stylish Archives -

23Dec

Ultimate Skybox

By True Photography, December 23, 2017 Venue Guide

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.

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.

08Dec

Stylish So-Cal Destination Wedding | Karla and Jaime

By True Photography, December 08, 2016 Weddings

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

For 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!

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.

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.

Our 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.

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.

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

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!

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!

15Mar

Dressed to Impress | Groomsmen Getting Ready

By True Photography, March 15, 2016 Be Inspired

We love witnessing the bromance between the groom and his buddies on the wedding day. While the bride is squared away with her ladies, our second shooters typically head over to the groom and his fellas. By having two photographers on the wedding day, our crew is able to divide and conquer, and capture the early moments of the day from both perspectives. The guys often create hilarious and unpredictable moments, leading to unforgettable images to enjoy for years to come.

When we first arrive, the groom and his buddies are usually getting dressed to impress. Once they are prepped and ready, there may be time to kick back, talk smack, or play a competitive game of pool with a beer (or two) to celebrate. We enjoy finding creative ways for the guys to let loose and show off their personalities.

For a stylish collection of dapper dudes preparing to tie the knot, check out some of our favorite pre-ceremony moments.

With so many groomsmen and only one mirror (above), we had to get a little creative. After spotting this awesome multi-paned mirror in the lobby, we made sure there was enough prep room for all the guys at Vanessa and Justin’s wedding.

We love when grooms pick fun, vibrant details to match their personalities. When we noticed Anton getting a bowtie assist from one of his buddies on his wedding day (see above), we couldn’t resist capturing a photo in hopes of learning a trick or two ourselves.

Sometimes, couples exchange a special pre-ceremony gift, such as during Begum and Michael’s wedding (left) or Katie and John’s (right). We like to capture intimate moments like this, where we can grab the Groom’s reaction as he reveals what’s inside.

While Steven and his groomsmen shared a few rounds of jokes, we captured this genuine reaction from the groom, whose laughter couldn’t be contained. By staying alert and focused, we were able to jump on this fleeting moment before it passed.

Between funky colored socks, dapper-looking bowties or fancy watches, the groom’s details can be just as colorful and entertaining as the bride’s.

Daniel and his buddies are avid skateboarders, and after spying a stack of decks in the corner, we were determined to put them to good use. The group was more than willing to entertain us with some sweet tricks. By letting groomsmen show off their inner daredevils, we were able to document a fun and spontaneous moment.

For more photos of couples getting ready for the big day, please click here.

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Ultimate Skybox

Highlights of The Ultimate Skybox

The Ultimate Skybox Wedding Photography

Stylish So-Cal Destination Wedding | Karla and Jaime

Dressed to Impress | Groomsmen Getting Ready

Navigationemail(800) 608-6845

Highlights of The Ultimate Skybox

The Ultimate Skybox Wedding Photography

Navigation email (800) 608-6845