sand ridges and soft, golden hues. This location is perfect for barefoot sunset sessions, creating the feeling of a far-off adventure in a dramatic desert oasis. Parking is available near the entrance, with a short walk to the best dunes.
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Avila Beach is a charming seaside town with a variety of photo spots, including the wooden pier, rolling hills in the background, and golden sand beaches. Itโs a fantastic choice for couples wanting a relaxed, sun-kissed beach session with easy access to amenities like cafรฉs and restaurants. It's also a lovely spot for a surprise proposal session! Metered parking is available near the beach, and sunset sessions here are especially dreamy and very 'Cali' lol.
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Morro Bay State Beach provides a stunning oceanfront setting with Morro Rock as a dramatic, iconic backdrop (fun nerdy fact: Morro Rock was an inspiration for Star Wars). The gentle waves and sandy shoreline create a peaceful and intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples who love the ocean. Parking is easy and free in designated lots nearby.
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Great for vintage-inspired, colorful, or architecturally interesting backdrops.
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For couples who love an urban setting, Downtown SLO offers a mix of historic charm and modern energy. From rustic brick alleyways to the iconic Mission Plaza and charming storefronts, this location provides a variety of unique backdrops. Itโs especially great for more editorial, fashion-forward sessions. Parking is available in garages or along the streets, but it can be busier on weekends.
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The Madonna Inn is an iconic and colorful location, perfect for couples who want a playful and nostalgic feel to their photos. From the pink and gold interiors (every room has its own unique design!) to the charming outdoor spaces, every corner of this venue is a visual treat. Convenient parking is available on-site.
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Nestled in the rolling hills between San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach, Chateau Noland is a dreamy European-style estate perfect for a fairytale engagement session or elegant portraits. With its charming stone architecture, ivy-covered walls, and lush gardens, this venue exudes old-world romance. The property features scenic vineyard views, grand oak trees, and beautifully manicured landscapes, offering a variety of picturesque backdrops. Parking is available on-site, making it an easy and convenient location for a relaxed, intimate shoot.
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Beautiful natural settings with trees, trails, and rustic charm.
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For those who love enchanted forest settings, Los Osos Oaks Reserve is a hidden gem. Towering, gnarled oak trees draped in moss create a whimsical, storybook-like atmosphere. The natural tunnels formed by twisting branches offer a beautiful and intimate setting for portraits. The reserve has a small dirt parking lot, and the shaded trails provide soft, even lighting.
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Tucked away in Los Osos, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a quiet retreat featuring winding boardwalk trails, eucalyptus groves, and stunning views of Morro Bay. The golden light filtering through the trees at sunset creates a soft, ethereal feel. Parking is free and easy to find nearby.
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For a truly magical and nature-filled experience, Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove is a unique location that offers stunning natural beautyโespecially from late October through February, when thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate here. Towering eucalyptus trees create a serene forested atmosphere, with golden light filtering through the leaves for a soft, glowing effect in photos. The grove is just a short walk from the dunes and shoreline, making it an ideal spot to combine woodland and beach aesthetics in a single session. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, and easy walking trails connect to nearby beach access for even more variety.
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Ideal for sweeping views, golden light, and adventurous vibes.
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For panoramic views of SLOโs rolling hills, Prefumo Canyon is unbeatable. The winding drive up the canyon leads to a breathtaking overlook where golden hour light creates a magical atmosphere. This spot is ideal for couples who love wide-open landscapes and dramatic, moody skies. Parking is roadside and limited, but the view is worth it!
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Bishop Peak is perfect for adventurous couples who love a bit of a climb. The summit provides incredible panoramic views of the city and coastline. The hike is moderate to challenging, so itโs best suited for couples comfortable with a little trek before their shoot. Parking is available at the trailhead.
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Madonna Mountain offers a more accessible alternative to Bishop Peak while still delivering beautiful hilltop views. Itโs an especially great location in the spring when wildflowers bloom, adding a soft, romantic touch to photos. Sunset here is incredible, with the golden hills catching the last light of the day. Parking is available at the trailhead.
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Terrace Hill is a hidden gem for couples who want an elevated view of SLO without a strenuous hike. The open hilltop space provides a minimalist yet cinematic backdrop, making it perfect for golden hour shoots. The parking lot is conveniently close, making this a great choice for those looking for a quick but stunning location.
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Whether youโre envisioning windswept cliffs, cozy oak forests, or lively city streets, Iโd love to help bring your vision to life. If any of these locations speak to you, letโs chat and create some magic together!
