Caroline + Paul | Flying Caballos Ranch Wedding in San Luis Obispo, CA
It’s hard to describe how much I love destination weddings, and even harder to explain the magic of photographing one alongside people who truly get you. When you find someone you click with—whether it’s a fellow photographer, a couple, or a breathtaking venue—you have to jump on the chance to make magic together. And if that means traveling over 1,000 miles to capture a Flying Caballos Ranch wedding? You bet I’m there in a heartbeat.
The Road to Flying Caballos Ranch
Back in August 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a wedding at Flying Caballos Ranch in San Luis Obispo alongside the award-winning wedding photographer Mark Tioxon of LeahandMark.com. We’d worked together remotely before, but this was our first time meeting in person. After an early morning flight, I landed in LAX, where we grabbed our rental car and prepared for what we thought would be a quick drive north.
Spoiler alert: LA traffic had other plans.
That “short jaunt” turned into a 6+ hour road trip, complete with an essential In-N-Out Burger stop, deep conversations about photography, and the unfortunate discovery that my air guitar skills are seriously lacking. But the moment we arrived at Flying Caballos Ranch, all those travel hiccups melted away.
Flying Caballos Ranch: A Hidden Gem in San Luis Obispo
Tucked into the rolling hills of Edna Valley Wine Country, Flying Caballos Ranch is an absolute dream for a wedding. Originally built in 1905, the bright yellow farmhouse welcomes you with vintage charm, while the sprawling property unfolds into a scene straight out of a romance novel. With panoramic views of vineyards, golden hills, and open sky, it’s the perfect blend of rustic elegance and laid-back California vibes.
One of the standout features of Flying Caballos Ranch is its versatile event space. Caroline and Paul, the adventurous couple we were photographing, chose to say their vows in the picturesque backyard, where the ceremony site offers an unmatched view of the valley. The golden hour light here? Absolutely unreal.
After the ceremony, guests were treated to an outdoor reception filled with personal touches that celebrated the couple’s love for travel. Each table was named after one of their favorite destinations, and the food spread included an array of local cheeses, fresh pomegranates, and gourmet bites—a nod to the rich agricultural bounty of the region.
A Night to Remember
As the sun dipped below the hills, the party kicked into full swing. From the designer wedding gown that caught the light in all the right ways to the glowing string lights that made the dance floor feel downright magical, this wedding was equal parts glamorous and effortlessly cool.
And let’s talk about that sparkler “exit”. Instead of lining up all the guests, Caroline and Paul chose to have everyone gather in a circle on the dance floor. Keeping an eye on my hair, I dodged sparklers as everyone danced in an “exit” that made time stand still. That’s the kind of cinematic moment that makes Flying Caballos Ranch weddings unforgettable.
Oh, and just when we thought the night was winding down? Rumor had it there was a late-night pizza delivery on the way. Honestly, I think every wedding should end with pizza.
Why I’d Photograph a Flying Caballos Ranch Wedding Again in a Heartbeat
There’s something about Flying Caballos Ranch that makes it more than just a wedding venue—it’s an experience. The mix of historic charm, wine country beauty, and relaxed luxury makes it an ideal destination for couples looking to celebrate in a way that feels uniquely them. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a lively reception under the stars, this venue delivers in every way possible.
And if you’re planning a Flying Caballos Ranch wedding and looking for a photographer who’s just as obsessed with golden-hour light and storytelling as you are—let’s chat. I’d love to capture your day in this breathtaking place!
Be sure to check out my other Southern California Wedding featured on the blog.
