14Jun

Condor’s Nest Ranch | Allison and Justin

By, June 14, 2016

Recently, Allison and Justin celebrated their lovely outdoor wedding at Condor’s Nest Ranch in Pala, California. This working ranch is tucked away deep in the mountains, and has an authentic rustic style. The property features an assortment of authentic barns, tractors and farm animals, which completes the rural aesthetic.

Bride and Groom kissing in rustic barn on wedding day

Before the ceremony, Allison prepared in the Ranch House, which is located on the property (see below). The room’s country vibe, amplified by the wood tones and antique props, created the perfect contrast to her modern high-neck halter dress from Casablanca Bridal.

Modern bohemian bride in wedding dress by Casablanca Bridal while holding rustic bouquet Bride shows off ring to bridesmaids for funny reaction Modern Hipster Groom wearing tux from Men's Warehouse poses for photos

The ranch spreads out over 20 acres of property, giving us lots of opportunity to play with the natural landscape. We also made good use of the structures onsite, like in the photo below.

Groom and Groomsmen outside rustic barn

Later on, these cattle stole the spotlight with a classic photobomb of Justin.

Groom poses in front of cattle at rustic outdoor ranch on wedding day

The intimate property sits 1800 ft. above sea level, and overlooks a picturesque valley. To exchange vows, the couple chose the romantic outdoor ceremony site below, featuring breathtaking scenic views.

Wide-angle perspective of bride and groom tying the knot during rustic outdoor wedding ceremony

Allison made her entrance down an aisle of flower petals with Dad by her side (below).

Father walks Bride down flower aisle during wedding ceremony Groom looks on and smiles after seeing Bride come down aisle during wedding Groom dips Bride during First Kiss at outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking mountains

After the ceremony, we walked with Allison and Justin around the ranch’s vast property. By taking advantage of the rural environment and vintage charm, we were able to showcase a variety of backgrounds in the portrait photos.

Bride and Groom embrace one another after rustic outdoor wedding ceremony during beautiful california sunset on ranch Modern Bohemian Bride and Groom pose for photos at rustic ranch Romantic bride and groom look into each other's eyes and touch noses Bride and Groom hold hands and romantically look at one another in rustic greenhouse shed at ranch weddingBride and Groom stand in front of rustic barn door after outdoor ceremony Modern bohemian wedding couple embrace one another before rustic outdoor wedding ceremony at Condor's Nest Ranch in Pala, California.

Allison’s bridesmaids chose alternating dress colors, which added a personalized flair, as well as a vibrant pop of color.

Bohemian modern wedding bridal party outside vintage 76 gas station Black and white photo of wedding couple walk with bridal party at rustic ranch

As the day progressed, Allison and Justin invited guests to the ranch’s pool area, which served as the reception site. As you’ll see in the photo below, the festivities were kicked off with a romantic first dance :)

Bride and Groom share romantic First Dance during rustic outdoor wedding reception

During dinner, tables were decorated with mason jars, as well as floral centerpieces mixed with succulents.

Colorful pink, green and white centerpieces during rustic outdoor wedding reception on ranchCustom rustic wicker chairs for bride and groom during outdoor reception

Throughout the night, Allison and Justin incorporated a bohemian twist to their details, and entertained guests with old-school popcorn machines.

Fun and creative vintage popcorn machine during rustic outdoor wedding reception

In addition, there was a delicious dessert table designed to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Dessert table with wedding cake, cookies and candy during rustic wedding reception Bride and Groom hold knife and begin to cut cake as guests watch during outdoor wedding receptionBride prepares to toss bouquet during outdoor reception Bride and Groom's ornate diamond rings placed on vintage typewriter at rustic ranch wedding Creative long-exposure of outdoor rustic wedding reception on ranch at night

Vendors

Venue: Condor’s Nest Ranch
Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal
Wedding Shoes: Sam Edelman “Gigi” Sandals
Wedding Rings: Adiamor (Bride Engagement Band) Its A Little Thing (Bride Wedding Band) & Ben Bridge (Groom)
Makeup: Sunshine Hair Design
Hair Stylist: Sunshine Hair Design
Coordinator: Condor’s Nest Ranch
Officiant: Pastor Glenn Hirashiki
Catering: Dalena’s Catering 2 U
Disc Jockey: Universal Weddings and Events

Check out more romantic moments from Allison and Justin’s rustic outdoor wedding

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.

