28Mar

Beach Wedding Trends

By, March 28, 2023

At True Photography, we love capturing the beauty and magic of San Diego beach weddings. From romantic sunsets to stunning ocean views, there’s no better backdrop for your big day. If you’re planning a beach wedding in San Diego, here are a few beach wedding trends to consider that will make your day unforgettable.

Bohemian Vibes

Bohemian beach weddings are still very much in style for 2023. From flowy dresses and barefoot brides to flower crowns and loose, natural hairstyles, the boho trend is all about embracing a relaxed and carefree vibe. Additionally this style works perfectly for beach weddings and pairs beautifully with soft pastel colors, macrame accents, and plenty of greenery.San Diego beach wedding boho vibes

Intimate Ceremonies

Due to the ongoing pandemic, many couples are opting for smaller, more intimate weddings. Beach weddings are perfect for this, as they offer a more casual and relaxed atmosphere. Consider having a smaller ceremony with just your closest family and friends, followed by a sunset beach reception with drinks and appetizers. Consider Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove, or Torrey Pines State Beach for intimate beach ceremonies. Small ceremony beach wedding in San Diego photographed by True Photography

Rustic Chic

Rustic chic is a trend that is perfect for beach weddings in San Diego. Moreover, this style combines the natural beauty of the beach with a touch of rustic charm. Additionally consider using wooden decor elements like driftwood or crates, paired with elegant flowers and soft fabrics. A beachside bonfire is a perfect way to end the night.rustic beach wedding details captured by True Photography

Nautical Details

Nautical details are an overall timeless choice for beach weddings. This trend includes navy and white color schemes, anchors, ropes, and also other marine elements. Think about incorporating these details in particularly subtle ways, like with navy blue bridesmaid dresses, navy striped table runners, or anchor-shaped cake toppers.

Nautical wedding decor captured by True Photography

Unconventional Cakes

Finally, unconventional wedding cakes are a big trend for beach weddings in 2023. Think outside the box with unique cake flavors, shapes, and designs. Consider a naked cake with fresh fruit, a beach-themed cake with seashells and coral, or even a donut tower!

ocean theme wedding cake captured by True Photography

If you’re planning a beach wedding in San Diego, consider these trends to make your day unforgettable. At True Photography, we love capturing all the beauty and joy of beach weddings, and we can’t wait to be a part of your special day. Contact us today to learn more about our San Diego beach wedding photography services and check out our beach wedding gallery for more inspiration.

26Jun

Bohemian-Inspired Destination Wedding | Mikayla and Christian

By, June 26, 2017

Mikayla and Christian’s love story began on the high seas – they met while working on the same cruise ship! After traveling the world together, they settled in New York, where Mikayla is a professional singer. For a fun, bohemian-inspired destination wedding, they came to sunny San Diego, to be married at the Twin Oaks Garden Estate. Here are a few of our favorite moments from this bohemian-inspired destination wedding.

Night portrait of bride and groom at Twin Oaks
Bride Getting Ready before wedding ceremony
We were spellbound by Mikayla's stunning Roman-style dress :)
Bride laughing with bridesmaid during getting ready photos
Bride's Dress Hanging at Twin Oaks
Bridesmaids with Bride before wedding ceremony
Solo portrait of Bride smiling before wedding ceremony
Playing with the venue's rustic Victorian aesthetic, we rotated the couch into the shade, with the garden behind. This highlighted Mikayla's dress, while creating a romantic look.
Solo portrait of groom getting ready before wedding ceremony
Groomsmen help groom get ready before wedding ceremony
Wedding day flower details
Funny photo of groomsmen goofing around
Groom's Custom Knife with Wedding Date
Like a boss, Christian had this rustic switch knife custom-engraved with the wedding date ;)
Groom showing off cufflinks while getting ready
Outdoor wedding ceremony at Twin Oaks Garden
Wedding Signage details at ceremony
Groom's candid reaction to seeing bride at wedding ceremony
Bohemian bride walking down aisle on wedding day
Bride and groom hold hands during outdoor wedding ceremony
Box of Wine and hammer during wedding ceremony
After exchanging rings, Mikayla and Christian sealed a wood box to reopen in the future. The contents? A special bottle of wine!
Bride and Groom nail shut box of wine during wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom celebrate and walk down aisle after first kiss
bride and groom celebrate with first kiss during ceremony
Bride and Groom smiling at one another while sitting on vintage furniture
Solo portrait of bohemian bride and groom on wedding day
Bridal Party cheering while Wedding Couple Kiss
Funny group photo of bridesmaids and groomsmen
Groom pushes happy bride on wooden swing
Romantic bohemian wedding couple embracing under white gazebo
Black and white photo of bride and groom laughing and walking
Romantic bohemian wedding couple at rustic wedding venue
The venue's rustic highlights, such as fountains and tree swings, allowed us to be creative with new and interesting perspectives.
Group portrait of wedding couple with bridal party after outdoor wedding ceremony
Modern night portrait of bohemian wedding couple
As a fun prop for our nighttime photo shoot, we made use of the venue's vintage saloon bar (right). Exposing for the twinkle in the bar's lights, we used an off-camera flash. This illuminated Mikayla, and bounced light onto Christian with a reflector.
Outdoor Tented Wedding Reception at Rustic Venue
Fun, customized wedding reception favors at rustic wedding venue
Bohemian-inspired sweetheart table at rustic wedding venue
Bride and Groom share First Dance at Wedding Reception
Bride and groom react with laughter during wedding toast speeches during reception
Rustic Naked-style wedding cake and dessert table at reception
I do-nut :) Mikayla and Christian spoiled guests during reception with some delicious donuts and naked-style cake by Eat Your Cake Too.
Bride smashes Cake in Groom face during rustic tented wedding reception
Bohemian Bride tosses bouquet
Bride and Groom take selfie with wedding guests on dance floor
For a creative group photo, we had everyone huddle close together on the dance floor. We framed this photo around the happy couple, with their hands stretched out around the lens.
Guests dance and lift groom during open dance at wedding reception
Guests lift bride for hora dance during wedding reception
Bohemian bride and groom pose in Take-a-Pic photobooth during wedding reception
Bride and groom hold hands running under bridal party tunnel
Wedding Couple cheer during grand bubble exit after wedding reception
Bride and Groom cheer in neon green honeymoon Jeep after grand bubble exit

 

View more moments from Mikayla and Christian’s bohemian-inspired destination wedding.

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Twin Oaks Garden Estate
Coordinator: Twin Oaks Garden Estate
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus

Bakery: Eat Your Cake Too
Arch and Arbor: Moments in Bloom
Transportation: Five Star Transportation
Caterer: Twin Oaks Garden Estate
Disc Jockey: High Energy DJ
Photo Booth: Take-a-Pic Photo Booth
Custom Furniture: Twin Oaks Garden Estate

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

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