Josh + Lorenzo | An Intimate Arroyo Grande Wedding Full of Love

 
Grooms kissing in backyard Southern California wedding
 

In all the weddings I have the privilege of photographing, I always feel so lucky to get to witness so many celebrations of love that sweep me away in their joy. Josh and Lorenzo’s intimate Arroyo Grande wedding was no exception, and was possibly one of the most meaningful ceremonies I have ever experienced! Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Josh and Lorenzo’s special day near the stunning Southern California coast simply overflowed with love, support, and happiness. It was truly an honor to document the beautiful connection these two share and their commitment to a life together!

Josh and Lorenzo’s Love Story

Josh and Lorenzo first met at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, where they were both flight instructors. From the very beginning, it was clear that they had an undeniable connection – a match made in the sunny Arizonian skies! It didn’t take long for them to know that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

On a beautiful summer July 3rd evening, Josh asked Lorenzo to go on a hike at one of their favorite spots in Prescott Lakes. At sunset, Lorenzo thought Josh was just taking a photo of him with the shining lake and golden skies in the background, but when Lorenzo turned around he found Josh on one knee! A perfect proposal with just the two of them in a place that they loved. I was so happy to take their engagement photographs near this same lake a few months before their wedding. It was pure happiness to witness them sharing so much excitement for their life ahead together!

 
Grooms getting ready together before their Southern California Wedding
Grooms getting ready before their wedding ceremony in a house overlooking the ocean
Two grooms posing in their wedding attire on a balcony overlooking mountains
Groom posing in sunlit wooded lawn for Southern California wedding
Groom posing in sunlit wooded lawn for Southern California wedding
 

An Intimate Backyard Southern California Wedding

Josh and Lorenzo’s Arroyo Grande wedding day was simply beautiful in every way! The two of them got ready together at an Airbnb, and then we went to a stunning Spanish-style mansion overlooking the ocean in Pismo Beach to take some pre-wedding photographs! Josh and Lorenzo shared some very special moments together near the stunning coast before the ceremony and celebration. 

Their wedding ceremony was held nearby in Arroyo Grande, in the backyard of one of their dear friends’ homes. And let me tell you, this was no average backyard wedding! The lush lawn surrounded by trees and endless greenery was the most perfect spot for this intimate moment. Their ceremony was so full of love and support from all of their best people, and Josh and Lorenzo’s wedding vows were some of the most heartfelt I have ever heard. My boyfriend (who was also my second shooter for the day!) was so moved by them as well, and he’s hard to impress! I absolutely loved getting to witness the overflow of joy from Josh and Lorenzo’s family and friends as these two committed their lives to each other.

 
Backyard wedding arbor with roses and eucalyptus
Groom walking down the aisle with his mother at Southern California wedding
Groom walking down the aisle with his mother at Southern California wedding
Backyard Southern California wedding ceremony in Arroyo Grande
Backyard Southern California wedding ceremony in Arroyo Grande
Groom and groom kissing in backyard Southern California wedding ceremony
Groom and groom walking down the aisle after their Southern California backyard wedding
 

Josh and Lorenzo’s Arroyo Grande Wedding CELEBRATION

 Josh and Lorenzo chose simple yet elegant arrangements of white roses and eucalyptus to decorate their ceremony space and their reception tables. Their dinner reception was held under the trees on the backyard lawn, which created such a relaxed and naturally elevated space for all of their guests to gather, enjoy a meal, and share heartfelt toasts about the couple. There were so many personal touches that made this Southern Californian wedding celebration so extra special! During their ceremony, Josh and Lorenzo exchanged roses to start the tradition of bringing one another a rose any time they have an argument or disagreement. They also had a DIY ice cream sandwich truck for post-dinner dessert and it was a huge hit! 

During the dance party, which was held in the property’s gorgeous barn under magical strung lights, there was this moment I will never forget. I snapped a photo of Josh and Lorenzo dancing, looking so happy and in love, and the DJ made an announcement saying: "If you look to the center of the dance floor you will see exactly why we are all here!" It was a deeply meaningful moment because these two are just so perfect for one another and deserved the most beautiful celebration in the world. After dancing we had the most delightful sendoff for Josh and Lorenzo under the stars complete with sparklers and cheers, and all the well-wishes and positive energy any newlyweds could hope for! 


Josh and Lorenzo thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful Arroyo Grande wedding day! It was such a wonderful joy to get to experience your love and I’m so excited for all that is ahead for you both!

 
Groom and groom kissing in a sunlit backyard under trees at Southern California wedding
Groom and groom walking across bridge holding hands with greenery all around them
Grooms posing in sunlit wooded area in Southern California wedding
Close up of grooms hands with their wedding bands
Black and white photo of grooms sitting on a bridge in their wedding suits for Southern California wedding
 

If you’re hoping to plan your very own Southern California wedding please don’t hesitate to reach out! I would love to help make your wedding dreams a reality!

Arroyo Grande Wedding Vendors

Frankely Photography

Cake & Desserts: Slo Delicious and Batch

Menswear: Indochino

Jewelry/Ring/Accessories: Baxtermoerman

DJ & Music: Andy Morris Entertainment

Are you looking to plan your very own Arroyo Grande wedding? I’d love to be a part of it and photograph your day for you! Get in touch now to check availability and for more information. 

Did you love Josh and Lorenzo’s beautiful Southern California wedding? I’d love to read your reactions – just sound off in the comments below!  Or let them know in the comments below!