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The Magical Santa Margarita Ranch and Ancient Peaks Barn Soiree

United States Artists, Local Events, Styled Shoots & Venues

There's something magical about watching a vision come to life--especially when it involves two breathtaking venues, rolling hills, vintage charm, and a dream team of creatives. The recent launch celebration in Santa Margarita was nothing short of spectacular, treating guests to an immersive experience that unfolded like a storybook.

Dreamy Hillside Picnic at Perfumo

San Luis Obispo Artists, Styled Shoots & Trending Styles

Tucked in the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo, Perfumo Canyon set the stage for a dreamy spring hillside picnic and styled shoot that brought together some of the Central Coast's most talented creatives. With golden light, fresh blooms, and thoughtful design details, the day felt like a page from a storybook. At the heart of the shoot was 1922 Spirits, a new local bar service that's making waves with their vintage mobile bar trailer and charming satellite bar-complete with a sweet little umbrella that added just the right touch of whimsy. Their setup blended effortlessly into the natural beauty of the canyon, offering both style and substance with every sip.

2025 Wedding Trends: Personalized, Elegant, and Full of Heart

San Luis Obispo Trending Styles

The wedding landscape in 2025 is a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and individuality. This year's trends draw inspiration from timeless beauty while embracing bold, modern twists. From fashion-forward details to immersive storytelling, weddings are evolving into heartfelt and highly personalized experiences. Let's explore the trends shaping 2025 weddings.

Wedding Planning 12 Month Checklist

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips

Here it is! The 12 month wedding planning you've been searching for. Building your dream team of vendors, adding the design elements that make it you, and managing guests and bridal party are just a few elements to planning the perfect day! Read on for the perfect blueprint on just how to stay on track with your planning.

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Red, White and Something Blue

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips & Trending Styles

Happy Fourth of July weekend! Today, the wedding world is honoring everything red, white, and something blue! Here are some fun, colorful and minimal details you can include on your special summer day to keep it festive and free without being too eccentric.

The Beauty of Beachfront Weddings

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips, Real Weddings & Venues

Step into the ultimate California dream with these incredibly well executed beachfront weddings. From classically chic to adventurously bohemian, these sweet couples pose effortlessly with the great Pacific as a backdrop.

7 Things To Pack In Your Wedding Day Purse

San Luis Obispo Fashion & Beauty & Planning Tips

Little details go a long way on your big day! Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and a flurry of activities, so having a well-packed wedding purse can be a lifesaver.

Making Memories at Moondance Bridal

San Luis Obispo Artists, Fashion & Beauty & Trending Styles

Go on a journey with us to the cutest bridal shop in charming San Luis Obispo! Moondance Bridal not only offers gorgeous luxurious wedding gowns and accessories, but a unique and adorable ambiance that makes a bride's experience unforgettable. Choosing your wedding dress can be exciting and emotional, and making sure you're in the right atmosphere is incredibly important to most brides! This team is the ultimate hype woman team, and we had the pleasure of interviewing them about their wonderful store!

Bohemian Styled Wedding Shoot in Malibu

Malibu, San Luis Obispo Fashion & Beauty, Planning Tips, Styled Shoots & Trending Styles

There's nothing quite like intricate details, dramatic florals, elegant dresses and the rolling hills of Malibu. If you're looking for wedding inspiration with beautiful bohemian-like details, this styled shoot is the perfect gallery. I had the pleasure of interviewing the photographer about their vision and how what brought this shoot to life.

Joyful & Colorful Casa Romantica Wedding in San Clemente

San Clemente Real Weddings

Step into a Southern California dream with Zoie and Lucas's colorful wedding in San Clemente, exuding joyful energy and showcasing the perfect balance with vibrant colors in contrast to the cloudy coast. The couple tied the knot at the beautiful venue Casa Romantica, which was a perfect setting for their theme.

