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.

19Dec

Grand Tradition

By, December 19, 2017

Highlights of Grand Tradition

One of our favorite spots just outside San Diego is the all-inclusive Grand Tradition. We have photographed many weddings at Grand Tradition over the years, and have likely covered every corner :) Located in Fallbrook, CA, the property’s 30 acres of rolling green hills and tropical gardens has something for everyone, including two main venue options onsite. Here are examples of each:

Arbor Terrace

For those seeking a more laid-back, paradise vibe to their day, we recommend the property’s Arbor Terrace and Pavilion. Inspired by the aesthetics of Hana, Hawaii, the Terrace is set against a gorgeous waterfall backdrop, and decorated with paths covered in beautiful flowers. The Pavilion, where receptions are held, offers features such as the Hospitality Fountain, which is great for photos. There is also a cozy outdoor fireplace, which is a nice comfortable spot to enjoy a relaxing moment with guests.

Bride and groom enjoy the flowers
Groom embraces Bride for a kiss in jungle environment
Colorful wedding Ceremony at Arbor Terrace
Couples tying the knot at the Arbor Terrace have the option of exchanging vows in front of the property's main waterfall feature
Arbor terrace ceremony site surrounded by lush garden
Bride and groom kiss at end of aisle after wedding ceremony
Bride and groom surrounded by waterfalls and greenery
Grooms picks up his bride in front of waterfalls
Come nightfall, the waterfalls at Arbor Terrace take on a different appearance once illuminated by the area's uplighting.
A romantic kiss on the bridge with the bride and groom
Bridal party on the bridge at Grand Tradition
During Tracy and Ryan's wedding, we wanted to showcase the abundance of greenery surrounding the couple and their bridal party. By placing everyone on a bridge across the waterfall and using a telephoto lens, we were able to zoom in on the bridal party while also showing the expanse of space.
Bride and groom on a verandah surrounded by foliage
Groomsmen pick up the groom for a fun groomsmen shot
The various bridges around Arbor Terrace not only offer great views of the site's multiple ponds and waterfalls but also serve as a unique prop. For Naomi and Luke's wedding (above), we let the guys have a little bit of fun pretending to throw Luke overboard for a hilarious, candid shot.
Wedding dress hung in bamboo to feature the dress
While navigating the many winding paths at Arbor Terrace, couples can get lost in their own private jungle along the way.
A tender moment between the Bride and groom
Following Silvia and Edwin's wedding ceremony, we wanted to capture the warm glow of Sunset coming in through the trees during Golden Hour. By placing the Bride and Groom in the midst of everything and using a zoom lens, we were able to focus on the intimacy of their embrace and create a romantic feeling.
Bride and groom pose by a fountain at arbor terrace
Heading back to the wedding reception, we like to take couples by the Hospitality Fountain which can be used in a variety of creative ways.
Creative portrait of wedding couple kissing by fountain
With Jaclyn and Charlie, we had the couple sit on a bench in front of the fountain while photographing from behind. Shooting through the cascading water we were able to capture a creative bokeh effect and add to the emotion of the moment.
Bride and Groom embrace by water fountain at Grand Tradition
Rain shot in the gardens of Arbor Terrace
Bride and groom pose in front of lush tropical trees
Bride and groom explore grand tradtion at night
Colorful outdoor tented wedding reception
Once ready to party the night away, guests will be invited to the tented reception at the Pavilion.
Arbor Terrace set up for a beautiful reception
Bride and groom enjoy their first dance
Fun candid photo of guests dancing during wedding reception
Evening shot by the fireplace with the Bride and Groom
Directly behind the pavilion's tented reception lies an intimate brick fireplace where guests can relax and chat throughout the night.
Romantic night shot by the fireplace
Bride and groom pose for a beautiful evening rain shot
Creative long exposure night photo with the wedding couple and bridal party

Beverly Mansion

If your style is a bit more traditional and classical, our suggestion is the Beverly Mansion, a classic Victorian estate that overlooks the property’s idyllic heart-shaped lake. Ceremonies at the Beverly Mansion are held outdoors by the gazebo, where couples have the option of being brought out by horse and carriage. It definitely has a storybook feel!

