19Dec

Grand Tradition

By, December 19, 2017

Highlights of Grand Tradition

One of our favorite spots just outside San Diego is the all-inclusive Grand Tradition. We have photographed many weddings at Grand Tradition over the years, and have likely covered every corner :) Located in Fallbrook, CA, the property’s 30 acres of rolling green hills and tropical gardens has something for everyone, including two main venue options onsite. Here are examples of each:

Arbor Terrace

For those seeking a more laid-back, paradise vibe to their day, we recommend the property’s Arbor Terrace and Pavilion. Inspired by the aesthetics of Hana, Hawaii, the Terrace is set against a gorgeous waterfall backdrop, and decorated with paths covered in beautiful flowers. The Pavilion, where receptions are held, offers features such as the Hospitality Fountain, which is great for photos. There is also a cozy outdoor fireplace, which is a nice comfortable spot to enjoy a relaxing moment with guests.

Bride and groom enjoy the flowers
Groom embraces Bride for a kiss in jungle environment
Colorful wedding Ceremony at Arbor Terrace
Couples tying the knot at the Arbor Terrace have the option of exchanging vows in front of the property's main waterfall feature
Arbor terrace ceremony site surrounded by lush garden
Bride and groom kiss at end of aisle after wedding ceremony
Bride and groom surrounded by waterfalls and greenery
Grooms picks up his bride in front of waterfalls
Come nightfall, the waterfalls at Arbor Terrace take on a different appearance once illuminated by the area's uplighting.
A romantic kiss on the bridge with the bride and groom
Bridal party on the bridge at Grand Tradition
During Tracy and Ryan's wedding, we wanted to showcase the abundance of greenery surrounding the couple and their bridal party. By placing everyone on a bridge across the waterfall and using a telephoto lens, we were able to zoom in on the bridal party while also showing the expanse of space.
Bride and groom on a verandah surrounded by foliage
Groomsmen pick up the groom for a fun groomsmen shot
The various bridges around Arbor Terrace not only offer great views of the site's multiple ponds and waterfalls but also serve as a unique prop. For Naomi and Luke's wedding (above), we let the guys have a little bit of fun pretending to throw Luke overboard for a hilarious, candid shot.
Wedding dress hung in bamboo to feature the dress
While navigating the many winding paths at Arbor Terrace, couples can get lost in their own private jungle along the way.
A tender moment between the Bride and groom
Following Silvia and Edwin's wedding ceremony, we wanted to capture the warm glow of Sunset coming in through the trees during Golden Hour. By placing the Bride and Groom in the midst of everything and using a zoom lens, we were able to focus on the intimacy of their embrace and create a romantic feeling.
Bride and groom pose by a fountain at arbor terrace
Heading back to the wedding reception, we like to take couples by the Hospitality Fountain which can be used in a variety of creative ways.
Creative portrait of wedding couple kissing by fountain
With Jaclyn and Charlie, we had the couple sit on a bench in front of the fountain while photographing from behind. Shooting through the cascading water we were able to capture a creative bokeh effect and add to the emotion of the moment.
Bride and Groom embrace by water fountain at Grand Tradition
Rain shot in the gardens of Arbor Terrace
Bride and groom pose in front of lush tropical trees
Bride and groom explore grand tradtion at night
Colorful outdoor tented wedding reception
Once ready to party the night away, guests will be invited to the tented reception at the Pavilion.
Arbor Terrace set up for a beautiful reception
Bride and groom enjoy their first dance
Fun candid photo of guests dancing during wedding reception
Evening shot by the fireplace with the Bride and Groom
Directly behind the pavilion's tented reception lies an intimate brick fireplace where guests can relax and chat throughout the night.
Romantic night shot by the fireplace
Bride and groom pose for a beautiful evening rain shot
Creative long exposure night photo with the wedding couple and bridal party

Beverly Mansion

If your style is a bit more traditional and classical, our suggestion is the Beverly Mansion, a classic Victorian estate that overlooks the property’s idyllic heart-shaped lake. Ceremonies at the Beverly Mansion are held outdoors by the gazebo, where couples have the option of being brought out by horse and carriage. It definitely has a storybook feel!