โHe intimately captured our passion, friendship, admiration, laughter, & love for one another on a completely different level.โ
BONNIE & TAJ
Interested? HIT US UP! Weโd love to hear from you.
We typically respond within 24-48 hours, though response times may vary depending on the season. Thanks for your patience!
the sweetest day celebrating lauren & harley at @thegardensatpeacockfarms โ fun fact: harley is my brotherโs childhood friend & so he got to be his best man...โtwas a lovely reunion! ๐ค
cheers to the happy couple! ๐
#sneakpeeks
also shout out to @makayla_grogan_photographer for the support ๐ธ
hi! ๐๐ป
iโm back from a lil social media detox to share these lovely sneaks from rena & robโs special day. ๐คฉ
i feel so lucky to collaborate with truly inspiring & genuinely kind-hearted couples like these two sweeties! ๐ฅฐ
it kinda blows my mind that iโve now documented something like 180 weddings, and still my heart races with adrenaline & joy every time i get to do this for folks. ๐ฅ
soโ
from the bottom of my heart
thank you.
๐ฅน๐๐ป
happy holidays yโall. โค๏ธ
love,
james
@madonnainn1958 elopement vibes with these cool cats ๐ฅ๐
congrats cat & vaughn โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
two brides are better than one!! ๐
i had the absolute best time celebrating olivia & felicity last weekend. ๐ฅฐ
weather was effin perfect & vibes were on point from the pre-ceremony hustle bustle all the way to their iconic tunnel exit at the end of the night. ๐ชฉ๐ฏโโ๏ธ
everyone was just so incredibly present and wholly supportive of the love shared between these two radiant soulmates. โจ
these sneak peeks barely scratch the surface of all the magic. ๐
congrats again olivia & felicity!!! โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
venue: @almond_springs
coordination: @almond_springs
photo: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
muah: @thequeensbees
dj/lighting: @dj.recspin
bartending: Justin Johnson Mobile Bartending
photobooth: @picturethisslo
catering: @diezels__bbq_llc
draping: @draping_bykim
rentals: @slopartyrentals
wind swept & overflowing with love ๐ฌ๏ธ
feeling so grateful to share so many special adventures & memories with such lovely humans ๐
my health hasn`t been the best lately but my work always gives me life โบ๏ธ
have a great week everyone โจ
Captured a beautiful and fun-filled elopement of Tina & Kendrick at Santa Barbara Courthouse. Despite overcast at Leadbetter Beach, we were untamed and free to roam, creating magical moments with each click!๐ท #SantaBarbaraWedding #ElopementLove #BeachWeddingPhotography
If you or anyone you know is looking for a wedding photographer specializing in soulful, cinematic wedding photos that don`t things *too* seriously, I`d love to connect. ๐
Shoot me a DM or inquire directly through my website (link in bio).
Much love! ๐ฅฐ
Experience the magic of saying `I do` at Harmony Wedding Chapel, where intimate charm meets whimsical wonder. This little treasure in Harmony, California, gives you a backdrop of rolling hills, lush gardens, and even free-roaming cows! #WeddingPhotography #LoveStory ๐ธ
If you or anyone you know is looking for a wedding photographer specializing in soulful, cinematic wedding photos that don`t things *too* seriously, I`d love to connect. ๐
Shoot me a DM or inquire directly through my website (link in bio).
Much love! ๐ฅฐ
hi! hereโs a few favorites of megan & ally on the sweetest day ๐
hope everyone is hanginโ in there ๐ฆฅ
๐: @campoceanpines
๐๏ธ: @heatherhansenevents
๐โโ๏ธ: @thequeensbees
๐: @lori_boe_floral
๐ธ: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
๐ง: MKM DJ
๐: @fulloflifefoods
๐ง: @louloucheesegirl
๐ฅ: @daringtodreamevents
๐ฝ๏ธ: @allaboutevents
#weddingteaser #weddingphotographer
Hereโs a few teasers from Claire & Tonyโs gorgeous & golden wedding in SLO ๐
โค๏ธ #weddingphotos #goldenhour
VENDOR FAM๐๐ป
Bar: @rodandhammer
Catering: @rodandhammer
DJ: @kramerevents
Florist: @brookeedelmanfloral
HAMU: @anna_lent
Month-of Coordination: @simplytreasuredevents
Photography: @jameslesterphoto + @makayla_grogan_photographer
Venue: @rodandhammer + @hotelcerroslo (getting ready pics)
