23Dec

Ultimate Skybox

By, December 23, 2017

Highlights of The Ultimate Skybox

Located high above the city on the top floor of East Village’s DiamondView Tower, the Ultimate Skybox (aka the Skybox at DiamondView Tower) is a stunning showcase for some of San Diego’s most breathtaking views. Overlooking Petco Park, the venue sits in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance to many of the area’s popular destinations. When planning your Ultimate Skybox wedding, we suggest reserving time for portraits during the wedding day. This way, we can take incorporate a blend of city and nature landscapes by visiting the Gaslamp District, or cross the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge for waterfront views of the San Diego Bay.

As the day transitions to night, guests can party late into the evening while admiring the venue’s mesmerizing 180-degree view of the glowing Downtown cityscape. The venue’s diverse range of unforgettable views, Metropolitan aesthetic, and proximity to the water make it a fun, unique location for any modern downtown wedding.

Night photo of bride and groom overlooking Petco Park and kissing
Known for its iconic view of Petco Park, the rooftop at the Ultimate Skybox is an intimate location that offers a wide variety of possibilities.
Bride and Groom on rooftop during sunset at the ultimate skybox
For a completely different look, we took Justine and Danny out during sunset to capture the beautiful city, and Point Loma in the distance.
Night portrait of bride and groom looking out over city during wedding reception
Facing north provides a view of the Skybox itself.
Solo portrait of bride and groom alone at the Ultimate Skybox
When photographing, we love utilizing the modern design of the Skybox and often look for ways to incorporate the building itself into images.
Black and white portrait of wedding couple with bridal party in lobby of ultimate skybox
Portrait of wedding couples outside lobby of ultimate skybox in downtown
The building's exterior also offers a dramatic option for photos. For the images above, we used the same location but created two completely different looks by switching focal lengths and shifting our angle.
Stylish black and white portrait of groomsmen walking in garage at the Ultimate Skybox in Downtown
Even on a rainy day, the Skybox has a number of locations to get creative with.
Aerial photo of Petco Park and Downtown San Diego
From the park, we like to head over to Petco Park on days without games. Within walking distance, the park provides lots of natural foliage as a contrast to the Downtown urban landscape in addition to an up close and personal view of Petco.
Bride and groom pretend to play baseball outside field at petco park
Bride and groom surrounded by flowers at Petco Park
Wedding couple pose with bridal party under brick opening at petco park
For a classic dose of San Diego culture, Petco Park is a great location for incorporating your love of the Padres and Downtown. The park within the park also includes a a mix of local restaurants and bars with a cross between modern and classic architecture.
Bride and Groom against wood wall at Petco park
From the park, the streets surrounding the Ultimate Skybox offer a diverse range of colorful backgrounds with a metropolitan feel.
Groom picks up and kisses bride in middle of street by dances in downtown san diego
Wedding couples with modern architecture in downtown san diego
Bride and groom sit laughing on balcony at bar
While walking, we always keep our eyes out for new locations to add a more candid, casual look to things.
Bride and groom embracing in front of grey wall with veil blowing in wind on wedding day
Portrait of bride and groom on their wedding day in downtown san diego
Wide angle photo of two brides embracing on bridge in downtown
Bride kissing groom outside wall at Luce Loft in Downtown San Diego
Individual photo of bride and groom alone on wedding day
With so much condensed into the area, Downtown provides an eclectic mix of classic and modern backdrops for different looks and styles.
Wedding couple with bridal party at sempra energy building
Wedding couple with their bridal party stand outside red doors at fire station in downtown
Bride and Groom kiss in carriage under gaslamp sign in downtown
Just around the corner from the Ultimate Skybox is the iconic Gaslamp Quarter sign and nearby Hilton Gaslamp.
Fun bridal party cheering at the Hilton
Wide angle photo of bride and groom kissing on bridge at hotel
Bride holds onto Groom in front of petco park at harbor street bridge
Wedding couple with bridal party under arches at the convention center
The nearby sculptures at the Convention Center also provide lots of open space and fun, natural props.
The Skybox's proximity to the water also makes it a great location for couples looking for a balance of city and waterfront views.
Bride and bridesmaid overlook balcony and cheer at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Exterior photo of wedding reception at the Ultimate Skybox
At night, the Skybox provides a completely different look with new colors and energy.
Night photo of bride and groom on balcony of Ultimate Skybox
Beyond the city lights, the rooftop's balcony features a fireplace which acts asu00a0a fun prop with multiple ways of photographing creatively.
Bride and Groom kiss under fireplace at the Ultimate Skybox
Stylized night portraits of wedding couple at Petco Park in San Diego
Night photo of Bride and Groom walking in rain with umbrella in downtown
Candid portrait of bride and groom with cotton candy
Bride and groom kiss on pedestrian bridge next to petco park
Environmental portrait of bride and groom kissing on stairs at modern library in downtown
same sex wedding couple hold hands and walk on grass at Petco Park
Stylized portrait of bride and groom kissing by blue door in downtown
Outdoor roof ceremony at the Ultimate Skybox

The Ultimate Skybox Wedding Photography

As preferred photographers of The Ultimate Skybox, 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 Ultimate Skybox wedding photos.

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.

22Nov

Emily and David | Loews Coronado + The Ultimate Skybox Wedding

By, November 22, 2017

Emily and David recently held their wedding at the waterfront Loews Coronado Bay Resort, and celebrated their reception at the Ultimate Skybox. These two locations, and their surroundings, provided a gorgeous variety of contrasting backdrops. We had lots to work with! Enjoy a selection of highlights from this fun Downtown San Diego wedding.

Bride and groom in downtown San Diego
We are always looking for anything out-of-the-ordinary to add a special touch to your photos.
Bride and maid of honor in front of mirror
We love finding unique backgrounds for our brides. In this photo, Emily and her maid-of-honor are seen through a reflection.
Portrait of bride sitting
Cute socks for the groom
Bride portrait and candid of kids at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Candid of kids holding hands
Bride and groom at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bride and groom at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bride and groom at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bride and groom at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bride and groom at the skybox
Bride and groom kissing
Bride and groom at Ultimate Skybox

Take a look at more photos of Emily & David’s downtown wedding!

Venue: Ultimate Skybox
Coordinator: Creative Affairs, Inc.
Wedding Dress: Brides by Demetrios
Dresses: David’s Bridal
Cake: Eat Your Cake Too
Caterer: Personal Touch Dining

San Diego Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography San Diego

For over twenty years, True Photography has set the standard among San Diego wedding photographers for innovative, stylish, and timeless imagery. As well, when you are seeking a San Diego corporate event photographer, True Photography leads the way with creative and powerful event photography. Each photographer is hand selected for their creativity, technical knowledge, and charismatic personality. We invite you to view each portfolio, and select the photographer who will best capture your vision for your big event. Your San Diego Wedding Photographer – your San Diego Event Photographer – True Photography. Whether it’s San Diego Wedding Photography or San Diego headshots, or San Diego Events, True Photography will deliver. Check availability: [email protected]

© 2009-2022 True Photography. All rights reserved.