SLO Botanical Garden Wedding | Kasey & Justin

At this point in our career, we are always looking to photograph a unique wedding venue.

Don’t get me wrong, barns and vineyards are so timeless, and so Central Coast, but when we get the rare inquiry to photograph a wedding at a place like the Botanical Gardens, we jump at the opportunity. And when you add in a couple as gentle and kind as Kasey & Justin, the opportunity becomes that much more desirable. The intimate setting of the gardens was perfect for their gathering, with separate spaces for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. And the best part? The hilltop blue hour bridal portraits we got to sneak them away for. San Luis Obispo showed off for this one, and you’ll have to keep scrolling to see more!

The day began at an Airbnb Kasey, Justin, and their bridal party was sharing in SLO. We loved this house for its unique spaces and dramatic lighting. In particular, one of the hallways provided such incredible framing for getting ready photos! After everyone was ready, we headed over to the Botanical Gardens and discovered a lush forest area far from the wedding preparations, perfect for Justin and Kasey to share a private first look. I loved the way the light glittered through the trees and made it feel like we were in our own little world. We used this opportunity to take bridal party portraits in this spot too!

We love, love, love a small bridal party for so many reasons, but these people all helped us make sure this portrait time went quickly so Justin and Kasey could have ample downtime before guests arrived and the day really began. Kasey’s grandmother officiated their ceremony in an intimate outdoor space in the middle of the Botanical Garden. Private vows were shared, and then we all exited and paraded to the reception space behind a bagpiper. Kasey is Scottish, and this is a tradition she and the rest of her family include at every wedding! It felt very reminiscent of a Scottish version of a New Orleans Second Line.

Because we got so many of Kasey and Justin’s formal portraits done before their ceremony, they were able to genuinely enjoy their afternoon cocktail hour in the golden SLO sunlight. Bessy the Foto Bus made an appearance, and all the guests were enthralled with the unique photobooth experience that was part of this celebratory time! We then headed inside for dinner and toasts, given by Kasey & Justin’s parents, best man, and maid of honor. Then we were out again to the dance floor for first and special dances, and, instead of a bouquet toss, a “cat toss.” Kasey is a big animal lover, and to make this personal to her, tossed a stuffed cat to awaiting guests, holding whoever caught it to rescue a cat from his or her local shelter.

Before our night was through, we snuck Justin and Kasey away for some sunset photos turned magical blue hour portraits. The Botanical Garden has an awesome hillside trail that provides sweeping views of San Luis Obispo’s mountains, and the colorful sunset really lit them up beautifully. I am so grateful the timeline had its way where we were up on the hill during blue hour rather than golden hour, I think these twilight photos really portray Justin and Kasey’s gentle demeanor so much more than sunset would.

MEET THE BEST San Luis Obispo WEDDING VENDORS!

Venue - SLO Botanical Garden / Catering - Delicious by Debbie Duggan / Flowers - Open Air Flowers / DJ - DJ Mano Gil / Beauty - Anna Lent / Signage - Risko Designs / Dress - Anthropologie Weddings / Groom’s Outfit - Men’s Wearhouse / Bartender - Bottles & Ice / Photobooth - Bessy the Foto Bus

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Here are our favorite photographs from Kasey & Justin’s summer garden wedding ~

Hi there! We’re Katie & Joseph, a husband & wife team, and wedding photographers in Arizona.

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.

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