elegant Archives -

23Mar

Super Bowl Sunday Brunch Wedding | Westgate Hotel | Jessica and Nima

By True Photography, March 23, 2016 Weddings

Although Jessica and Nima live in Arizona, they held their Super Bowl Sunday wedding in San Diego, at the Westgate Hotel. They exchanged vows on the roof deck of the hotel, in front of an intimate group of family and friends. It was a beautiful morning, with a sweeping view of downtown San Diego, and plenty of gorgeous California sunshine. There was definitely “game day” excitement in the air :)

While photographing, we took advantage of the huge windows at the Westgate. This gave us plenty of gorgeous, natural light, and enabled us to highlight Jessica and Nima’s stylish attire.

Because this couple had traveled from out of state, we felt it was especially important to incorporate as much of the city as possible. To capture the amazing architecture surrounding the Westgate Hotel’s deck, where Jessica and Nima exchanged vows, we employed a wide-angle lens.

By using off-camera flash, we were able to create dynamic, high key portraits, like the one below. This helped to mix up the style and mood of the day’s photography. We reserved this specific technique for the more elaborate areas of the hotel, in order to match the Westgate’s ornate décor.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to an incredible brunch buffet by the Westgate.

The dining selections included a fresh sushi bar, a white chocolate fountain, and custom crepe and omelet stations.

All in all, this wedding was a total touchdown. For more of Jessica and Nima’s “Super” Sunday wedding, please click here.

07Mar

Wedding Professionals Event | Cal-a-Vie Health Spa & Vista Valley Country Club

By True Photography, March 07, 2016 Events

Recently, we were excited to photograph a two-part event for our friends in the industry, including wedding coordinators and event professionals. The first part of this beautiful event was put together by top San Diego wedding coordinator Lisa Lippe, of Details Defined. The event took place at two stunning venues in Vista, California, kicking off at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. This breathtaking property, nestled on two hundred private acres among rolling hills and vineyards, served as the ideal location for the day’s activities.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the sight of a charming windmill and a gorgeous rustic chapel. The 400-year-old chapel is a luxurious and romantic place for private ceremonies, and is a highlight of Cal-a-Vie. For this event, the little chapel’s aisle was lined with ferns, eucalyptus and other greens designed by Blush Botanicals, and accented with candles throughout.

As guests made their way to the grand entrance, they were presented with refreshing cherry-apple spritzers. Once inside, the cozy group of partygoers chatted and enjoyed the winter sunshine on the lawn. Attendees also relaxed in the living room area, with its antique décor and cozy fireplace.

The group soon moved along into the L’Orangerie reception venue, and were awed by an elegant banquet table designed by Blush Botanicals. The table was decked out in a rustic natural palette, consisting of brass vases, candles, calming purples, blushing nudes and green plants. The adjacent fireplace, adorned with lush greenery and candles, was the perfect finishing touch to this breathtaking setting.

With a little downtime, guests enjoyed delicious appetizers, and lounged on chic tufted outdoor furniture. We couldn’t resist the amazing treats and cakes provided by Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., among them a marble fondant icing that looked too good to eat.

Later in the day, we headed over to Vista Valley Country Club, a members-only club and golf retreat adjacent to Cal-A-Vie. Afternoon activities were impressively coordinated by Always Flawless Productions and included a mock wedding ceremony and reception. Table details incorporated colorful florals and linens by Sweet Ribbon Events, and elegant plates, glasses and candle holders by Allie’s Party Equipment Rental.

Later, a golf cart took party-goers down to the ceremony site, where the venue’s giant gate doors were decorated with flowers. The site’s understated and dreamy presentation included overhead market lights, chandeliers, canvas painting by ArtLive, and music by Mike Officer.

The event was a wonderful time for everyone in attendance. It was a pleasure for True Photography to be a part of this special day :)

Cal-a-Vie Event Vendors

Venue: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Coordinator: Details Defined
Photographer: True Photography
Florals: Blush Botanicals
Bakery: Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.

Vista Valley Country Club Event Vendors

Venue: Vista Valley Country Club
Coordinator: Always Flawless Productions
Photographer: True Photography
Floral / Linens: Sweet Ribbon Events
Ceremony Lighting: D Lighting
Ceremony Musician: Mike Officer
DJ: Movin Tunes
Rentals: Allie’s Party Equipment Rental
Photo Booth: The Foto Box
Canvas Painting: ArtLive
Caricatures: Caricatures by Dave
Lodging: Welk Resorts

To see recent weddings we have photographed at Vista Valley Country Club, please click here.
For Cal-a-Vie weddings, including the wedding of our own CEO Aaron Feldman, please click here.

12Feb

Distinct Bridal Gowns – Inspiration Gallery

By True Photography, February 12, 2015 Be Inspired, Dresses, Trends

When it comes to choosing the right dress for your big day there are a myriad of options. Below, we present inspiration from brides that went against the grain and rocked it in their own style. Enjoy our selection of unique wedding dresses from recent weddings we’ve photographed!