Vibrant Calamigos Ranch Wedding – A Celebration of Love & Joy

Written By Kari Tello

There’s something truly magical about a wedding day where joy radiates from every moment, every interaction, and every detail. Sawyer and Jack’s stunning Calamigos Ranch wedding was exactly that—a full-blown celebration of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From Sawyer’s extra stylish, “fashionably late” rehearsal dinner entrance to her dazzling wardrobe change that set the dance floor on fire, this wedding was a testament to living and loving boldly.

A Wedding Day Overflowing with Personality

Sawyer, with her infectious energy and effortless charm, made sure that every aspect of the day reflected her and Jack’s vibrant love story. They didn’t just host a wedding; they curated an experience—one that honored their journey while making their family, friends, and vendors feel like a cherished part of it all.

Held at the breathtaking Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA, their ceremony seamlessly blended elegance with laid-back California charm. Sunlight filtered through the towering oaks as they exchanged vows, and every candid moment—from quiet whispers to joyous laughter—was captured on both film and digital photography. The magic of this day wasn’t just in the planned moments but in the organic, unscripted ones.

The Power of an Expert Vendor Team

Executing a seamless, high-energy, nine-hour wedding requires more than just vision—it demands an all-star vendor team. From the stunning floral designs by Shindig Chic to the expert coordination of Feathered Arrow Studio, every detail was thoughtfully brought to life. Oil & Wine Films documented the day in motion, while Our Digital Diaries ensured not a single behind-the-scenes moment went unnoticed. And let’s not forget the Lucky Devils Band, who kept the energy sky-high all night long.

A special note about teamwork: Having a second shooter was key to capturing every fleeting emotion, every intricate detail, and the sheer energy of the night. With a celebration this dynamic, an additional perspective ensured no moment was left behind. If you’re planning a wedding with a bold vision, investing in an experienced, collaborative vendor team isn’t just important—it’s essential.

A Night to Remember

As the evening unfolded, Sawyer made her grand transformation into a sparkling flapper-style dress, embodying the full spirit of the roaring celebration that was their reception. The dance floor became a place of pure joy—laughter, love, and electric energy swirling around. It wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about preserving the feeling of the night, the essence of their love, and the unfiltered happiness shared by everyone in attendance.

The Heart of It All

Sawyer & Jack’s wedding was a testament to what happens when you embrace the moment, trust your vendors, and throw yourselves fully into the experience. In Sawyer’s own words:

“Not quite sure where to begin. But I will try! As a past bride let me tell you that choosing a wedding photographer...your wedding photographer. THE wedding photographer is THE most important decision you will make on your wedding day (besides saying yes!). Simply because you are entrusting this person to capture this magical once in a lifetime day and be there with you guys every moment of the weekend and let me also tell you that you simply must choose Kari. Kari is all things magic. She is unbelievably talented, her vision is unmatched and her artistic eye is the most keen unique and wonderful thing. She just gets it. Kari and her team somehow captured every millisecond of our day without it feeling forced, staged, posed or intrusive. The photos and editing are natural, beautiful and so real with a touch of her artistic eye. She was such an intricate part of our weekend and you can tell from the photos how natural and at ease every person at our wedding felt. She has the most amazing personality! She is joy incarnated and FUN. She brings a calm soothing energy when needed or she can get down on the dance floor and be there with you jumping and scream singing. Choosing Kari was the best thing we could have done....these photos we will truly cherish forever. They are the best wedding gift we could have ever gotten ourselves!”


Sawyer & Jack booked Wedding Package 2 - Which includes full coverage of ‘the night before’ festivities + full wedding day coverage, all on film & digital, including a 2nd shooter! Head over to the info page to get a sneak peek of the wedding packages I offer, or inquire below to pop into my inbox & get the full Wedding Welcome Brochure!

Final Thoughts - For couples planning their wedding, Sawyer & Jack’s celebration is a shining example of how a relaxed, documentary-style approach to photography allows for the most genuine and joyful moments to shine through. With the right vendor team, a clear vision, and a spirit of celebration, your wedding can be both beautifully intentional and wildly fun.

If you’re dreaming of a candid, Southern California wedding that tells your love story in the most authentic way, let’s chat! Your best day deserves to be captured with the same love and energy you put into it.

Vendor Team That Made It Happen:

See the full gallery here: Sawyer & Jack’s Wedding

Kari Tello
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