Nestled amid the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, Oyster Ridge Vineyard set the stage for a truly unforgettable summer wedding, one I will never forget. Located in San Luis Obispo, Oyster Ridge Vineyard is one of the largest and most stunning vineyard wedding venues on the Central Coast. As a SLO wedding photographer it’s one of my favorite locations for outdoor weddings. Alex and Rachel, an adorable and radiant couple deeply in love, exchanged vows in a celebration that embraced diversity, inclusivity, love, and the beauty of nature.
Their wedding was a testament to the power of love and the joy that radiates when two beautiful people unite- it was whimsical, joyful, and an absolute fairytale dream come true. It was also an amazing day for me since I love same sex couples and am a fully inclusive wedding photographer, and I truly wish I had the opportunity to photograph more same-sex weddings! (If you are a couple in the LGBTQ community planning your SLO wedding please come find me!)
I was very excited for this reason and because Alex and Rachel are so lovely inside and out and made such beautiful brides. Their love story warmed my heart and I was thrilled they picked me to be their wedding photographer.
Alex and Rachel envisioned a wedding bursting with color, life and friendship. The couple opted for a vibrant palette, with shades of pink, blue, and sunny yellow, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere. The vibrant colors echoed the couple’s personalities and set the tone for a day filled with joy and celebration.
The fun floral arrangements not only added a touch of whimsy but also complemented the natural beauty of the vineyard. The tones of greens and mint and soft lavender flowers made for gorgeous couple’s photos- and have you ever seen such a beautiful group of 16 bridesmaids?
With its sprawling vineyards and panoramic views, Oyster Ridge Vineyard provided an idyllic backdrop for their celebration. The ceremony took place in a courtyard grapevines and shaded by huge oak trees, creating a romantic and intimate setting. The vineyard’s rustic charm perfectly blended with the couple’s vision for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Alex and Rachel’s wedding was a celebration of family and friends. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows that highlighted the importance of acceptance and embracing one’s true self. The event reflected the belief that love knows no boundaries, and everyone deserves to celebrate their unique love story- I feel especially strong about this as an inclusive wedding photographer and was so honored and excited to be a part of their day.
Alex and Rachel added a fun and personal touch by giving their guests rainbow colored streamers to wave as they kissed and walked out of their ceremony, celebrating the beauty of love and marriage and all couples having the right to be legally married. This turned out to be one of the best photos of the whole day and as an inclusive wedding photographer it warmed my heart.
As the sun set over the vineyard, the celebration continued with lively dancing in the huge rustic barn. We rode around the vineyard to take sunset photos and can I just say how beautiful these two are- so gorgeous! The couple and their guests danced the night away, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and joy. The dance floor was a place where friends and family came together to celebrate love and unity- and just FUN. It was one of the best dance parties of my entire season- which can only be expected with 16 bridesmaids!
Alex and Rachel’s summer wedding at Oyster Ridge Vineyard was a kaleidoscope of colors, love, and celebration. Against the backdrop of the vineyard’s natural beauty, the couple’s union became a symbol of love’s triumph over any obstacles. Wether you are falling in love long distance, moving across the country together, or taking on the challenges of education, building a home together, planning a wedding, and other things life sends your way- it’s doing this with your best friend and the person who you are most passionate about that makes marriage so beautiful.
I know these two beautiful ladies have such a bright future ahead of them and I hope that they will look back on this wedding day as just the beginning of their amazing adventures as Wife and Wife.
Wedding day dream team:
Venue: Oyster Ridge @oysterridge
Planning and coordination: Celebrations by Julia @celebrationsbyjulia
Photography: Leana Myra @leanamyraphotography
Assistant Photographer: Rachel @rachelhigginsphotography
Videography: White Elm Films @whiteelmfilms
Caterer: Popolo @popolo_catering
Live Band and Dj: Come Alive Entertainment @comealiveentertainment
Rentals: Embellish Rentals @embellishvintagerentals
Florals: Mauna Florist @maunaflorist
Hair and Makeup: Wedding Beauty Co @weddingbeautyco
Cake: Sea Breeze Cupcakes @seabreezecupcakes
Beer and Bar Service: Tap Truck @taptruckslo
Transportation: Elegant Image Limousine @elegantimagelimousine
Rentals: Slo Party Rentals @slopartyrentals.
Santa Barbara based wedding photographer and videographer.
Leana Myra combines a narrative style with a film aesthetic, preserving genuine emotions and connections in stunning imagery that tells each couple's unique love story.