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.

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.

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