After exchanging vows, guests can dance the night away under massive Swarovski crystal chandeliers. And to end the evening, nothing beats a fun and impressive sparkler grand exit, which is sure to leave your guests in awe :)

Bride and Groom hold hands and kiss during sunset outside the grand tradition
The lawn behind the Beverly Mansion is a great way to feature both the mansion as well as a stunning sunset.
Groom and Bride embrace by wall at the Beverly Mansion
Groom kisses Bride on cheek while standing on stairs at Beverly Mansion
With so many nooks and crannies, we love finding new ways to highlight the classical architecture of the mansion into photos.
Fun portrait of Bride with Bridesmaids at Beverly Mansion
Bride and groom pose for a photo in the lattice garden
In this photo, we adjusted our lens towards the roof to accentuate the leading lines and draw your eye towards Gina and Brandon for a creative, stylized portrait.
Beverly Mansion is one of the locations private events are held
Bride with Bridesmaids getting ready for wedding ceremony
The bridal suite at Beverly Mansion continues the venue's overall Victorian aesthetic with regal furniture and intricate windows.
Bride getting ready at the Grand Tradition
Bridesmaids help the bride get ready in her suite
Groom plays pool in his suite
The groom's suite offers the guys a moment to kick back and relax before the ceremony with a good ol' fashioned game of pool.
Ceremony by the water in the fall
One of the mansions most unique features is the horse-drawn carriage that couples can be transported in during their outdoor wedding ceremony, overlooking the property's serene heart-shaped lake.
Outdoor wedding ceremony by pond
Bride rides with father in horse drawn carriage before wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom kiss in aisle after wedding ceremony concludes
Bride and Groom pose with two white horses and carriage before wedding ceremony
Wedding couples tying the knot at the Grand Tradition
Bride and groom kiss by the carriage
For a creative angle, we placed the carriage in our foreground and posed the bride and groom in the center as they leaned in for a kiss. To add an extra flair, we placed our flash just above the couple's shoulders to create a starburst effect.
Creative back-lit portrait of Bride and Groom embracing in garden
Solo portrait of Bride and Groom by themselves
Groom embraces bride while standing on bridge next to pond at Grand Tradition
Just beyond the Beverly Mansion is the venue's picturesque heart-shaped pond which overlooks the ceremony site.
Bride and groom pose on a bridge at Grand Tradition
Bridal party fun shot
Photographing across the pond from the gazebo provides a more wide angle perspective of the water that features the waterfall and garden in the background.
Romantic portrait of bride and groom kissing by pond
Bride and groom walking by a field
Just feet away from the Beverly Mansion is the Compass Garden which can be used to host cocktail hours or wedding ceremonies, as well as being a beautiful background for portraits.
Cocktail Hour at Compass Garden
Wedding couple with bridal party at Compass Garde
Bride and groom pose at the bar
Conveniently located between the Beverly Mansion and Arbor Terrace, the Compass Garden offers a variety of textured doors and backgrounds to offset the rest of the property's tropical and classic aesthetic.
Bride an groom pose along a wooden gate
Bride and Groom kiss by metal gate during sunset
Exterior portrait of Beverly Mansion at Sunset
As night approaches, the lights of the Beverly Mansion illuminate the sky, and add a beautiful glow to balance the evening sunset.
Night photo of Bride and Groom kissing by Fountain
We love taking couples around the mansion at night for a different look that what the daytime provides.
Creative night portrait of bride and groom embracing and overlooking pond at Beverly Mansion
Bride and groom pose for an evening shot
Bride and Groom cheer during Grand sparkler exit after their reception
Grand Tradition is also one of the few venues in San Diego that allows couples the option of a Sparkler Grand Exit to wrap up their day of celebration.

Grand Tradition Wedding Photography

As preferred photographers of Grand Tradition, 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 Grand Tradition wedding photos.

17Nov

To the Moon and Back | Photo of the Week

By, November 17, 2017

During Anna Marie and Scott’s wedding reception, we noticed the full moon rise above San Diego. We knew we had to pull these two out for a couple photo, and they were more than happy to oblige! To achieve this shot, we used a telephoto lens and external lighting, and the result was this stunning image. Enjoy our Photo of the Week :)Moonlight night shot

Check out more of Anna Marie and Scott’s amazing wedding photography

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