Brighten Your June Gloom With Fun Lighting Fixtures

San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Artists & Trending Styles

Lighting sets the mood and atmosphere for any wedding, transforming ordinary spaces into magical environments. Wedding lighting fixtures play a pivotal role in creating the perfect ambiance, whether it's a romantic glow for an intimate ceremony, a vibrant and lively atmosphere for the reception, or a whimsical wonderland for an outdoor celebration. From elegant chandeliers and twinkling fairy lights to rustic lanterns and modern LED installations, the right lighting fixtures can enhance the beauty of your venue, highlight key moments, and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

A Charming Backyard Wedding

San Luis Obispo Real Weddings

Tom and Vanessa had a beautiful backyard wedding full of colorful blooms, personal details and charming decor that embodied the couple's personality perfectly. Take notes from this ethereal backyard ceremony that was the highlight of the day.

Unique Sweets To Include On Your Wedding Day

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips & Trending Styles

Indulge your senses and sweeten your special day with one-of-a-kind desserts that will leave your guests swooning. Imagine biting into a delicate macaron bursting with flavors like lavender or pistachio, or savoring a silky-smooth chocolate truffle that melts in your mouth. Treat your guests to a decadent dessert bar featuring a tantalizing array of handmade treats, from rich chocolate-dipped strawberries to delicate meringue kisses, while also representing your dream garden party spread. For a touch of whimsy, consider serving artisanal popsicles or ice cream cones in flavors like raspberry-lime or coconut-mango, perfect for a spring or summer wedding. Elevate your dessert game with unique confections like decorative cotton candy, mini churros served with dipping sauces or bite-sized cake pops in flavors like lemon-rosemary or chai-spiced. Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and these unique desserts will help make it a day you and your guests will never forget.

Vintage Charm at Holland Ranch

San Luis Obispo Real Weddings

Timeless accessories, chandeliers, black and white touches, cigars, and old-fashioned's -- these are just a few of many details in this wedding that embody vintage charm. Bailey and Tyler tied the knot at Holland Ranch, and it was the perfect day celebrating their love while every detail was beautifully executed and made to perfection with Bailey's chic personality entwined.

That's Amore - Bailey & Tyler's Charming Engagement Shoot at Giuseppe's Cucina

San Luis Obispo Engagement Shoots

What began as a sweet meet-cute at a charming restaurant blossomed into true love. Bailey and Tyler first crossed paths as co-workers at Giuseppe's in San Luis Obispo, and now, their love story has come full circle. It's only fitting that they chose to celebrate their engagement at the very place where it all began. From the start, these two shared a deep connection, knowing they were soulmates from the start, even without the buzz of an espresso martini. I had the pleasure of speaking with the bride about their special photo shoot and what it meant to revisit the spot where their journey began.

Breaking Down Dress Codes: From Black Tie to Semi-Formal

San Luis Obispo Fashion & Beauty & Planning Tips

Whether you're heading to a wedding, gala, or evening soirée, understanding dress codes can take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Here's a quick guide to four common dress codes-from the most formal to more relaxed, yet still polished.

A Look Into Boudoir Photoshoots

San Luis Obispo Artists, Fashion & Beauty & Interviews

Turn up the spice and take your honeymoon phase to the next level with your partner. Boudoir photoshoots are a luxurious, classy, and intimate wedding gift that benefits both you and your spouse. San Luis Obispo photographer Kelli Avila Boudoir Photography knows how to find a balance of tasteful and unique with her designs and creative eye.

Thoughtful Favors Your Guests Will Love

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips & Trending Styles

Wedding favors have come a long way from the days of plastic trinkets and tulle-wrapped almonds. Today's couples want to give guests something that's not only beautiful and meaningful but also practical. If you're planning your big day and want to send your loved ones home with a keepsake they'll actually use (and not leave behind on the table), here's a list of thoughtful, charming, and genuinely useful wedding guest gifts that won't go to waste.

