27Dec

La Valencia

By, December 27, 2017

Highlights of La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia Hotel is the definition of vintage luxury in beautiful La Jolla, California. Also known as “The Pink Lady,” this Mediterranean style, oceanfront resort is romantic, playful and always enchanting. With it’s marble tiled hallways, hidden fire escapes, iconic pink walls and prime location above La Jolla Cove, La Valencia is one of our favorite wedding destinations to photograph, and we know its every nook and cranny.

Directly adjacent to the hotel is Cafe la Rue; a great spot for some fun photos with your wedding party.
We love to have fun with our couples before heading onto the lobby.
Shooting the same location at different times of the day results in drastically different images.
The marble floor lining the ground floor of the Cabrillo building make for some spectacular shots.
The hallway on the 9th floor of the Tower ends with a fire escape and incredible view of the Pacific.
This place is a gold mine of reflections and dramatic lighting.
The staircase leading to the upper floors of The Tower are adorned with ornate mirrors and lined with original wooden bannisters.
As soon as you step into the central courtyard you will be surrounded by lush vegetation, Spanish tiled stairwells and bright pink walls.
Following the main path adjacent to the pool you'll arrive at a cozy landing that is lined with blue Spanish tile and signature pink walls. If you follow the stairs down you'll pass thru a gate that leads directly to La Jolla Cove.
There are several fire escapes on the outside of the hotel that offer sweeping views of La Jolla and the surrounding areas.
We love to make use of the beautiful window light.
Some couples choose to get ready in one of the hotel's beautiful guest rooms.
The Boardroom is located on the 4th floor and has enough space for you and your bridal party.
You can also choose to get ready in one of La Valencia's Villa Suites.
The Ceremony at La Valencia is located on a cozy landing directly above the swimming pool, and is backdropped by the Pacific.
While one photographer focuses on the close-up intimate moments, the 2nd photographer can get step away to grab an over-all shot of the ceremony.
The walkway directly behind and above the ceremony site is another great spot to capture the festivities while showing off the spectacular view.
The Pacific Ocean makes for a spectacular backdrop for your family photos.
One of La Valencia's biggest draws is definitely its location, just a short walk away from La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean.
The green covered rocks become accessible during low tide, and make for a dramatic backdrop for our subjects.
A bride and groom always grab all the attention.
After the sun goes down and the lights come on, La Valencia takes on a more dramatic and romantic mood.
These photos were taken just outside the ballroom, meaning the bride and groom won't have to be away from their reception for long to get some memorable images.
The fire escape above Cafe laRue is great for backlit night time photos.

La Valencia Hotel Wedding Photography

As preferred photographers of La Valencia, 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 La Valencia wedding photos.

16Mar

La Valencia | Classic Venue with a Modern Twist

By, March 16, 2016

La Valencia is a vintage Spanish-stye San Diego hotel overlooking La Jolla Cove. With a colorful history dating back to 1926, this old-school gem has color flourishes throughout, and stunning panoramic ocean views. The venue’s tropical garden is tranquil and breathtaking, and is an undeniably gorgeous place to exchange wedding vows.

Couple lean in for kiss overlooking ocean at La ValenciaBeautiful Brides in at La ValenciaBride poses with blue wedding shoes at La Valencia

As photographers, we love finding new, creative ways to put a fresh spin on this old-world venue.

Bride looks out from balcony during pre ceremonyGroomsmen walk down city street near La Valencia

We have our favorite spots also, such as the hotel’s vibrant pink exterior, gorgeous tiled walls, and hand-painted murals.

Groom standing in front of textile wall at La Valencia Aerial view of couple's wedding ceremony at La Valencia HotelCollaged image of ceremony details at La Valencia HotelBride and Groom lean in for kiss out on balcony at La ValenciaModern Couples pose in front of colorful textile walls at La Valencia HotelBride and Groom lean in for an artistic photo of them kissing down stairwell Bride and Groom lean in for kiss with dramatic back lightCouples explore the artistic, urban neighborhood next to La Valencia Hotel for creative backgrounds

The surrounding La Jolla neighborhood is a treasure trove of photo opportunities. There are colorful buildings, city backdrops, and the famous La Jolla Cove, all within a four minute walk.

Bridal Party dressed in grey and pink walk across street in La Jolla Bride posed with fun groomsmen bridal party at La Jolla Cove

After the ceremony, the nearby beach is an inviting place for couples to relax, have a quick photo session, and refresh before rejoining friends and family. The vivid hues, natural surroundings, and soft light create a sense of timeless intimacy, resulting in beautiful portraits. It is an amazing way to spend the first few moments as a newly married couple :)

Couple pose in front of sunset sky at La Jolla CoveCollage of classic wedding receptions at the Verandah Ball Room and Terrace in La Valencia Hotel

As the day crosses over into evening, it’s time to celebrate at La Valencia’s Verandah Ballroom and Terrace. Sitting high above the property, this room provides magnificent views, and is furnished with crystal chandeliers and stylish checkered floors. This elegant setting is perfect for a dramatic grand entrance, and will enchant guests as they party the night away.

Elegant room photo of couple's wedding reception at La Valencia HotelBride and Groom share first dance at La Valencia HotelGuests at wedding reception have fun with photoboothUrban night photo from the outside of La Valencia HotelBride and Groom kiss and toast champagne

For more of our favorite weddings photographed at La Valencia Hotel, please visit this link.

05Jul

Unique Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball Love

By, July 05, 2012

I offer something different to the wedding industry — Cake Ball Cakes! I take a favorite of the modern dessert table, the cake ball, and incorporate it into something that is very traditional, the wedding cake. I like applying new and classic cake decorating techniques to create something fresh and unique. So you’re literally having your cake and eating it too!

I recently had the chance to work with Rachel and Ian, who celebrated their marriage at La Valencia in La Jolla.  Rachel contacted me to make a cake ball cake for her wedding, and I was given free range! Their wedding colors included several shades of purple, so they wanted a cake made of something chocolate and purple!

San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball LoveSan Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball LoveSan Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball Love

I had been wanting to tackle a cake ball cake with an “ombre effect” — colors or tones that shade into each other, graduated from light to dark — so this was the perfect opportunity! This is one of my favorite cakes I’ve made to date.  The graduation of purples juxtaposed against the backdrop of the amazing reception room is just beautiful.

San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball LoveSan Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball Love

One of my favorite details about this cake was the bride and groom cake toppers — the chocolate top hat in particular. I thought this looked so adorable.

Unique San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball Love

I was so excited to see this photo, as I rarely get to see the bride and groom during the wedding. This couple looks so beautiful and completely happy.

Unique San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball LoveUnique San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball Love

I adore this photo. It’s always fun to see the “feeding” ceremony. There’s so much giddiness and a touch of mischief during this part of the reception.

Unique San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball LoveUnique San Diego Wedding Cakes by Cake Ball Love

Cake Ball Love is about being innovative and creative. Each cake ball is lovingly crafted from scratch, individually rolled, and hand dipped in chocolate. We focus on flavor, quality, and a commitment to producing the best cakes for our clients! 

Bakery: Cake Ball Love
Photography: True Photography
Videographer: NR3
Venue: La Valencia
Musician: Caprice Strings and Party Quake
Makeup: Paula Mayer  
Hair Stylist: Paula Mayer
Florist: Floral Works & Events
Coordinator: Weddings by Design
Wedding Dress: Here Comes the Bride
Linens and Rental: Raphael’s Party Rentals

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]

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