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.

25Dec

Scripps Seaside Forum

By, December 25, 2017

Highlights of Scripps Seaside Forum

Located on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus, the Scripps Seaside Forum offers a blend of modern architecture and style that celebrates Southern California’s unrivaled coastal environment. With an unparalleled beachfront location, modern facilities, and award-winning architecture, this stunning venue offers an ideal setting for you wedding and reception. The breathtaking view and multipurpose auditorium also makes the Scripps Seaside Forum a wonderful location, and one that is sure to impress.

The back of the building offers an opportunity to photograph our newlyweds while showcasing The Forum's award winning architecture.
By stepping in closer, we can use the natural lines of the hallway to pull the eye towards our subjects.
We can use the walls and complex architecture of the Forum to naturally frame our subjects
By simply turning our couple around we get a completely different look of the same hallway.
Throwing on a longer lens and staying close to the wall results in intimate portraits.
Continuing further down the hallway, we arrive at a wide balcony with a spectacular view.
From the upstairs patio, we can take the stairs right to the front lawn.
On your way to the lawn make sure to stop on the stairs to grab some fun shots of your newlyweds
Once at the lawn you'll have lots of room for photos of the entire wedding party with the Pacific in the background.
The stairs located at the northernmost point of the lawn will lead you right to the beach.
During low tide, Scripps beach is a great place to pose the bride and groom for some dramatic portraits.
The mood changes during higher tide, but the opportunity for spectacular photos is always there.
Following the beach north, you'll arrive at what is probably the most photographed location at Scripps Beach; The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier.
After getting extended coverage of the beach, it's usually time to get the newlyweds back to the Forum for their Grand Entrance.
When the timing is right, the reflection on the ballroom sliding doors is pretty epic.
Stepping outside during the first dance can result in some really memorable photos.
The market lights above the main lawn illuminate the bride and groom.
The slotted wooden panels that line the main courtyard offer lots of opportunity to play with off camera lights.
The Forum is not only perfect for wedding photography, but for engagement and lifestyle shoots as well.
The Rose Garden, located just north of the main lawn, is a lush and colorful spot for romantic portraits.
The blue tile on this building gives photos an instant pop.
Looking north from the pier, the cliffs above La Jolla make for a spectacular backdrop.
By positioning ourselves between the cliffs and the water, we can capture a different perspective of the same scene.
During low tide, the tide pools in front of the cliffs emerge, and offer great opportunities for complex reflection shots.
ocean, beach, engagement, love, scripps, seaside, forum
Don't worry, we wont make you get in the ocean. Only if you want to :)

Scripps Seaside Forum Wedding Photography

As seasoned wedding photographers all throughout La Jolla and San Diego, we photograph weddings at Scripps Seaside Forum 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 Scripps Seaside Forum wedding photos.

18Apr

Beachy Engagements

By, April 18, 2017

When it comes to a beach engagement shoot, there are many options to choose from. This is because San Diego is a beach lover’s paradise, with miles and miles of gorgeous coastline. Each beach has its own special charm, so it’s hard to choose a favorite!

When selecting a beach location for you photo shoot, it is important to consider the surrounding areas.  For example, if a fun commercial area or pier is nearby, then a nice variety of photos can be captured within the same shoot. It’s also good to time your shoot near sunset, when the light conditions are amazing. Here is a quick overview of some of our most recommended beach locations:

La Jolla Shores

This beach is famous among locals and tourists alike, and a surfer’s paradise. At La Jolla Shores, there are magnificent views of the golden coast of La Jolla, and the iconic Scripps Pier. If your shoot is during low tide, the awesome cliffs at the north side of the beach can be reached. There are also plenty of off-beach locations within walking distance, like Scripps Seaside Forum, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the Pedestrian Bridge on La Jolla Shores Drive.

Windansea Beach

This beautiful stretch of coastline in La Jolla has many rocky cliffs, and a nice sandy beach at low tide.  Throughout Windansea Beach, there are many long staircases, which make for great photo opportunities. There are also views of the ocean from the street level, and the surrounding neighborhood provides a good balance to the beach!

Check out more Windansea Beach engagement photos

Coronado South Beach

Voted as the #1 beach in America, this beach is the crown jewel of Coronado Island. South Beach has soft white sand, and unforgettable views of Point Loma and the Gulf of Santa Catalina. The beach itself has a picturesque jetty, and jaw-dropping sand dunes. Fun fact – the dunes actually spell out the word ‘Coronado’ when viewed from above! Nearby, you’ll find the world-renowned Hotel del Coronado, and Glorietta Bay, both of which provide many fabulous photo opportunities.

Check out more Coronado Beach Engagement photos

Mission Beach

Where else can you find two miles of glorious beach, an iconic California boardwalk, and a nostalgic theme park? All of these attributes make Mission Beach a great choice for a fun and colorful photoshoot. If you walk across the street, you also have access to Mission Bay, which has spectacular views and nautical backdrops.

Check out more Mission Beach engagement photos

Solana Beach

The Solana Beach Area has much to offer in terms of a photoshoot. The pristine beach at Fletcher’s Cove has amazing rock faces, and breathtaking views of the coastline. A few feet away is the eclectic ‘Design District’ which has tons of cool backdrops all along Cedros Avenue. Also nearby is the Solana Beach Coaster Station, which has unique and appealing photo spots.

Check out more Solana Beach engagement photos

Pacific Beach

Make your California dreams come true! Also known as PB (no, not Peanut Butter..lol), Pacific Beach is home to the iconic Crystal Pier, and many great beachfront establishments. The beach itself stretches into the cliffs of La Jolla, and is a popular spot among surfers and sun-seekers. The community comes alive in the evening hours, where the neighborhood haunts become fun and boisterous hangouts.

Check out more Pacific Beach engagement photos

Torrey Pines State Beach

If you are looking for the California golden coast, look no further! Torrey Pines State Beach is located at the base of 300-foot cliffs, which stretch for miles and miles. The beach itself is a combination of sand and beautiful water-polished stones. Just off the beach is the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, which boasts great hiking trails and phenomenal ocean views. Be prepared to walk a little :)

Check out more Torrey Pines State Beach engagement photos

La Jolla Cove

The Cove is a scenic locale in La Jolla with intimate beaches and picturesque cliffs. Because the area is rich in marine life, you may even get photobombed by a sea lion ;) Near the ocean is a nice green park, and downtown La Jolla, which has many cool spots.

Check out more La Jolla Cove engagement photos

Sunset Cliffs/Ocean Beach

Sunset Cliffs… the name says it all! This is one of the best places to witness a sunset, bar none. With its winding roads and sheer cliffs, there are many unforgettable views within a small area. If you venture to the south end of Sunset Cliffs, there is a nature preserve, with trees and and hiking trails. Nearby, down a long winding staircase, you will find welcoming tide pools. There is even secluded beach access during low tide….if you are willing to do some off-roading :) To the North of Sunset Cliffs is the free-spirited Ocean Beach community, which features the longest concrete pier in the US, and other beachy urban backgrounds.

Check out more Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach engagement photos

more beach engagement photo shoots

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]

© 2009-2022 True Photography. All rights reserved.