15Dec

U.S. Grant

By, December 15, 2017

Highlights of the U.S. Grant

The U.S. Grant is a San Diego icon that ties together the aesthetics of past and future. A national landmark located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel was built in 1910 by the son of Ulysses S. Grant. The venue’s architecture possesses a Gatsby-esque, Art Deco-style rejuvenated with a modern charm. For weddings, the U.S. Grant offers many options, with couples being able to tie the knot in the venue’s most requested ceremony venue, the Crystal Ballroom. From there, the reception is often held in the Bivouac Ballroom, a known speakeasy during the time of Prohibition.

The building’s interior also exudes a larger-than-life presence with its luxurious crystal chandeliers, empire-style furnishings and regal marble floors decorating the property throughout. With its ornate architecture and bold facade, the US Grant building offers a number of different backgrounds for a classic look.

Bridal party throwing confetti while bride and groom kiss
Solo portrait of bride and groom before wedding ceremony
During Kamisha and Cecil's wedding day (above left) we used the iconic corner of the building to feature the hotel's sign. Framed in between the signs and the lamp posts, we loved the symmetry at play for a fun, stylized portraitu00a0of this duo.
Bride and Groom portraits outside the US Grant Hotel
Bride and groom sit on lounge furniture during wedding reception
Bride and Groom walk across city street in Downtown San Diego
Funny portrait of groom jumping while bride looks on and laughs
Candid portrait of wedding couples walking down streets of Downtown San Diego
Bride and Groom drinking champagne at bar in Downtown San Diego
Bride and Groom lie on checkered tile and smile at one another
Bride putting on shoe before wedding ceremony
Bride looking out over balcony while getting ready for wedding ceremony
Groom and groomsmen sit in modern furniture at US Grant
Wedding couple and bridal party jump in middle of Downtown street
Bride poses for stylish portrait with bridesmaids at the US Grant
Wedding Ceremony at the Crystal Ballroom in the US Grant
Bride and Groom portraits in Downtown San Diego
bride and groom embracing on balcony overlooking US Grant Hotel
Candid portrait of bride and groom laughing by stairway
Bride and groom hold hands and kiss in front of water fountain outside the US Grant Hotel
Groomsmen standing outside the US Grant Hotel in Downtown San Diego
Wedding couple with Bridal party at the US Grant Hotel
Groom with groomsmen in front of brick wall in downtown San Diego
bride with bridesmaids in downtown san diego california
bride and bridesmaids sitting after getting ready for ceremony
Dramatic, back-lit portrait of bride and groom at the us grant
Noticing an empty boardroom near the ceremony site, we wanted to take advantage of the US Grant's interior architecture on Janna and Nika's wedding day. To separate the couple from the dark walls and create a pop of contrast, we placed a light placed behind them and pointed it upwards to illuminate the rest of the room.
Bride and Groom embrace under luxurious chandelier at US Grant
Groom sits with groomsmen at the US Grant
Bride and Groom kiss on streets of Downtown San Diego
Wedding couple and Bridal Party outside the US grant
Wedding Couple's first look at the us grant
Colorful wedding reception at the US Grant
Bride and Groom kiss under gaslamp sign
creative, slow-shutter portrait of bride and groom kissing
Outside, the Downtown area has plenty to offer those wanting au00a0more complete metropolitan look to their day.
Bride and Groom kiss in water fountain at Horton Plaza
Adjacent to the US Grant sits Horton Plaza which offers a number of fun, playful backgrounds to offset the urban appeal of Downtown. On Bethlene and Brent's wedding day, we placed the couple at the center of the plaza'su00a0water park and framed our composition to give the illusion of water falling all around them for an artistic portrait.
Night portrait of bride and groom kissing outside us grant hotel
Creative night portrait of bride and groom outside US Grant in Downtown
Stylized night portrait of bride and groom at US Grant
Once the sun sets,u00a0the streets areu00a0transformed into a display of neon as the lights illuminate the cityscape. During this time, the U.S. Grant takes on a completely unique look thanu00a0the daytime with its artistic display of color on the building's facade at night.

