04May

San Diego Air & Space Museum Wedding| Heather and Chris

By, May 04, 2016

Heather and Chris tied the knot at San Diego’s Air and Space Museum, located in Balboa Park. This couple is admittedly obsessed with Star Wars and all things vintage, so the location was a perfect fit. With its focus on flight and space travel, and its historical collection dating back to 1901, the museum made for a fun and eclectic wedding venue.

Black-and-white photo of bride and groom by airplane propellor

We thought the couple’s classic retro look paired perfectly with this antique Pitts Special plane from the 40’s (see above). By side-lighting the image, and converting it to black and white during post-production, it created a timeless film noir aesthetic.

Bride posing with Wedding Dress and Bouquet of Flowers Bridesmaid helps Bride put on shoe before wedding ceremony

Because we were photographing in such a unique venue, we wanted to highlight the museum’s displays of engines and aircraft. For example, we borrowed Heather’s Dorothy-inspired glitter heels from Irregular Choice, and offset them with the dark metal tones and mechanical texture of this engine (below).

Bride's white glitter wedding shoes with bows by Irregular Choice0014Heather_Chris_pfBridesmaids help bride putting on wedding dress

Heather is also an avid fan of Dr. Who, in addition to Star Wars. Using the show as inspiration, she had a yellow swing wedding dress custom-designed by the ladies at Tailor Love. It definitely created a bold pop of color as she came down the aisle :)

Yellow Tailor Love Wedding Dress hung with PSA stewardessesStar Wars R2D2 Flasks for BridesmaidsGroom and Groomsmen stand in front of blue doors at San Diego Air and Space Museum

After seeing these blue doors (pictured above), we found them to be awfully reminiscent of Dr. Who’s TARDIS police box. We had the fellas hop in front, and show off their best time traveler poses.

Groom punches ground to Hulk Smash Groomsmen into airGrooms waits in anticipation for Bride moments before First Look Bride climbs stairs up to Groom for First Look inside Air and Space Museum

Upon seeing Heather in her yellow dress for the first time, Chris’ reaction was priceless (below). The photo was captured during the First Look, which allowed these two to enjoy a quiet, intimate moment together before seeing guests. We love the candid emotions that can come from moments like this.

Groom has shocked expression after seeing Bride in Wedding Dress for First Look Bride and Groom touch foreheads in Balboa Park To exchange vows, the couple stood under a massive PBY-5A Catalina as Ceremonies by Bethel officiated. With the plane’s broad wingspan overhead, and the pavilion’s intricate roof pattern, it was a sight to behold. To show off the full detail of the scene, we used a wide angle lens, and got down low for a “larger-than-life” vantage point.

Bride and Groom hold hands under big airplane during Star Wars themed wedding ceremony at museum Bridesmaid escorts cute Star Wars Flower Girl and Ringbearer down aisle of wedding at museum

During the ceremony, Heather and Chris kept guests entertained with a few fun surprises up their sleeves. As guests focused on the main doors, the music abruptly switched from a 50’s soundtrack to the familiar chorus of “Imperial March” from Star Wars. Moments later, this mini-Darth Vader and Storm Trooper burst in, ready to ward off would-be ring thieves (above).

Bride and Groom mix pepper and garlic spices during wedding ceremony Playing off of the traditional sand ceremony, Heather and Chris decided to mix spices instead. They selected spices to compliment their personalities, uniting in an artistic fusion of garlic and pepper. The couple that cooks together stays together :)

Bride watches as Groom steps on wine glass during wedding ceremony at museum Bride and Groom's First Kiss during wedding ceremony in museum Wedding Rings in front of yellow and blue bouquet of flowersWith the museum closed off to visitors after-hours, our photographers enjoyed unfiltered access to the grounds after the ceremony. One star of the show was this F/A-18 Blue Angels fighter jet (see below) used by the Navy in the 70’s. We loved matching the blue-and-yellow paint to the Bride’s bouquet of yellow roses and blue hydrangeas.

Bride and Groom stand in front of Blue Angels airplane at museum on wedding day Bride and Groom pose in classic car for 1950's themed photoshoot

The San Diego Air and Space Museum sits on the outskirts of Balboa Park. In the photo below, we couldn’t resist having the bridal party tap into their inner-Trekkies, and give a Vulcan Salute. We know this couple will “live long and prosper” long after the wedding day ;)

Bride and Groom pose with Bridal Party showing Star Trek Vulcan Salute Bride and Groom pose in front of red plane at museum Bride in Yellow Wedding Dress uses Force on Groomsmen By mixing colorful uplighting with projected images of the moon, Heather and Chris continued their Star Wars theme late into the night.

