15May

The Prado at Balboa Park

By, May 15, 2023

At True Photography, we’ve had the pleasure of working at some of San Diego’s most beautiful wedding venues. In this post we want to highlight one of our favorites: The Prado at Balboa Park.

The Prado at Balboa Park

Located in the heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is an iconic landmark that’s home to numerous museums, gardens, and cultural attractions. The Prado is a historic building in the park that has been beautifully restored and is now a popular wedding venue.

Firstly, the architecture of The Prado is stunning. The building was originally built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and has since been designated a National Historic Landmark. The Spanish Colonial Revival style of the building features intricate tile work, colorful murals, and ornate details that make for a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.Bride framed by Balboa Park architecture photographed by True Photography

Ceremony/Reception options:

Because The Prado offers a variety of unique spaces it’s perfect for capturing those special moments. The courtyard outside of The Prado is a popular spot for ceremonies and receptions. The space is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, and the fountain in the center makes for a picturesque focal point. We love to capture the newlyweds in front of the fountain or amidst the greenery.Wedding ceremony in the Casa Del Rey Moro Garden at The Prado in Balboa Park

The indoor spaces at The Prado are just as beautiful as the outdoor areas. The Grand Ballroom is a spacious and elegant room that’s also perfect for large receptions. The high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and intricate details make for a grand and romantic setting. We love to capture shots of the bride and groom on the dance floor, surrounded by their loved ones and the beautiful décor.The Prado Grand Ballroom in Balboa Park photographed by True Photography

Another unique space at The Prado is the Alhambra Room, which is a smaller, more intimate space for weddings. The room features a beautiful fireplace and intricate tile work, which creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. We love to capture candid shots of the couple and their guests mingling in this space.

Photography Opportunities:

Additionally, one of the biggest advantages of The Prado as a wedding venue is its location in Balboa Park. The park is filled with endless opportunities for beautiful wedding photos. From the botanical gardens to the Spanish Village Art Center, there are countless stunning backdrops to choose from. As photographers, we love to take advantage of the park’s beauty and capture shots of the newlyweds in front of some of its iconic landmarks.The Prado at Balboa Park's iconic courtyard fountain photographed by True Photography

Lastly, in terms of logistics, The Prado is a great venue for weddings of all sizes. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests, while the Alhambra Room can accommodate up to 120 guests. An outdoor courtyard is perfect for ceremonies and receptions. The venue also provides catering and bar services, which makes planning easier for couples.

Overall, we highly recommend The Prado at Balboa Park as a wedding venue. Its stunning architecture, unique spaces, and beautiful surroundings make for a magical wedding day. Additionally, as photographers, we love the endless opportunities for capturing beautiful and memorable moments at this venue. If you’re looking for a San Diego wedding venue that’s both elegant and unique, The Prado at Balboa Park should definitely be on your list. Check out our Prado gallery for more wedding inspiration! 

03May

Mt Woodson Castle

By, May 03, 2023

At True Photography, we have had the pleasure of capturing weddings at many stunning venues, but one of our absolute favorites is Mt Woodson Castle. Tucked away in the hills of Ramona, California, this castle is a hidden gem.

Mt Woodson Castle:

History:

Firstly, let’s talk about the castle itself. The historic building is over 100 years old and has a charming, rustic feel to it. It boasts gorgeous stonework, ivy-covered walls, and a picturesque turret that makes for a perfect photo backdrop. As photographers, we love the variety of textures and colors that the castle provides, and we always find new angles and compositions to capture.Wedding couple kissing in front of windmill in San Diego captured by True Photography

Versitility:

One of the best things about Mt Woodson Castle is its versatility. The venue has several different areas of the venue that can be used for different parts of the wedding day. The ceremony can take place on the lawn in front of the castle. This allows the castle itself to serve as a stunning backdrop. The cocktail hour can be held in the courtyard. The courtyard has a more intimate feel, with plenty of shade from the trees and also boasts a charming fountain as the centerpiece. Finally, the reception can be held in the castle’s main hall, which is spacious enough to accommodate a large guest list but still has a cozy, intimate vibe.Wedding ceremony at Mt Woodson Castle photographed by True Photography

Natural Beauty:

