Santa Margarita Ranch Wedding | Emily & Ryan
A true wedding for the ages at SLO County’s historic Santa Margarita Ranch—
And it couldn’t have been for a more deserving couple. After virtually meeting Emily and Ryan a few times (they live in DC and planned their whole wedding from 3000 miles away), we finally were introduced in person at their welcome party overlooking Morro Bay the evening before their wedding. Immediately, our nerves for the next day were calmed by their warm, welcoming personalities, and as we snuck them away for a few couple photos in the midst of the party, it became so clear to us just how in love with each other they were. We left in the middle of a heated putting tournament very, very excited for the fun we’d have the next day.
Before we talk about their wedding, let’s introduce you to this incredible couple— Emily went to college with Ryan's sister at UCLA, and they both moved to DC after graduating. A whole ten years later, Ryan came to visit ,and Emily and Ryan formed a bond. Several months after that, Ryan invited her to attend a childhood friend's wedding with him in San Diego, and they ended up having an amazing weekend together. After that, they decided to give long distance a shot. Ryan came out to visit Emily in DC and Ryan spent Christmas with her and her whole family. After visiting Ryan for his birthday at the beginning of March 2020, the panorama hit, and they had to rethink how to navigate long distance. Because she was able to work remotely, Emily spent several months of that year in San Diego. That went so well that Ryan took the leap to quit his job and move back to DC with Emily. Six months later, they got engaged while out at dinner for Emily's birthday.
And so we found ourselves, on a picturesque autumn day, at Santa Margarita Ranch, witnessing these two promise each other forever.
The day began in Morro Bay with the girls and guys getting ready overlooking the rock. The party then moved down to Three Stacks and a Rock brewery for a little pregame, and Ryan and Emily’s first look on a dock overlooking the bay below. Everyone looked on as these two saw each other for the first time, and relished in the moment and the day to come. We then headed up to Santa Margarita Ranch for the wedding!
It was a very unusually overcast day for October in San Luis Obispo, and I am not exaggerating at all when I say the clouds broke at the literal boundaries of Santa Margarita, just at the top of the grade. It was as if we entered a whole new world, and we were very, very excited to see some sun. Santa Margarita Ranch’s ceremony lawn had been unexpectedly rooted by wild hogs the day before, but Emily and Ryan wouldn’t let that get in the way of their day (it became the running joke of the wedding, after all).
Emily and Ryan exchanged vows beneath the glowing sun, the ceremony officiated by one of their best friends, and ushered in by Emily’s brother, flower man Winston (if you look at any photos from this wedding, please at least make it these, he absolutely killed it). After they officially were named husband and wife, the party moved over to Santa Margarita Ranch’s barn, where The Tipsy Wagon and Lucca Pizza Truck served the wildly excited guests. We love to use cocktail hour to take important portraits, of course, but we also love to use this time to get to know the guests a little bit. We’re usually able to pinpoint a “fun table” going into the reception, and believe me when I say, this wedding had about five “fun tables.” Emily and Ryan’s people travelled near and far to celebrate these two, and this was so evident from the beginning.
The barn reception began with one of the more hilarious moments of the evening, putting Emily and Ryan’s full personalities on display— an expertly choreographed first dance to Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose.” Equally hilarious and touching toasts were given before the dance floor opened and the real party began. The dance floor was completely packed all evening, a sight we love to see. Emily and Ryan and their people partied late into the night, kicking off their new adventure of married life on the right note.
Meet the best slo wedding vendors!
Wedding Planner: EM Events / Venue: Santa Margarita Ranch / Catering: Lucca Truck / Beauty: Tigerlily Salon / Bar Service: The Tipsy Wagon / Floral: Myrtle & Branch / DJ: Muir Music / Cake: Gina’s Piece of Cake / Rentals: SLO Party Rentals / Transportation: Elegant Image Limousine & American Star Tours
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And now, please have as much fun looking through Emily & Ryan’s Santa Margarita Ranch wedding photos as we did taking them :)
Howdy friends! We’re Katie & Joseph, a husband & wife team, and Phoenix wedding photography duo.
We are big fans of documenting wedding days in an unposed, raw, genuine, and honest way that allows our couples to maximize their experience on their day while also receiving a gallery full of stunning images that communicate how it felt to be there.
Though we are based in Arizona, we’ll travel anywhere for a good love story (and dance party). We invite you to follow the links below to learn more about us and our services, and to get in contact with us!
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