04Apr

Through the Grapevine | Vineyard Weddings

By, April 04, 2016

Tucked away in the valleys of Temecula, Escondido, and surrounding regions are award-winning San Diego-area vineyards. These properties are not only good for day trips and tastings – they make amazing wedding locations also! With their magical rolling hills,and fields of vines, local wineries are perfect venues for those looking to escape the city.

We have selected a few of our favorite images from recent vineyard weddings. Grab a glass of your favorite red or white (or both), and enjoy the inspiration :)

Couple pose with flowers in air around them

At the wedding of Apple and Ben (above), we went to one of our favorite spots at Orfila Vineyards, overlooking the fields below. As the couple embraced, we surrounded them with flower petals, and added a backlight for contrast, drama and elegance.

Wedding Couple in Windmill at Cal-A-Vie

We love incorporating a vineyard’s unique rustic features, such as this majestic windmill at Cal-A-Vie (above). The textured stone walls and wood accents lent an old-world charm to these photos, which were captured at April and Aaron’s wedding.

Modern Couple pose in vineyard and with balloonsCouple stand in middle of vineyardGroomsmen toast with beersBride's details during vineyard wedding

At Stephanie and Sean’s Orfila Vineyards wedding, we rested our bride’s beautiful bouquet against a textured wine barrel (above). The rich red roses and hypericum berries, set against the rustic browns of the barrel, made for an ideal pairing.

Bridesmaid with parasol umbrellas in vineyardCollaged image of rustic flowers with brideCool bridal party dressed in green at winery weddingCouple holding hands and kissing with rustic background

As photographers, one of our favorite things is to scout out the best hidden locations. By arriving early, we are able to find areas with the best light of the day, as well as little “nooks and crannies” within the venue.

Couple kiss in oversized wine barrelUmbrellas and Signs for vineyard weddingGorgeous view of mountains and vineyard at Orfila WineryBride and Groom walk down aisle together at vineyard

Whenever possible, we use the natural surroundings and daylight to our advantage, such as during Katie and Patrick’s wedding at the Yates Family Vineyard in Napa. When Katie made her debut, the light illuminated the leaves and her dress, which made for a stunning grand entrance.

Bride's teary-eyed reaction to Groom during wedding ceremonyCouple's First Kiss during Vineyard WeddingBride and Groom kissing under natural archwayCouple Kissing between leaves in vineyardCouples celebrate and pose for photos after vineyard ceremonyAerial photo of stunning sunset during reception at vineyard

After the ceremony, we like to make use of the stunning sunset colors, which can be especially vivid at remote winery locations. The golden vibrance of the sun, captured at just the right moment, helped to create the dreamlike image above.

Rustic wine-related reception details during vineyard weddingProps during fun travel-themed reception

These rustic, travel-themed accents from Michelle and Richard’s wedding at Bernardo Winery (above) added a fun splash of color, while also engaging guests to interact. The couple invited attendees to write messages in a bottles, to be opened on future anniversaries, while paying tribute to those who had traveled long distances.

Rustic-themed details at vineyard wedding receptionCouple Kiss in front of wine barrelsFuscia Wedding Reception Details at VineyardRed wine-themed details during receptionCouple Cuts into Cake during Wedding Reception

You can’t have a winery wedding without grapes :) Before these were sent off to become wine, we borrowed this lush vine from Kim and Austin’s wedding for a unique ring shot. By using a simple background, and a strategically placed LED light, these rings began to sparkle!

Creative Ring Photo with GrapesGuest hula-hoops during wedding receptionNight Portrait of Couple at Vineyard

For the photo below, we snuck behind-the-scenes with Naomi and Partho during their reception at Callaway Vineyards and Winery. By shooting at a low angle and adding a backlight to create dimension, the containers added a larger-than-life feeling to this epic kiss.

Couple kiss between distillery tanks at vineyard

For additional breathtaking vineyard wedding photos, please click here. Salute!

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.