Another thing we love about Mt Woodson Castle is the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The venue is located on a hill, which provides breathtaking views of the countryside. The lush greenery and rolling hills create a stunning backdrop for photos. We love taking our couples out for a quick photo session during golden hour. At this time the light is just perfect and the scenery is at its most beautiful.Wedding couple under giant oak tree at Mt Woodson Castle photographed by True Photography

Natural Light:

From a photographer’s perspective, Mt Woodson Castle is also a dream to work with because of the ample natural light. The castle’s many windows let in plenty of light, even on cloudy days, which means we don’t have to rely on artificial lighting as much. This creates a more natural look and feel to the photos, which is always our goal.Bride dappled in window light at Mt Woodson Castle captured by True Photography

Overall, we highly recommend Mt Woodson Castle as a wedding venue. It offers a unique and versatile space with natural beauty, historic charm, and also plenty of photographic opportunities. Moreover, as photographers, we love working at this venue and always look forward to the next wedding we get to capture there. Check out our Mt Woodson gallery for more wedding inspiration!

27Apr

Top Historic Wedding Venues in San Diego

By, April 27, 2023

San Diego is a city renowned for its glorious weather, stunning beaches, and also rich history. If you’re looking for an unforgettable wedding venue, San Diego offers many options. These include some of the most picturesque and historic locations in the country. At True Photography, we have had the privilege of capturing many weddings at some of the city’s most historic venues. In this article, we will share our top five picks for the best specifically historic wedding venues in San Diego.

1. The Hotel Del Coronado

Firstly, we have the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. Built in 1888 The Del is unquestionably an architectural marvel. It provides stunning ocean views and a variety of venue options for your special day. Because The Hotel Del Coronado exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, it’s the perfect choice for couples looking to create unforgettable memories. Be sure to browse through our Hotel Del gallery for more wedding inspiration!Historic Wedding Venue Hotel Del Coronado photographed by True Photography

2. Leo Carrillo Ranch

Secondly we have the rustic Leo Carrillo Ranch. Located in Carlsbad, the ranch was once owned by actor Leo Carrillo. In addition it provides a charming and intimate setting for weddings. The estate offers multiple outdoor spaces for both ceremonies and photos, including a charming barn, tranquil ponds, and also picturesque gardens. The Leo Carrillo Ranch is also the perfect choice for couples looking for a natural and rustic setting for their wedding. Check out our Leo Carrillo Ranch gallery for more images!Leo Carrillo Ranch is one of the Historic Wedding Venues in San Diego photographed by True Photography

3. The US Grant Hotel

Thirdly is the US Grant Hotel, another beautiful historic venue located in downtown San Diego. Built in 1910, this luxurious hotel boasts several event spaces, including a stunning ballroom, terrace, and elegant foyer, all of which create an unforgettable wedding experience. Take a look at our US Grant gallery for more wedding inspiration!The US Grant Hotel is one of the Historic Wedding Venues in San Diego photographed by True Photography

4. The Darlington House

Fourthly the elegant and sophisticated Darlington House, a stunning Mediterranean-style mansion that was built in 1925. The house features beautiful courtyards, romantic fountains, and an opulent ballroom. All of these features create an old-world charm and elegance perfect for your wedding day. Check out our Darlington House gallery for more inspiration!The Historic Darlington House in San Diego photographed by True Photography

5. The El Cortez

Finally we have the historic El Cortez, a landmark building constructed in 1927 in the heart of downtown San Diego. The El Cortez’s blend of old-world charm and modern luxury make it a unique and unforgettable wedding venue. Its penthouse ballroom offers panoramic views of the city, creating a stunning and unforgettable experience. Browse through our El Cortez gallery for more images!   El Cortez is one of the Historic Wedding Venues in San Diego photographed by True Photography

Moreover, at True Photography, we specialize in capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day, no matter which historic venue you choose. With our expert photography services, we will help you preserve your precious memories for a lifetime. Equally important our team of experienced photographers understands the unique character of each venue. Because of this we are able to work with you to create a custom photography plan that perfectly captures your wedding day.

San Diego’s historic wedding venues offer a unique and unforgettable experience for couples. From the timeless elegance of the Hotel Del Coronado to the rustic charm of the Leo Carrillo Ranch, there is a venue for every couple. At True Photography, we are committed to helping you create lasting memories of your perfect day. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding photography services.

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