Overall view of wedding reception with colorful uplighting at Plane Museum Stars Wars themed centerpieces during reception at Air and Space museum The couple showed off more craftiness with these Star Wars and Dr. Who centerpieces. Consisting of memorabilia from their own collection, this DIY touch helped showcase the couple’s unique sense of style.

Blue and Yellow checkered reception table with Dr. Who centerpiece Bride and Groom's first dance as married couple Bride holds Groom during romantic first dance as married couple  Later, guests were treated to musical performances by the bluegrass country band Gone Tomorrow, and a surprise guitar tribute from Chris to his new bride.

Bluegrass county band performs with multiple instruments during Star Wars themed wedding Groom plays guitar and performs with guest during Star Wars themed wedding receptionGroom kisses Bride as they cut wedding cake during reception Towards the end of the night, guests treated the couple to an impromptu Hora Dance. Attendees raise the couple above their heads, with a napkin between them, and paraded them in circles. Soaring as high as the planes themselves, Heather’s reaction to the moment says it all!

Guests lift Bride and Groom for Hora Dance during wedding receptionBride holds out flowers for bouquet tossClassic 1950's inspired Bride and Groom with vintage car

Vendors

Venue: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Wedding Dress: Tailor Love (custom-made)
Wedding Shoes: Irregular Choice
Invitation: Wedding Paper Divas
Makeup: Lindsay Ann Makeup
Hair Stylist: Vera Delgado
Florist: Blossoms by the Beach
Bluegrass Band: Gone Tomorrow
Disc Jockey: DJ Tom Parck
Caterer: Bekker’s Catering
Coordinator: Bekker’s Catering
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel

Check out more fun moments from Heather and Chris’ creative Star Wars-themed 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.

28Aug

Photographer’s Wedding | Hilton Bayfront / Ultimate Skybox | Billy & Adriana

By, August 28, 2014

This past weekend, we were delighted to celebrate the marriage of one of our own – our talented shooter Billy and his lovely wife Adriana. The ceremony took place downtown at the Hilton Bayfront, and our True team was well represented. Because Billy came to San Diego via Winnipeg, there were plenty of festive Canadians in attendance too. Adriana stunned onlookers in her mermaid-style gown, and Billy was no slouch in his dapper blue suit and bow tie.

Following the ceremony, guests walked across a footbridge near Petco Park to the evening’s final destination, The Ultimate Skybox. This swanky downtown venue was perfect for the occasion, with lounge areas, a sweeping city view, and delicious food stations. There was also a lively dance floor, where Billy and Adriana impressed us with their tango skills, and guests attempted traditional Greek dancing. There may have been Ouzo involved :)

Because Billy was too busy to photograph the day himself (we have no idea why), our True Team stepped in and took turns behind the camera. We hope you enjoy a selection of our favorite images below. It was a wonderful wedding and quite a party, and we wish Billy and Adriana a lifetime of happiness. Opa!
bride and groom lying on grassbride and groom in front of brick buildingb&w artistic photo of bride laying downgroom getting shoeshine from groomsmangroomsmen walking in line in front of Hilton Hotelbridesmaids pushing bride and flower girls in luggage cartcollage of flowers and bridal jewelryb&w bride and groom walking into ceremonybride being escorted into ceremonyemotional groom during wedding ceremonybride and groom first kiss wedding canopy near oceanbride and groom kiss busy downtown outdoor restaurantbride standing in front of classic car with groom peekinggroomsmen and groom classic carb&w bride and groom inside classic carbride standing in front of bright color backdropsbride and bridesmaids eating cupcakes in sweet shopflower girls eating cupcakes in sweet shopbridal party standing in front of arch on tiled lawnbride in front of digital rainbow backgroundcollage of colorful sculpture and traditional wedding cakeballpark view from The Ultimate Skybox venueb&w of bride and groom quiet momentsgroomsmen throwing groom in the air dance floorgroomsmen lifting bride into the air dance floorcariacature of bride and groom on glass and the couple themselvesgroom drinking a shot of ouzo during Greek dancebride and groom laughing during money dancebride and groom on glowing yellow backgroundbride and groom kissing at Ultimate Skybox city view

To see even more of Billy and Adriana’s amazing wedding, check out their gallery.

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