A Spring Wedding at Higuera Ranch | Montana & Sam

A weekend to showcase & reminisce on all the special qualities of San Luis Obispo-

that was Montana & Sam’s main goal for their wedding. The two met at Cal Poly, and dated one another among an incredibly loving, lively, and supportive group of friends. The two saw their wedding weekend at Higuera Ranch as the perfect opportunity to round up everyone who is a cherished part of their life and celebrate in the very place they met, while also celebrating every unique that makes SLO, SLO!

Montana & Sam’s inquiry with us was one of those we immediately hope turns into a booking. They exuded everything we desire in clients- laid back, low-key people, who were more excited to spend a weekend surrounded by their people in their favorite place than putting on a show stopping wedding. When we hopped on the phone with them, we talked for over an hour about our lives and their vision for their weekend, and I’m pretty sure that conversation could have lasted way longer if we all had the time. They became instant friends, and we were so honored when they asked us to photograph their wedding.

Fast forward to their wedding weekend, where Montana, Sam, and their incredible group of friends made us feel like members of the crew the second we got to Higuera Ranch. After their rehearsal dinner, they even invited us to join them all on a good ol-fashioned bar crawl around downtown San Luis Obispo. It was at this point in the weekend we decided these two (and all their friends) were absolute friendship goals, and we were so lucky to be a part of this.

Montana & Sam’s wedding day carried on the same way. Higuera Ranch is one of our absolute favorite wedding venues on the Central Coast (and we hope this gallery gives you a good idea why). There are so many unique settings around the property for everyone to get ready, have first looks, exchange vows, share drinks during cocktail hour, and, of course, dance the night away.

Both sides of the bridal party got ready in the guest houses on Higuera Ranch’s property, and these beautifully lit homes created the perfect setting for some touching moments between Montana, Sam, and their bridesmaids and groomsmen. After the bride and groom got ready, they shared their first look and got to take some time to soak in the moment together. Montana and Sam were so excited they did a first look because it meant they got to spend as much time as possible together on their wedding day (our favorite reason to include one in a wedding timeline!!). After the first look, we were able to take all their formal bridal party and family portraits, so the couple and their people could solely focus on celebrating for the rest of their day.

Montana & Sam’s wedding ceremony was held on Higuera Ranch’s lawn, with the rolling hills of SLO in the background, still holding onto their green from the winter rain. Sam’s best man, Parker, doubled as the officiant, and he led a ceremony full of light hearted moments, and some sweet personal vows. After the ceremony, it was party time! Everyone made their way over to Higuera Ranch’s barn for cocktail hour and the reception, full of modern, earth-toned decor. After a Santa Maria BBQ style dinner (of course), we had the treat of heading up to one of the hilltops on Higuera Ranch’s property for sunset. And BOY was it a good one. This very well may be the largest number of sunset bridal portraits we’ve ever sent a couple!

After tearing up the dance floor with Montana, Sam, and all their people (including Mr. Brightside as the final song, our very favorite part of a wedding day!!!!), we all headed over to the guest house for an after party. When we first talked with Montana & Sam, they shared with us they were planning on jumping in the pool at Higuera Ranch’s guest house after the wedding, a personal dream of mine to shoot for Lord knows how long. And this after party did not disappoint (especially the groomsmen jumping in, scroll to the end to see!!!).

This day, this wedding, this group of people truly helped us remember why we do this, and what an honor it is to document wedding days. Thank you Montana & Sam!!

Some of our favorite san luis obispo wedding vendors!

Venue - Higuera Ranch / Coordination - Heart Melting Events / Photo & Video - Poppy and Vine / Floral - Aurelia Flora / Catering - Old San Luis BBQ / Dessert - Dako Bake Co. & SLO Donut Company / DJ - Epic Entertainment / Hair & Makeup - Bellizzimo Beauty / Dress - Alyssa Kristin / Bridesmaids Dresses - Love and Lace Bridal / Groom & Groomsmen Outfits - The Black Tux / Invitation Suite - Gingerly Design Co. / Rentals - All About Events

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