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11Dec

The Westgate Hotel

By True Photography, December 11, 2017 Venue Guide

Highlights of the Westgate Hotel

This luxury hotel is a tribute to the anteroom in the Palace of Versailles. The Grand Lobby is noted for its magnificent antiques, crystal chandeliers, and Persian carpets. The hotel is located right in the heart of San Diego, and has plenty to offer in terms of wedding photography, as you will see below.

Both the lobby and the mezzanine level of the hotel are ornately decorated, and joined by a fancy winding staircase. They are the perfect setting for fairytale-like wedding photos. There is an abundance of natural light coming through the elegantly draped windows, and plenty of classic furniture to use as props.

The lobby and the mezzanine level of the hotel are the perfect setting for fairytale-like wedding photos. Both floors are ornately decorated and joined by a fancy winding staircase. There is tons of natural light coming through the elegantly draped windows and plenty of classic furniture to use a props.

Outside the front entrance there is a beautifully lit open space with tropical plants and flowers. The exterior walls of the hotel also provide an interesting background for some photos.

Right next to the lobby and adjacent to the grand staircase is this beautiful hidden gem (below). It serves as a hospitality room for the hotel guests but also the ideal spot for few colorful portraits on your wedding day.

As you can imagine the ceremony and reception spaces in the hotel are equally elaborate.

The 3rd floor of the hotel also has a lot to offer, including nice views of downtown San Diego. There is a large open outdoor space with beautiful plants and fountains that can be ideal for an outdoor wedding.

Wedding at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego

It also great to venture out onto the streets surounding the Hotel. Just a stone throw away are many great urban photo opportunities like the trolley tracks and the spreckles theater to name a few. Also, kitty corner to the Westgate is is the newly invigorated Horton Plaza Park which also has some unforgettable photo locales!

The Sunday brunch at the Westgate is one of the most popular brunches in San Diego & many couples have time their weeding around the brunch!!

Westgate Hotel Wedding Photography

We photograph weddings at The Westgate Hotel frequently :) If you are considering a wedding at this venue, we are happy to talk over specific photography questions. We also suggest checking out more of our Westgate Hotel wedding photos.

30Nov

Let’s have a party, we’ll all dance the Hora!

By True Photography, November 30, 2017 Weddings

The Hora is a customary Jewish wedding celebration dance. Once the song Hava-Nagila starts playing, guests instinctively rush to the dance floor, and hold hands to form a circle around the bride and groom. The crowd then lifts the newly married couple up in chairs, to honor and celebrate their union. It is a fun and cardio-centric tradition that will get you off your feet, and get your heart rate up!

The tradition of the Hora started long ago, during the time of arranged marriages. The purpose was to bring the community together in celebration, and put the (presumably nervous) young couple at ease. These days, the Hora remains a highlight of Jewish weddings, and remains a way to honor a Jewish heritage.

As wedding photographers, when we capture the energy and the joy of this moment, we make sure to place ourselves at the perfect perspective. Whether we’re unobtrusively in the middle of the action, or shooting from the sidelines, we make sure to capture the energy and excitement of the moment. Check out the fun photos we’ve captured of some real life “Hora Stories” :)

Family and friends fill the dance floor for the hora

Bride and grooms looks on to their guest for the hora

Groom is lifted by family and friends for the hora

Guest surround bride and groom for the hora

Groom barely holds on as he's lifted for the hora

Bride and groom enjoying the hora at their wedding

Bride and groom celebrate traditional hora

28Nov

1940’s Inspired Engagement | Emily and Rafael

By True Photography, November 28, 2017 Engagements

Emily and Rafael are originally from San Diego, but currently live in North Carolina. Since Rafael is a commercial pilot, the couple flew to San Diego for a special engagement session. The shoot was held in Air Group One’s Hangar and WWII Museum in El Cajon, CA.

Emily and Rafael’s 1940’s attire, hair, and makeup made the photos feel like a step back in time. Also, the suitcases (pictured below) were gifted to Emily’s grandmother on her own wedding day… 60 years ago! Check out the amazing photos from this fun and glamorous engagement photo shoot :)