Andy Bowlin
Hi, I’m Andy—the photographer behind Burlap & Oak. I believe every wedding day is more than a timeline of events; it’s a collection of fleeting moments that deserve to be remembered with honesty, warmth, and beauty. My approach is rooted in storytelling—capturing the laughter, tears, and quiet glances that often go unnoticed but truly define your day.
Photography has always been my way of slowing down time. Weddings in particular inspire me because they bring together love, family, and tradition in such a unique way. Whether it’s golden light spilling across a vineyard in Paso Robles, vows exchanged under an oak tree in San Luis Obispo, or a rustic barn celebration in Arroyo Grande, I’m passionate about documenting each celebration with a mix of artistry and authenticity.
Couples often tell me they feel comfortable and at ease in front of my camera—and that’s one of the greatest compliments I can receive. I know how important it is to trust the person capturing your most personal memories. From our first consultation to the moment I deliver your gallery, my goal is to create a seamless, enjoyable experience that leaves you with timeless photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
If my work resonates with you, I’d love the honor of telling your story. Let’s create images that feel true to who you are and preserve the joy of your wedding day for generations to come.
Skills
Lightroom / Natural Light / Off Camera Flash / Photojournalism / Photoshop
FAQs
What inspired you to become a wedding photographer?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the power of photography—the way a single image can pause time and hold onto a fleeting moment forever. Life moves quickly, but photographs allow us to return to the laughter, emotions, and details that might otherwise fade. That simple ability to freeze time is what first pulled me behind the camera and continues to inspire me today.
Weddings, in particular, felt like a natural path for me. They are one of the rare days in life when all the people who matter most come together in celebration. The hugs, the tears, the dance floor joy—it all happens in the blink of an eye. I became a wedding photographer because I wanted to give couples a way to relive those moments years down the road, to feel the same emotions all over again just by opening an album or scrolling through a gallery.
For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about storytelling and legacy. Your wedding photos become a piece of your family history, something you’ll share with future generations. That responsibility is what excites me every time I pick up my camera, and it’s the reason I pour my heart into every wedding I document
How would you describe your photography style?
I’d describe my photography style as true-to-life with a creative edge. I’m drawn to exposing for the entire scene—not just the couple, but everything around them. I want your photos to reflect the beauty of the moment exactly as the eye experiences it. That often means making sure the sky, the landscape, and the details are all balanced within the frame.
Sometimes, to achieve this, I’ll bring in off-camera flash. It allows me to keep the rich colors of a sunset, the depth of a vineyard, or the drama of a stormy sky while still keeping you beautifully lit. I love the challenge of using light in a way that preserves the entire scene, creating images that feel larger than life and yet deeply authentic.
Photography, to me, isn’t just about documenting what happened—it’s about showing you the world in a way you may not have noticed in the moment. By carefully balancing natural light with artificial light when needed, I can capture images that are both true to the day and sometimes even more vivid than what the naked eye could see. The result is a gallery of photographs that feel timeless, immersive, and unforgettable.
What is your favorite part of the wedding day and why?
My favorite part of a wedding day isn’t just one moment—it’s the collection of emotions that unfold from start to finish. It’s the nervous laughter as you get ready, the happy tears during vows, the proud smiles from parents, and the little loving looks you give each other when you think no one else is watching.
For me, it’s all about the facial expressions and emotional moments that tell the real story of the day. The way a bride’s hands shake just slightly as she buttons her dress, the way a groom’s eyes well up when he sees his partner walking down the aisle, the joy on grandparents’ faces as they watch generations come together. Those are the kinds of moments that make me tear up behind the lens—because they’re raw, genuine, and so beautifully human.
These fleeting expressions are what I live to capture. Flowers fade and the cake gets eaten, but the look on your faces and the emotions you shared will stay frozen in your photographs forever. That’s what makes each wedding so meaningful to me—it’s not just about documenting an event, but about preserving the little pieces of love that make your story unique.