The Penny in San Luis Obispo made for the perfect wedding reception venue after their Cal Poly Arboretum ceremony.
Like most of my ideal clients, these two wanted to prioritize time spent with their family and friends on their wedding day. Specifically, time celebrating at their San Luis Obispo wedding reception at the Penny.
They value good photography, AND wanted an experience that prioritized the feeling and celebration of the day. For them, this meant less posed photos and time spent taking photos. Their favorite people were in one spot, they didn’t want the photography portion to monopolize time from this rare gathering. We did the majority of their formal photos before the ceremony.
First, a “first look” at the Cal Poly Arboretum greenhouses, located next to the ceremony site. These greenhouses provided such a beautiful backdrop for an intimate first few moments together. After the first look, we moved onto wedding party photos and some immediate family photos before guests started arriving. These two truly wanted to spend every second they could with their guests. They chose not to hide away before the ceremony, and instead greet people as they were arriving. I love when couples shirk what they are “supposed” to do on their wedding day, and do what feels right for them.
This couple hired me for 7 hours of coverage. Getting ready photos were not super important to the couple. Instead, we decided to put emphasis on making sure we had enough time to have a first look, formal photos before the ceremony, and making sure I was there for at least a small bit of the dance party.
If detail photos like the dress hanging alone, and flat-lays of jewelry aren’t especially important to you, skip that portion! While I appreciate photos like this and enjoy taking them from time to time, I always prefer photos of people and real moments. This bride decided she wanted more candids and people focused images, rather than details beforehand. I showed up after her dress was on and her hair and makeup by Megan Navongsy were finished. This allowed me to get some sweet moments of her doing her final touches with her family and allowed us to add more time for a first look and photos before the ceremony.
They hired a wonderful planner, Katie McGuire, who insured they could be in the moment on their day. I love working with Katie. If you are wanting the freedom to truly step back from the chaos of logistics on the day of your wedding, a good planner can make all the difference!
All About Events and Got you Cover’d provided the rentals for both celebration spaces. Copper and Crystal provided bartending, Ribline provided the meal and Cakes by Judy did their cake. Joy Bonner Entertainment provided music for the much anticipated dancing portion of the evening.
I hope you enjoyed this San Luis Obispo wedding at the Penny!
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