I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this one because this day was SOOO GOOD. Like… the kind of wedding day where every little detail felt intentional, the light was showing OFF, the dance floor was a whole event, and Sara and Taylor somehow made an already gorgeous venue feel completely like them.
If you’re looking for Leo Carrillo Ranch wedding inspo, consider this your sign to stop scrolling Pinterest for a second and just look at what Sara and Taylor did!! Dark and moody florals, draping in lieu of traditional linen and an ICONIC outfit change
Their summer wedding at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad was the perfect mix of California sunshine, historic Spanish architecture, lush cactus gardens, and one very fun party. And as a San Diego wedding photographer, I am VERYYY here for it.
Keep reading for all the Leo Carrillo Ranch wedding inspo, summer wedding ideas, photo tips, and details from Sara and Taylor’s beautiful day!!
Everything to Love About a Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding
Okay, first things first: Leo Carrillo Ranch is such a gem.
Located in Carlsbad, California, this historic ranch feels completely different from your typical Southern California wedding venue. Instead of a ballroom or modern hotel, you get historic adobe buildings, stone details, mature trees, colorful bougainvillea, cactus, palms, and those iconic peacocks wandering around the property. Basically… it feels like a little piece of old California tucked away in Carlsbad. The property is a 27-acre historic park with preserved ranch buildings and beautiful landscaping. It’s one of those venues where you could photograph an entire wedding day without ever feeling like you’re repeating the same backdrop.
It’s quite literally a photographer’s playground!!
Summer Wedding Inspiration at Leo Carrillo Ranch
Okay, let’s talk about a SUMMER!!! Because if there is one thing I will always love, it’s a summer wedding with warm California light. And Leo Carrillo Ranch + summer??? YES. YES A MILLION TIMES.
The combination of historic adobe, colorful landscaping, palm trees, cactus, and warm evening light is basically made for summer wedding photos. For Sara and Taylor, the summer setting gave the entire day this effortless California vibe. Nothing felt overly formal or stuffy. It truly felt warm, joyful, romantic, and FUN!
And that’s what I want more couples to remember when they’re planning their wedding:
Your wedding doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s.
If you love a venue with historic character, lean into it!
If you love color, USE IT. Seriously… MORE COLOR PLEASE.
If you want your reception to feel like one giant dinner party with your favorite people, design it that way!
And if you want your wedding photos to feel like you actually had the best day ever instead of spending twelve hours posing for pictures… we can absolutely do that too <3
Why Golden Hour at Leo Carrillo Ranch Is Everything
There is something about California summer light that just hits differently.
And when you combine golden-hour light with the backdrops at Leo Carrillo Ranch??? OBSESSED!!
Don’t believe me? Sara + Taylor’s photos speak for themselves (have you been gushing over them like I have?!) You can see more on my GALLERIES page!
Leo Carrillo Ranch Wedding Photography
If you’re planning a Leo Carrillo Ranch wedding and you’re looking for a photographer who wants to capture more than just pretty pictures, you’ve come to the right place. HIIIII (run and inquire with me HERE!!)!
I genuinely want your gallery to feel like exactly how your wedding day felt.
Romantic when it was romantic.
Emotional when it was emotional.
A little chaotic when it was chaotic.
And REALLLLLLY fun when the dance floor gets going (you might even catch me on your dance floor dropping it low alongside your guests LOL)!!
I love beautiful and well executed details, but I care even more about the people experiencing them :’)
That’s why I approach wedding photography with a mix of editorial portraits and documentary moments. We’ll absolutely make time for those gorgeous photos of the two of you, but I’m also going to be watching for everything happening around you <3
Because those are the photographs you’re going to want to look back on in 20, 30, 40+ years.
