25Mar

Hotel Del Coronado

By, March 25, 2023

At True Photography, we’ve had the pleasure of capturing many weddings at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. We understand that choosing a wedding venue can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together this post to highlight the reasons why Hotel Del Coronado should be at the top of your list.

Hotel Del Coronado

Location:

Firstly, located on the picturesque Coronado Island, Hotel Del Coronado is a perfect setting for a destination wedding. Because the hotel is just a short drive from downtown San Diego it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel’s proximity to the beach makes it an ideal location for couples who want a beach wedding without having to worry about the logistics of a public beach.Hotel Del Coronado wedding photographed by True Photography

History:

Hotel Del Coronado is also a National Historic Landmark, and its rich history and stunning architecture provide a unique backdrop for wedding photos. The hotel’s Victorian-style architecture and classic décor make for a timeless and elegant wedding setting.Hotel Del Coronado architecture at night photographed by True Photography

Wedding Packages:

Additionally, Hotel Del offers a variety of wedding packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, the hotel’s wedding planners will work with you to create the perfect package that meets your needs.Wedding reception in the King room photographed by True Photography

Catering:

The Del also offers award-winning catering services. Your guests are ensured to enjoy delicious food that reflects your tastes and preferences. From the cocktail hour to the reception, the hotel’s catering team will work with you to create a customized menu that’s sure to impress.Hotel Del Coronado wedding reception decor

Accommodations:

Lastly, with over 700 rooms and suites, Hotel Del Coronado can accommodate your entire wedding party and guests. The hotel offers a variety of room types, from luxurious suites to cozy guest rooms. These accommodations assure that everyone has a comfortable place to stay during the wedding festivities.True Photography captures Hotel Del Coronado at night

At True Photography, we understand the importance of choosing the perfect wedding venue. If you’re considering Hotel Del Coronado as your wedding venue, we’d be thrilled to capture your special day. Our team of experienced photographers will work with you to capture the beauty and romance of your wedding day, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Check out our Hotel Del Coronado gallery for more inspiration.

19Mar

San Diego Wedding Venues

By, March 19, 2023

ThAs San Diego wedding photographers, we’ve had the pleasure of capturing some of the most beautiful and memorable moments at some of the city’s most stunning wedding venues. From historic landmarks to modern spaces with breathtaking views, San Diego has a plethora of options for couples to choose from. In this post, we’re excited to suggest 10 of the best wedding venues in San Diego, complete with links to their websites to help you explore and make a decision for your special day.

The Prado at Balboa Park:

Firstly, this historic landmark boasts beautiful Spanish-style architecture and stunning gardens, making it a favorite for couples looking for a classic and elegant wedding venue. The Prado also offers exceptional catering and event services.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at The Prado. True Photography capturing couple at The Prado at Balboa Park San Diego

La Valencia Hotel:

This iconic pink hotel in La Jolla offers stunning ocean views and a luxurious atmosphere. With multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, La Valencia is perfect for couples looking for a sophisticated and romantic setting.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at La Valencia. True Photography capturing wedding at La Valencia Hotel San Diego

Luce Loft:

This modern loft space in the heart of downtown San Diego offers a blank canvas for couples to customize and make their own. With exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and an industrial-chic vibe, Luce Loft is perfect for couples who want a trendy and unique wedding venue.  Also be sure to check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at Luce Loft. Wedding at Luce Loft San Diego photographed by True Photography

Scripps Seaside Forum:

This beachfront venue in La Jolla is perfect for couples looking for a coastal wedding. With stunning overall views of the Pacific Ocean, Scripps Seaside Forum offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony site and a spacious indoor reception area.  Also be sure to check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at Scripps Seaside Forum. Wedding ceremony at Scripps Seaside Forum San Diego photographed by True Photography

The US Grant Hotel:

This historic hotel in downtown San Diego offers overall classic elegance and sophistication. With stunning ballrooms and also exceptional service, The US Grant Hotel is perfect for couples who want a luxurious wedding experience.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at The US Grant Hotel. True Photography captures couple at The US Grant Hotel in San Diego

The Thursday Club:

This charming venue in Point Loma offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony site surrounded by lush gardens. Additional this venue provides a cozy indoor reception area. With overall vintage charm and a warm ambiance, The Thursday Club is perfect for couples who want a romantic and intimate wedding.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at The Thursday Club. Outside The Thursday Club photographed by True Photography

Hotel del Coronado:

This iconic beachfront hotel on Coronado Island offers overall stunning ocean views and a luxurious atmosphere. The venue also boasts multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces. Hotel del Coronado is perfect for couples looking for a particularly romantic and unforgettable wedding venue.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at Hotel del Coronado. The Crown Room at Hotel del Coronado captured by True Photography

The Darlington House:

This beautiful estate in La Jolla offers a classic and elegant setting with stunning gardens and architecture. Additionally, with multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, The Darlington House is perfect for couples who want a timeless and sophisticated wedding.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at The Darlington House. True Photography captures post ceremony excitement at The Darlington House San Diego!