After exchanging vows, guests can dance the night away under massive Swarovski crystal chandeliers. And to end the evening, nothing beats a fun and impressive sparkler grand exit, which is sure to leave your guests in awe :)

Bride and Groom hold hands and kiss during sunset outside the grand tradition
The lawn behind the Beverly Mansion is a great way to feature both the mansion as well as a stunning sunset.
Groom and Bride embrace by wall at the Beverly Mansion
Groom kisses Bride on cheek while standing on stairs at Beverly Mansion
With so many nooks and crannies, we love finding new ways to highlight the classical architecture of the mansion into photos.
Fun portrait of Bride with Bridesmaids at Beverly Mansion
Bride and groom pose for a photo in the lattice garden
In this photo, we adjusted our lens towards the roof to accentuate the leading lines and draw your eye towards Gina and Brandon for a creative, stylized portrait.
Beverly Mansion is one of the locations private events are held
Bride with Bridesmaids getting ready for wedding ceremony
The bridal suite at Beverly Mansion continues the venue's overall Victorian aesthetic with regal furniture and intricate windows.
Bride getting ready at the Grand Tradition
Bridesmaids help the bride get ready in her suite
Groom plays pool in his suite
The groom's suite offers the guys a moment to kick back and relax before the ceremony with a good ol' fashioned game of pool.
Ceremony by the water in the fall
One of the mansions most unique features is the horse-drawn carriage that couples can be transported in during their outdoor wedding ceremony, overlooking the property's serene heart-shaped lake.
Outdoor wedding ceremony by pond
Bride rides with father in horse drawn carriage before wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom kiss in aisle after wedding ceremony concludes
Bride and Groom pose with two white horses and carriage before wedding ceremony
Wedding couples tying the knot at the Grand Tradition
Bride and groom kiss by the carriage
For a creative angle, we placed the carriage in our foreground and posed the bride and groom in the center as they leaned in for a kiss. To add an extra flair, we placed our flash just above the couple's shoulders to create a starburst effect.
Creative back-lit portrait of Bride and Groom embracing in garden
Solo portrait of Bride and Groom by themselves
Groom embraces bride while standing on bridge next to pond at Grand Tradition
Just beyond the Beverly Mansion is the venue's picturesque heart-shaped pond which overlooks the ceremony site.
Bride and groom pose on a bridge at Grand Tradition
Bridal party fun shot
Photographing across the pond from the gazebo provides a more wide angle perspective of the water that features the waterfall and garden in the background.
Romantic portrait of bride and groom kissing by pond
Bride and groom walking by a field
Just feet away from the Beverly Mansion is the Compass Garden which can be used to host cocktail hours or wedding ceremonies, as well as being a beautiful background for portraits.
Cocktail Hour at Compass Garden
Wedding couple with bridal party at Compass Garde
Bride and groom pose at the bar
Conveniently located between the Beverly Mansion and Arbor Terrace, the Compass Garden offers a variety of textured doors and backgrounds to offset the rest of the property's tropical and classic aesthetic.
Bride an groom pose along a wooden gate
Bride and Groom kiss by metal gate during sunset
Exterior portrait of Beverly Mansion at Sunset
As night approaches, the lights of the Beverly Mansion illuminate the sky, and add a beautiful glow to balance the evening sunset.
Night photo of Bride and Groom kissing by Fountain
We love taking couples around the mansion at night for a different look that what the daytime provides.
Creative night portrait of bride and groom embracing and overlooking pond at Beverly Mansion
Bride and groom pose for an evening shot
Bride and Groom cheer during Grand sparkler exit after their reception
Grand Tradition is also one of the few venues in San Diego that allows couples the option of a Sparkler Grand Exit to wrap up their day of celebration.

