11Dec

The Westgate Hotel

By, December 11, 2017

Highlights of the Westgate Hotel

This luxury hotel is a tribute to the anteroom in the Palace of Versailles. The Grand Lobby is noted for its magnificent antiques, crystal chandeliers, and Persian carpets. The hotel is located right in the heart of San Diego, and has plenty to offer in terms of wedding photography, as you will see below.

Both the lobby and the mezzanine level of the hotel are ornately decorated, and joined by a fancy winding staircase. They are the perfect setting for fairytale-like wedding photos. There is an abundance of natural light coming through the elegantly draped windows, and plenty of classic furniture to use as props.

Antique wedding style
The lobby and the mezzanine level of the hotel are the perfect setting for fairytale-like wedding photos. Both floors are ornately decorated and joined by a fancy winding staircase. There is tons of natural light coming through the elegantly draped windows and plenty of classic furniture to use a props.
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
Antique wedding style
Outside the front entrance there is a beautifully lit open space with tropical plants and flowers. The exterior walls of the hotel also provide an interesting background for some photos.
Classic antique wedding
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
Right next to the lobby and adjacent to the grand staircase is this beautiful hidden gem (below). It serves as a hospitality room for the hotel guests but also the ideal spot for few colorful portraits on your wedding day.
Antique wedding style
Westgate San Diego Wedding
As you can imagine the ceremony and reception spaces in the hotel are equally elaborate.
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
The Westgate Hotel Wedding
Antique wedding style
Antique wedding style
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
The 3rd floor of the hotel also has a lot to offer, including nice views of downtown San Diego. There is a large open outdoor space with beautiful plants and fountains that can be ideal for an outdoor wedding.
San Diego wedding
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
Wedding at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
Classic Wedding at the Westgate Hotel
It also great to venture out onto the streets surounding the Hotel. Just a stone throw away are many great urban photo opportunities like the trolley tracks and the spreckles theater to name a few. Also, kitty corner to the Westgate is is the newly invigorated Horton Plaza Park which also has some unforgettable photo locales!
Candid urban wedding photo
Urban Photo at Westgate Hotel
Horton Plaza Park
Trolley San Diego wedding photo
Wedding Venue San Diego
Westgate Hotel Wedding Brunch
Sushi Bar at the Westgate Hotel
Sushi Bar at the Westgate Hotel
The Sunday brunch at the Westgate is one of the most popular brunches in San Diego & many couples have time their weeding around the brunch!!

Westgate Hotel Wedding Photography

We photograph weddings at The Westgate Hotel 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 Westgate Hotel wedding photos.

23Aug

Groom Inspiration | Photo of the Week

By, August 23, 2017

For our Photo of the Week, we’re bringing a little groom inspiration (groom-spiration?) With his white shawl lapel tux, and black bowtie, our groom Charles hit it out of the park. His ensemble was perfect for his chic wedding to Nikia at the US Grant. A look this classic deserved a solo stylized portrait! 

When photographing Charles, we couldn’t help bringing out his wistful expression and infectious smile. Enjoy :)Portrait of a handsome groom

Check out more of Nikia and Charles’ classic US Grant wedding photos

23Mar

Super Bowl Sunday Brunch Wedding | Westgate Hotel | Jessica and Nima

By, March 23, 2016

Although Jessica and Nima live in Arizona, they held their Super Bowl Sunday wedding in San Diego, at the Westgate Hotel. They exchanged vows on the roof deck of the hotel, in front of an intimate group of family and friends. It was a beautiful morning, with a sweeping view of downtown San Diego, and plenty of gorgeous California sunshine. There was definitely “game day” excitement in the air :)

Bride and Groom's wedding rings on Super Bowl SundaySuperbowl Sunday Themed Donuts for the Bride and GroomBadgley Mischka shoes at a San Diego WeddingWestgate Hotel rooftop wedding in downtown San DiegoBride getting ready in her favorite football team shirt.Bride and Groom getting ready on Super Bowl SundayDelicate, lacey wedding dress on Super Bowl SundayA quiet moment for the Bride on Super Bowl Sunday

While photographing, we took advantage of the huge windows at the Westgate. This gave us plenty of gorgeous, natural light, and enabled us to highlight Jessica and Nima’s stylish attire.

Bride and Groom portraits at the Westgate Hotel in Downtown San DiegoThe ceremony site at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego on Super Bowl SundayBlogwlogo-2Blogwlogo-3Groom shakes hands with father of bride in San Diego ceremonyWedding ceremony on Super Bowl Sunday at the Westgate Hotel RoofFirst Kiss at a wedding at the Westgate Hotel in Downtown San Diego

Because this couple had traveled from out of state, we felt it was especially important to incorporate as much of the city as possible. To capture the amazing architecture surrounding the Westgate Hotel’s deck, where Jessica and Nima exchanged vows, we employed a wide-angle lens.

Bridal portraits at the Westgate Hotel San Diego on Super Bowl Sunday

Bridal portraits at the Westgate Hotel San Diego on Super Bowl SundayBride and Groom portraits at the Westgate Hotel in Downtown San Diego

By using off-camera flash, we were able to create dynamic, high key portraits, like the one below. This helped to mix up the style and mood of the day’s photography. We reserved this specific technique for the more elaborate areas of the hotel, in order to match the Westgate’s ornate décor.

Bridal portraits at the Westgate Hotel San Diego on Super Bowl SundayBridal portraits at the Westgate Hotel San Diego on Super Bowl SundayBridal portraits at the Westgate Hotel San Diego on Super Bowl Sunday

After the ceremony, guests were treated to an incredible brunch buffet by the Westgate.

Brunch Super Bowl Wedding reception at Westgate Hotel in downtown San DiegoWine glass labels at Super Bowl Sunday wedding in San Diego

The dining selections included a fresh sushi bar, a white chocolate fountain, and custom crepe and omelet stations.

JessicaNimaWestGatePlazaSuperbowlBrunchWedding-36Shrimp and Bloody Marys at a Brunch Wedding at Westgate Hotel San DiegoBride and Groom grand entrance at Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego

All in all, this wedding was a total touchdown. For more of Jessica and Nima’s “Super” Sunday wedding, please click here.