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe:

This charming venue in Rancho Santa Fe offers a rustic and romantic setting. It boasts beautiful gardens and also a historic ambiance. With exceptional service and luxurious amenities, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is perfect for couples who want a sophisticated and intimate wedding.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. True Photography captures wedding ceremony at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

The Ultimate Skybox:

Lastly, this modern event space in downtown San Diego offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and Petco Park. Additionally, this venue boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious rooftop deck, and a sleek and sophisticated ambiance. Because of these reasons, the Ultimate Skybox is perfect for couples who want a trendy and memorable wedding venue.  Check out True Photography’s unique gallery featuring highlights captured at The Ultimate Skybox.   Cityscape at The Ultimate Skybox San Diego photographed by True Photography

We hope these 10 wedding venue suggestions help you find the overall perfect setting for your special day in San Diego. Additionally, as wedding photographers, we love capturing the unique beauty and charm of each venue. Overall we love helping couples create unforgettable memories. Congratulations on your engagement, and we can’t wait to see where you choose to say “I do”!

08Dec

Stylish So-Cal Destination Wedding | Karla and Jaime

By, December 08, 2016

Today’s post features our neighbors to the North, Canadians Karla and Jaime :) This Vancouver duo traded parkas for flip flops, and headed to sunny San Diego for a stylish destination wedding. Fortunately, our city came through with bright blue skies, and an all-around amazing day for the happy couple!

Bride and Groom embrace on rock during Sunset

The ceremony was a traditional Catholic mass, and was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chula Vista.

Exterior of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Chula Vista, California
Father's candid reaction to walking bride down aisle during church ceremony
Bird's eye view of church wedding ceremony from balcony
As photographers, we are always thinking on our feet, and looking for new perspectives. For example, during Karla and Jaime’s ceremony, we wanted to show the immense ceilings and scale of the church (above). We spotted an elevated area in the back of the room, and this gave us a unique bird’s eye view. From this vantage point, we were able to pull back, and capture the ceremony in its entirety.

Bride and Groom laughing during church ceremonyBride and Groom share romantic First Kiss during Catholic church ceremony at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chula VistaBride and Groom's candid smiles as they walk down aisle after first kiss at Our Lady of Guadalupe church
Bride and Groom embrace one another under wedding veilGroom dips Bride for kiss in front of Hotel Del Coronado
We loved the timelessness of Karla’s traditional cathedral veil, and Jaime’s distinguished bowtie. So after the ceremony, we set the couple in front of the Hotel Del Coronado and used the wind to our advantage (above). With a natural breeze, and friend nearby to help, we were able to incorporate a bit of motion, and bring life to the fabric.
Groom's fun reaction to playing with Bride at Hotel Del Coronado
Then, because every San Diego adventure needs a beach, we headed to Coronado! We couldn’t help but throw in a few twists, such as surprising the couple with a game of Smash Ball (above). This impromptu competition brought motion and playfulness into a relaxed environment.

Bridal Party pulling apart wedding couple for fun portraitFor a bit of fun, we invited Karla and Jaime’s bridal party along for a game of tug of war (above). We love how committed everyone was to the moment!Bridesmaid have fun showing off legs in pink dresses by David's BridalGroom and Groomsmen stand on sea wall at Hotel Del CoronadoBride and Groom smile candidly as they run on Coronado BeachBridal party with wedding couple on rocks at Coronado BeachSide profile of Bride looking away as Groom looks at her from background

For a unique portrait (above), we placed Karla in the foreground, and focused on her profile. Then, we asked Jamie to fix his eyes on Karla, which he was happy to do! We love the energy of the leading lines, and how they draw you into the image.

Bride and Groom hold hands on rocks at beach

As the sun began to set (above), we used a nearby seawall as a backdrop, and showed off Karla’s stunning Romona Keveza mermaid dress. With so many vivid colors in the sky, the natural light illuminated the couple with a radiant glow.

Bride and Groom hold hands in front of Hotel Del Coronado
Individual portraits of bride and groom on wedding day at Hotel Del CoronadoBridal Party cheers in front of vintage taxiOur very own CEO Aaron Feldman acted as ambassador, and escorted the wedding party around San Diego (above). Riding in style, the group went in his vintage 1977 Brooklyn Checker Cab Limo. By converting the image into black-and-white, we gave the photo a classic look that matched its old-school style.

Black and white photo of bride and groom embracing in vintage limo

On the way to the reception at the Star of the Sea Event Center in downtown San Diego, we noticed Karla and Jaime enjoying a sweet moment together (above). By remaining unobtrusive, we were able to freeze time and preserve the subtlety of the moment.

Bride and Groom cheer and dance during Grand EntranceGuests cheer on as Bride and Groom celebrate their First DanceGroom kisses Bride at Sweetheart TableCute flowergirls on Dancefloor

These two adorable flower girls literally got on the dance floor! (above)

Bride and Groom smile at camera for champagne toast during reception

Because there were so many guests traveling from all over the world, we pulled everyone together for a photo (below). With the couple leaning in for a kiss, we had the crowd gather around and cheer, for an unforgettable finale to the night!

Guests join wedding couple on dance floor for group photo

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of  Guadalupe 
Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Makeup: King Cardoza Studio –  Makeup by Christina
Disc Jockey: DJ Frank Pompeo
Photobooth: Pixel Photo Booth
Bakery: Sweet as Bliss
Lighting and Decor: San Diego Party Rentals
Linens and Rental: San Diego Party Rentals
Reception Venue: Star of the Sea Event Center

Check out more classic moments from Karla and Jaime’s stylish destination wedding!