Grand Tradition Wedding Photography

As preferred photographers of Grand Tradition, 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 Grand Tradition wedding photos.

15Apr

Candid Emotion | Photo of the Week

By, April 15, 2016

There are many benefits to having two photographers at your wedding. One of the biggest advantages is having the same moment documented from multiple perspectives. For example, at Susan and JR’s wedding at Grand Tradition, all eyes were fixed on Susan as she entered the ceremony site. However, because we had two photographers in action, we were also able to capture JR’s priceless reaction. It’s fleeting, personal moments like this that we feel tell the *true* story of the wedding day, which is why it is our Photo of the Week.

Groom Cries After Seeing Bride

Check out more of Susan and JR’s tropical Arbor Terrace wedding.

22Jan

Venue Spotlight | Grand Tradition

By, January 22, 2016

For those seeking a destination-style wedding just outside of San Diego, one of our favorite spots is the all-inclusive Grand Tradition. We have photographed many weddings at Grand Tradition over the years, and have likely covered every corner :) Located in Fallbrook, CA, the property’s 30 acres of rolling green hills and tropical gardens has something for everyone, including two main venue options onsite. Here are examples of each:

Beverly Mansion

If your style is a bit more traditional and classical, our suggestion is the Beverly Mansion, a classic Victorian estate that overlooks the property’s idyllic heart-shaped lake. Ceremonies at the Beverly Mansion are held outdoors by the gazebo, where couples have the option of being brought out by horse and carriage. It definitely has a storybook feel!

After exchanging vows, guests can dance the night away under massive Swarovski crystal chandeliers. And to end the evening, nothing beats a fun and impressive sparkler grand exit, which is sure to leave your guests in awe :)

View of Beverly Mansion during daytimeBride getting ready at Beverly MansionBridesmaids pose for photo before ceremonyBride and Groom pose outside Beverly MansionCouples celebrate in fun ways on wedding dayBeautiful pink ceremony at Beverly MansionTraditional Bride and GroomCouple arrives in Horse Drawn CarriageBride and Groom kiss at end of ceremonyBride and Groom kiss in fairytale settingBride and Groom Kiss in Front of GateBride and Groom pose by lake at Grand TraditionBride and Groom photographed through hole for creative anglePhoto of Beverly Mansion in early eveningWide angle room photo of Beverly MansionBeautiful and Ornate Crystal ChandelierCouple have fun during First DanceBride and Groom plan fun sparkler exit0001Liseth_Joel_pf

Arbor Terrace

For those seeking a more laid-back, paradise vibe to their day, we recommend the property’s Arbor Terrace and Pavilion. Inspired by the aesthetics of Hana, Hawaii, the Terrace is set against a gorgeous waterfall backdrop, and is adorned with paths covered in beautiful flowers. The Pavilion, where receptions are held, offers features such as the Hospitality Fountain, which is great for photos. There is also a cozy outdoor fireplace, which is a nice comfortable spot to enjoy a relaxing moment with guests.

Bride and Groom kiss in front of waterfall at nightBrides get ready for wedding day by putting on jewelry and dressBride and Groom's First Look between doorway0349Naomi_LukeLovely Ceremony Wedding Details at Grand Tradition0033Susan_JR_pf0037Grace_Daryl_pfCouple pose on Bridge over waterFun and unique creative portraits at Arbor TerraceCouple lean in for kiss by flowing fountainCouple kiss in tropical gardenMarket Lighting at Wedding ReceptionFuscia-themed wedding cake and party favor reception detailsOutdoor fireplace decorated with purple and pink propsCouple kiss at sweetheart table during wedding receptionCollage of Couples enjoying first moments at wedding receptionCouple perform fun dance during wedding receptionGuests breakdancing during wedding reception0069Grace_Daryl_pf

Regardless of which location you choose, you are in for a wonderful wedding experience :) For more of our favorite weddings photographed at Grand Tradition, please visit this link.

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