Western Charm at Thousand Hills Ranch

San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach Real Weddings

Abby and Garrett tied the knot at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach, surrounded by their loved ones on a stunning sunny day in April. Tucked into rolling green hills, this barn wedding radiated Western charm and heartfelt details. Guests snacked on fresh local strawberries, scribbled sweet notes on a wooden board branded with the couple's "B," for their last name and cheered as the bride swapped into a fun and flirty dress for an unforgettable swing dance under the barn lights with her honey. It was rustic romance at its finest.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

San Luis Obispo Artists & Trending Styles

Wedding florists are the unsung heroes behind the enchanting botanical displays that transform venues into ethereal landscapes of romance and splendor. With their expertise in color theory, design principles, and seasonal blooms, they curate arrangements that capture the essence of a couple's vision. Beyond aesthetics, florists evoke emotion through their creations, infusing the event with love and sentiment through carefully selected blooms.

Staying Present On Your Wedding Day

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips

After years of working in the wedding industry, I have learned that one of the biggest causes of concern that comes from a bride is not getting enough time with their spouse on their wedding day. Although a large party with family and friends is a wonderful thing, it can also take away from the main point of the day: marrying the love of your life and spending that precious time with THEM. Here are some tips and tricks to stay present.

Traditional Tuscany-Style Wedding in California

San Luis Obispo, Los Olivos Real Weddings

Tucked away in the gorgeous wine country of Los Olivos, love blossomed between Sheila and Erick as they tied the knot at Zaca Mesa Winery. The combination of trendy components such as champagne towers and checkered dance floors blended with a Tuscany-style ambiance was the perfect setup for a wedding of class, elegance and fun.

Trending Bachelorette Party Themes You’ll Love in 2025

San Luis Obispo Trending Styles

Planning the ultimate bachelorette party means setting the perfect vibe-and nothing does that better than a fun, creative theme. Whether you're hitting the beach or keeping it low-key, these trending bachelorette party themes are taking over social media (and group chats). Here's a look at five ideas that are as Instagram-worthy as they are unforgettable:

Sun-kissed and Ready for your Wedding - Tanning Tips from Lueur Tans and Cutie Bootie Tanning Co

San Luis Obispo Fashion & Beauty

As the countdown to your wedding day begins, there's no doubt that you want to look and feel your absolute best. Amidst all the planning and excitement, achieving that perfect bridal glow becomes a top priority. While many brides consider various beauty regimens to enhance their radiance, one often underestimated technique is the art of tanning. A carefully executed tan can add a warm and luminous touch to your overall bridal look, leaving you with a sun-kissed brilliance that complements your gown and enhances your natural beauty. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of tanning, with Wedding Standard members Cutie Booty Tanning Co. and Lueur Tans sharing expert tips and tricks to ensure you achieve that flawless, golden glow on your wedding day.

Sail Away with Me: A Santa Barbara Sailboat Elopement

San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Styled Shoots

Sail away with us as we embark on a romantic coastal adventure in this gorgeous styled shoot captured by He Calls Me Wildflower Photography. The elopement was jay-dropping, offering ethereal fashion details that compliment the scenery, airy florals and whimsical desserts.

Sway From Tradition

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips & Trending Styles

Your wedding day should be a reflection of your unique love story, filled with personal touches and memorable experiences. If you're looking to break away from tradition and create an unforgettable celebration, consider these nontraditional wedding ideas. From an Aperol Spritz tower to private first dances, these elements will add a distinctive flair to your special day.

Driving Into Forever With The Perfect Getaway Car

San Luis Obispo Planning Tips & Trending Styles

It's the end of your special day and you're ready to set off and live happily ever after with your new bride/groom. We have compiled some of our favorite "just married" vehicles from recent features. Vintage convertibles can make for the perfect getaway car, unless you'd like to go for a more colorful or modern-sleek means of transportation.

Romanticizing a Reception Dress Change

San Luis Obispo Fashion & Beauty

Wedding days are magical, but let's be real--spending all night in a heavy ball gown isn't for everyone. That's why more and more brides are embracing the reception dress change. It's the perfect way to keep the style going while stepping into something a little more comfortable--and fun!

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© 2025. The Wedding Standard.
© 2025. The Wedding Standard.