17May

Rancho Guajome Ranch | Leticia and Anthony

By, May 17, 2016

Leticia and Anthony tied the knot at the historic Rancho Guajome Adobe, located in Vista, California. Built in 1852, and situated within the Guajome County Park, this beautiful 2,219-acre landmark features rustic wood wagons, old barns, and a stunning Victorian garden. With its range of architectural styles, and proximity to nature, the Ranch made for a fun and idyllic wedding venue.

Bride and Groom kiss under Spanish-style Arch with flowers in background

The site’s most prominent feature, a 20-room Spanish Colonial style hacienda, lies at the property’s center. It is decorated with vibrant green doors, arcaded verandas, and a lush garden courtyard.

Spanish bride portrait with hanging sleeved wedding dress and rustic bouquet Close up of Groom's bow tie, boutonniere and pocket square Leticia’s beautiful bouquet (see below), designed by San Diego Bay Flower Company, was comprised of a wide range of flowers, including astrantia, succulents, hypericum berries, and sweet alyssum. These textured florals created a unique and stunning presentation, and paired nicely with the area’s desert vegetation.

Bride solo portrait with colorful rustic bouquet in front of green doors Groomsmen portraits with jackets off at rustic, spanish-style barn The property, originally a cattle ranch, is now maintained as a museum, with many authentic artifacts from the late 1800’s. When we noticed this wind-beaten barn, and its textured tin roof, we had Anthony and his best man hop in front, resulting in this Wild West throwback photo (above).

Wedding Couple hold hands during Veranda ceremony Bride and Father walk down aisle during outdoor rustic wedding in Vista By having two photographers, we were able to shoot from multiple vantage points at the same time. For example, as Leticia came down the aisle, we were able to capture her candid expression of joy (above).

Bride and Groom wedding portraits in garden courtyard of historical spanish-style house Black and white photo of Groom Kissing Bride Solo photos of Bride and Groom during rustic wedding at spanish-style ranch

With over 220 acres of land to roam, we made sure to arrive early, as we do at every wedding. That way, we were able to get a head start for the day, and make our game plan. For example, we scheduled our timing to take advantage of the beautiful golden light, resulting in photos like the one below.

Romantic Wedding Couple Portraits at Spanish-style ranch wedding venue Creative Couple's Rings Photo on green and pink cactus

For a bold splash of color, we placed Leticia and Anthony’s wedding rings across a blooming Prickly Pear Cactus (above).

Outdoor wedding reception with trees and trellis' in Victorian Garden Bride and Groom's First Dance in Victorian Garden at Spanish-style venue during outdoor rustic wedding reception Rustic Wedding Reception in Victorian Garden in Vista, CA After the vow exchange at the West Veranda, guests relaxed and enjoyed the reception at the elegant Victorian garden. Nestled under massive tipu and pepper trees, the garden was a picturesque location for an afternoon of celebrating.

Rustic-inspired wedding cake during wedding at Spanish-style venue Wedding guests have fun dancing under tent at outdoor wedding reception Cute kids climbing trees and playing with grandma during outdoor wedding reception in Victorian Garden

We had lots of fun photographing the guests, and even rounded up the couple’s 90-year-old grandmas for an hilarious group portrait (below).

Older guests have fun with creative photobooth props at wedding reception Wedding Couple with fun photobooth props and walking through grassy field during sunset at wedding reception at spanish-style ranch Black and White photo of Bride and Groom standing in grassy field on wedding dayBride and Groom portraits with golden natural light at spanish-style ranch As the day turned to dusk, we were able to sneak the couple away for one final set of romantic sunset photos. We had saved this location for last, knowing the golden hour light would be at its best. With a wide angle lens, we were able to incorporate the vast environment surrounding the couple, and preserve this quiet and intimate moment.

Bride and Groom wedding portraits standing in grassy field with natural light

Check out more images from Leticia and Anthony’s Rancho Guajome Adobe wedding.

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.

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