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.

17May

Rancho Guajome Ranch | Leticia and Anthony

By, May 17, 2016

Leticia and Anthony tied the knot at the historic Rancho Guajome Adobe, located in Vista, California. Built in 1852, and situated within the Guajome County Park, this beautiful 2,219-acre landmark features rustic wood wagons, old barns, and a stunning Victorian garden. With its range of architectural styles, and proximity to nature, the Ranch made for a fun and idyllic wedding venue.

Bride and Groom kiss under Spanish-style Arch with flowers in background

The site’s most prominent feature, a 20-room Spanish Colonial style hacienda, lies at the property’s center. It is decorated with vibrant green doors, arcaded verandas, and a lush garden courtyard.

Spanish bride portrait with hanging sleeved wedding dress and rustic bouquet Close up of Groom's bow tie, boutonniere and pocket square Leticia’s beautiful bouquet (see below), designed by San Diego Bay Flower Company, was comprised of a wide range of flowers, including astrantia, succulents, hypericum berries, and sweet alyssum. These textured florals created a unique and stunning presentation, and paired nicely with the area’s desert vegetation.

Bride solo portrait with colorful rustic bouquet in front of green doors Groomsmen portraits with jackets off at rustic, spanish-style barn The property, originally a cattle ranch, is now maintained as a museum, with many authentic artifacts from the late 1800’s. When we noticed this wind-beaten barn, and its textured tin roof, we had Anthony and his best man hop in front, resulting in this Wild West throwback photo (above).

Wedding Couple hold hands during Veranda ceremony Bride and Father walk down aisle during outdoor rustic wedding in Vista By having two photographers, we were able to shoot from multiple vantage points at the same time. For example, as Leticia came down the aisle, we were able to capture her candid expression of joy (above).

Bride and Groom wedding portraits in garden courtyard of historical spanish-style house Black and white photo of Groom Kissing Bride Solo photos of Bride and Groom during rustic wedding at spanish-style ranch

With over 220 acres of land to roam, we made sure to arrive early, as we do at every wedding. That way, we were able to get a head start for the day, and make our game plan. For example, we scheduled our timing to take advantage of the beautiful golden light, resulting in photos like the one below.

Romantic Wedding Couple Portraits at Spanish-style ranch wedding venue Creative Couple's Rings Photo on green and pink cactus

For a bold splash of color, we placed Leticia and Anthony’s wedding rings across a blooming Prickly Pear Cactus (above).

Outdoor wedding reception with trees and trellis' in Victorian Garden Bride and Groom's First Dance in Victorian Garden at Spanish-style venue during outdoor rustic wedding reception Rustic Wedding Reception in Victorian Garden in Vista, CA After the vow exchange at the West Veranda, guests relaxed and enjoyed the reception at the elegant Victorian garden. Nestled under massive tipu and pepper trees, the garden was a picturesque location for an afternoon of celebrating.

Rustic-inspired wedding cake during wedding at Spanish-style venue Wedding guests have fun dancing under tent at outdoor wedding reception Cute kids climbing trees and playing with grandma during outdoor wedding reception in Victorian Garden

We had lots of fun photographing the guests, and even rounded up the couple’s 90-year-old grandmas for an hilarious group portrait (below).

Older guests have fun with creative photobooth props at wedding reception Wedding Couple with fun photobooth props and walking through grassy field during sunset at wedding reception at spanish-style ranch Black and White photo of Bride and Groom standing in grassy field on wedding dayBride and Groom portraits with golden natural light at spanish-style ranch As the day turned to dusk, we were able to sneak the couple away for one final set of romantic sunset photos. We had saved this location for last, knowing the golden hour light would be at its best. With a wide angle lens, we were able to incorporate the vast environment surrounding the couple, and preserve this quiet and intimate moment.

Bride and Groom wedding portraits standing in grassy field with natural light

Check out more images from Leticia and Anthony’s Rancho Guajome Adobe wedding.

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