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.

11Aug

Summer Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty

By, August 11, 2012

At Swell Beauty, our team of artists love to make our brides look beautiful! It makes us happy that our clients look and feel their best on such a monumental day. We feel blessed to work with such spectacular brides and bridal parties.

Recently, the wonderful people at Amorology referred us to an amazing bride named Ashley for her wedding at the Estancia Hotel in La Jolla. Ashley is a Texas girl, and we instantly fell in love with her Texas charm and accent!

San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty

We had a great time with Ashley at her Bridal Preview, which is similar to a trial run. She shared her love story, and all the details about her wedding – a vibrant summer celebration with pops of color. Vintage accents were also planned, such as Ashley’s intricate gown from Mon Amie Bridal Salon. To pair nicely with this vintage style, we designed a look to complement the theme colors of coral, ivory, green and earth tones.

Vintage Wedding Dress and Hair and Makeup by Swell BeautySan Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty

San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty San Diego Wedding at Estancia Hotel with Makeup and Hair by Swell Beauty

Our Head Makeup Artist, Laura, chose to play up Ashley’s eyes with brown, bronze and champagne colors. Her goal was to use colors that would show well in pictures, and transition nicely from day to night. Laura gave Ashley’s complexion a nice summer glow by using a little bronzer and highlighter. As well, a touch of coral blush was applied for that pop of color on her cheeks. Finally, we used a light coral pink shade on her lips, to  complement the rest of her look beautifully.

San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup Styles by Swell Beauty

San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty

When we first met Ashley at her Bridal Preview, she had short chin length hair, and wanted a full low up-do. Hair Stylist, Dee, suggested she check out our favorite hair extensions, “Halo Hair Couture,” so she could get a much fuller look. We used her new extensions on the wedding day, and her hair looked gorgeous!  We chose to do soft big curls,with a slight wave to the hair. I love how the definition and texture in this look is defined by her blonde hair.

San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup Styles by Swell BeautySan Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty

Volume is the key to most up-dos. It makes a statement that allows the bride to feel complete when she puts her dress on. With Ashley, we decided on the right amount of volume on the top, to balance out her low up-do and veil. This photo really shows the balance in her hair style.

Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty in San Diego

We had so much fun working with Ashley. On the wedding day, she and her groom Kyle looked like they jumped right off the pages of a magazine!

San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup by Swell Beauty San Diego Wedding Hair and Makeup up Swell Beauty

Swell Beauty is an on-location Hair & Makeup Company specializing in weddings and special occasions. We are honored to be a part of the special moments in your life!

Makeup: Swell Beauty
Hair Stylist: Swell Beauty
Photographer: True Photography
Venue: Estancia
Linens and Rental: La Tavola
Gifts and Favors: Bouchee
Florist: Adrianne Smith Floral Design
Disc Jockey: Hit It Music Productions
Coordinator: Amorology Weddings
Bakery: Bouchee
Officiant: The Movement Church
Photo Booth: Classic Photo Booth
Transportation: Lifestyle Limosine Transportation
Wedding Dress: Mon Amie Bridal Salon
Invitation: Brightly Designed

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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