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.

Couples tying the knot at the Arbor Terrace have the option of exchanging vows in front of the property's main waterfall feature

Come nightfall, the waterfalls at Arbor Terrace take on a different appearance once illuminated by the area's uplighting.

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.

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.

While navigating the many winding paths at Arbor Terrace, couples can get lost in their own private jungle along the way.

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.

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.

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.

Once ready to party the night away, guests will be invited to the tented reception at the Pavilion.

Directly behind the pavilion's tented reception lies an intimate brick fireplace where guests can relax and chat throughout the night.

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 :)

The lawn behind the Beverly Mansion is a great way to feature both the mansion as well as a stunning sunset.

With so many nooks and crannies, we love finding new ways to highlight the classical architecture of the mansion into photos.

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.

The bridal suite at Beverly Mansion continues the venue's overall Victorian aesthetic with regal furniture and intricate windows.

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.

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.

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.

Just beyond the Beverly Mansion is the venue's picturesque heart-shaped pond which overlooks the ceremony site.

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.

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.

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.

As night approaches, the lights of the Beverly Mansion illuminate the sky, and add a beautiful glow to balance the evening sunset.

We love taking couples around the mansion at night for a different look that what the daytime provides.

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.