San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer Katie DiSimone :: BLOG

Dina and Mark are clearly fun-loving people. Don’t let their traditional wedding ceremony at the Mission San Luis Obispo fool you into thinking this was gonna be a traditional reception. Their “thank-you” cards for their wedding is a photo of them tandem wakeboarding. Which also played into the names of their table settings. Each table was named for a wakeboarding trick or jump. Their guests were encouraged to take off the high heels and put on comfy dancing shoes. The photo booth had great wigs and fun props, making the smiles easy. They even made lighting the unity candle a laughter-causing event. By the way, the reception was held at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach.

Dina and Mark brought a group of seasoned wedding professionals with them. And by that, I’m not just referring to their hired wedding vendors. Rather, I’m talking about their wedding attendants. I happen to be facebook friends with several of their guests, so I know for a fact that many of them have been to just about as many weddings this season as I have. Except they’ve gone as guests and bridesmaids. Watching them work through the wedding preparations was amazing precision. They orchestrated the activities so well…I think they could all have jobs as wedding coordinators. Except, I’ve never seen wedding coordinators dance so well as these people.

Have a fantastic honeymoon Dina and Sponge! I know there will be lots of ocean, sun, and fun. Just what you deserve!

Kate and Dev first met with me and asked if I was open to multi-cultural, off-beat weddings. Ummm…heck yeah! Of course!! They did not disappoint. There were great stories, wonderful colors, and a scenic beach setting. If you haven’t heard of Cayucos Vets Hall…it is a gem of a venue RIGHT ON the beach. It books far ahead and is quite popular (location location location!). Thanks to all of Kate and Dev’s friends for letting me into your circle that evening. I enjoyed hearing about Kate and Dev’s adventures together, and I’m certain that married life will lead to amazing times ahead for them. The honeymoon multi-week trip to Europe sounded like a great way to start things off!

Suzanne and Matt knocked my socks off with surprises. First off, they chose Old Santa Rosa Chapel in Cambria for their ceremony. This is one of my favorite wedding places in the County, but I haven’t had a ceremony there in years. It reminds me of the quintessential “little chapel” that all sorts of movies try to recreate. Stained glass windows, white wood siding, old wooden pews, and surrounded by oaks. Reminds me of the little kid’s rhyme “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open up the doors and see all the people.” Just incredible.

Following the ceremony, we cruised just a couple blocks away to the garden patio of Robin’s Restaurant for the reception where I saw my second big surprise. Playing in the corner for the evening’s music was Jill Knight. A wee bit of background, Jill Knight is a local musician currently making it big (well, she’s been doing that for awhile now, actually). I’ve known about her since about 1994 when an old boyfriend told me I should go see one of her shows. He swore I’d love her music. Here is it 15 years later, and I’d never seen a live show of her’s…but have been secretly stalking her music for a long time. I totally geeked out and gushed how excited I was to see her playing there. I sure hope I didn’t scare her.

Suzanne and Matt have the full-court press from me to move up to the Central Coast. They have loads of family here and now an extra friend (in me). If you ever want to meet new friends, stop by the Moonstone Landing to meet some of Matt and Suzanne’s family. They make everyone feel at-home at their family hotel, not to mention that fact that it made a perfect center for this Cambria destination wedding. Just amazing to meet people like this through my photography. I’m so lucky.

Matt’s brother-in-law made a tandem as their wedding gift. It was absolutely one of the coolest, most personal gifts I’ve seen. So appropriate for Matt and Suzanne.

Before the ceremony started, Matt was all casual and calm.

And then he saw Suzanne walk through the chapel doors. His jaw fell on the ground, his eyes watered up, he blew out a large sigh, and I could swear I saw him mouth the words “Oh. @$!#!” (in a very very good way). I got instant chills and turned to see Suzanne myself. I think I mouthed the same thing. She looked amazing.

And, I love this one. Immediately after getting out of the chapel and before their friends and family get to them…Matt gave Suzanne a HUGE hug and kiss. They were radiant.