U.S. Grant Wedding Photography

The U.S. Grant is a great option for those seeking a classic yet urban feel with a dose of luxury. As preferred photographers of the U.S. Grant, we photograph weddings here 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 U.S. Grant wedding photos.

29Jan

Swanky 1920’s-Inspired Wedding at The Prado

By, January 29, 2015

The Roaring Twenties was an era bursting with Art Deco style, extravagant couture, and lush ornamentation. Rosalyn and Adam felt like these characteristics would be just perfect for their wedding – and they were so right!  Who wouldn’t want to attend a special celebration full of 1920s glitz and glamour?  To make their vision a reality, they called on the help of Francine Ribeau Events and Isari Flower Studio. Throughout the wedding, guests were transported back to this magical era, like a page out of The Great Gatsby. Check out the photos we captured below, and witness the transformation :)

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The Grand Reveal

Rosalyn and Adam chose to do their first look prior to the ceremony.  Doesn’t she look stunning with her 1920’s finger wave hairstyle and intricate, beaded gown? He thought so too! ;) We loved photographing this moment!

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The Ceremony

The young and adoring couple exchanged their vows at The Immaculata, an ornate church situated on the USD Campus.

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The Party

The reception took place at The Prado, which boasts high ceilings, ornate lighting fixtures, and a grandiose stage. As soon as guests stepped foot in the ballroom, they were greeted by the sights and sounds of the 1920’s. The chairs and chargers were ornamented with gold, as was the art-deco cake. Fresh blooms were in abundance, in classical arrangements. There was even a soundtrack to match, because Rosalyn and Adam had hired The Heroes to entertain in big-band style.

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Guests from young to old had a blast, and even jumped on stage to sing and dance the night away!

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See more of Rosalyn & Adam’s Wedding!

21Aug

Spotlight on Isari Flower Studio + Event Design | Real Wedding at Hotel Del Coronado

By, August 21, 2013

The Hotel Del Coronado is notable for many reasons, including its combination of casual beachfront, lush exterior, and formal ballroom. So when Jennifer and Trent decided on a tropical and elegant look for their wedding, the Hotel Del was a perfect choice. To help bring their vision to life, the couple called upon Isari Flower Studio to create beautiful floral arrangements. Isari’s breathtaking floral design not only complemented the historic beauty of the Hotel Del, but also spotlighted the bride’s favorite color – purple!

Once the purple theme was established, orchids quickly became a go-to flower. Isari incorporated different varieties of orchids, with hues ranging from vibrant magenta to deep plum. For example, the bride’s bouquet was comprised of royal purple vanda orchids and eggplant-toned picasso calla lillies.

JenTrent1

For the beachside ceremony, set against the Pacific Ocean, Isari Flower Studio helped to create a dreamy atmosphere. To mark the beginning of the aisle, Isari placed two tall statement pieces in elegant pillars at the back of the reception area. These tall bouquets overflowed with vanda and mokara orchids, as well as periwinkle and grape-hued hydrangeas. The petal-covered aisle directed guests to an arbor, with ferns set at the base for a lush, overgrown beach look. The arbor flowed with white sheer fabric, and featured dangling glass orbs, each holding a single bloom.

CeremonyPicFloralArrangementJenTrent2up

Because Jennifer’s dress was sheer and flowy in design, it also contributed to the beach vibe, as did her as fuchsia vanda orchid hair piece. To add a hint of elegance, Jennifer wore her hair in a formal up-do. Bridesmaids were dressed in long, eggplant-toned dresses with rhinestone emblems at the waist, and the men sported a classic look in their black and white tuxes. This bridal party was dressed to the nines, and had a blast letting loose on the beach!

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Isari Flower Studio brought the tropical flair indoors too. As guests entered Hotel Del’s classical ballroom, they were treated to vibrant orchid arrangements in stunning mercury glass and crystal vases, as well as floating orchid centerpieces.

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As the night was ending, and the live jazz band was wrapping up, guests filtered into an 80s karaoke after-party room decked out with gold tinsel curtains. And to complete the party vibe, there were neon sunglasses for all! Between the beautifully distinctive florals, the charm of the Hotel Del, and the glamorous bridal couple, this wedding was the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication and fun!

AfterParty

To see more photos from this wedding, check out Jennifer and Trent’s gallery.

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