Vendor Tribute! | True Photography

Another year later, and True Photography is still one of our favorite event photographers!

 

Their work is so unique in its vibrancy and evident zeal for life.

We find they’re perfect for potential clients who want unusual angles, priceless candid shots, and unparalleled service.

 

 

As another hard-working vendor, ready to help others at events, they always take incredible pictures of our food and let our service shine!

 

Out of the hundreds of pictures they’ve shared with us, we couldn’t begin to choose our favorites.

 

 

 

We love recommending them to our clients because we know the client will be thrilled with the experience and the product every single time.

We hope that this process goes both ways and  True Photography reached out to us with this statement from a client:

My fiancé and I just booked our wedding at Mt. Woodson Castle in Ramona, CA. We fell in love with the venue thanks, in large part, to your photos that Mt. Woodson features on their website (we live in Washington DC and are unable to visit any venues in person).” 

 

Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona

 

They amaze us with their eye for detail and light-hearted imaginative feel to all their shots!

We can’t thank True Photography enough for all their hard work and constant reliability throughout our time working with each other.

 

Darlington House of La Jolla

 

Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum

 

Darlington House of La Jolla

 

Darlington House of La Jolla

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

 

Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

 

Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum

 

Without our clients, locations, vendors, and even staff, the advertising attempts that we make would need to be expanded by hundreds–if not thousands–of dollars.

Even so, nothing beats word-of-mouth recommendations from an excellent, trusted source.

 

Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum

 

La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

 

The Ultimate Skybox, Diamond View Towers

 

Downtown San Diego

 

The Ultimate Sky Box, Diamond View Towers

 

Private Home

 

Downtown San Diego

 

Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Deigo

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

 

Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona

 

Here’s to many more years of collaborative fun with True Photography!

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

 

 

 

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Six | San Diego Catering

Welcome back for Part Six of our WTWL Series!

In Part Five, we talked about our lazy, “Sunday Kind of Love” wedding themes. If we were to categorize this next theme, we’d have to say it was for our “Hometown Honeys.

 

One of the most popular and versatile themes last season was a love for the Rustic!

Rustic Romantic, Rustic Bohemian, Rustic Vintage, even Rustic Alternative couples have loved throwing a little of this flair into almost every wedding motif.

Specifically, when we’re picturing this homey concept, we imagine romantic string lights, mason jars, lots of lace, twine, dark or unfinished wood, barns, trees, mountains, ranches, and the rural outdoors.

 

Best of all…Every dining style fits this motif!

Buffets tend to be the most popular option for couples choosing to go along with the less formal feel of this theme, but Seated Dinners and Moving Style/Small Plate receptions work flawlessly too.

 

Check out some of our favorite venues below for a little inspiration.

 

The Historic Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad California

This gorgeous 1939 ranch is rich in history and tucked into the canyons of Carlsbad. With is classic Spanish influence, wild roaming peacocks, and great outdoor space, it’s perfect for couples who are looking for that unique rustic charm.

 

We can’t blame couples for falling in love with the pastel color pallet that comes naturally here.

We’re always fans of the crisp white, sage green, warm terracotta, and the signature Leo Carrillo blue.

 

Photographer: Brogen Jessup Photography

 

Natural beauty is everywhere with succulent gardens, massive–nearly a century old–cacti, soft stone, and abundant fresh eucalyptus.

Many couples are relieved not to need extra decorations to achieve the look they want. Spend that extra cash on something fun for you and your guests!

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

There are separate Private Bridal Rooms that are available to get ready in!

The Bride’s Room, in the historic Hacienda, is Leo Carrillo’s repurposed bedroom, and its dripping with vintage elegance.

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

The Groom’s Room is outdoors in the historic Carriage House, and we love the masculine feel of all the exposed brick and textured beams.

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

Farm Tables look so natural at this location and add a higher authentic quality feel with the dark finished wood.

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

How many wedding venues have wild peacocks that freely roam around during events?

These friendly foul made Leo Carrillo Ranch their home long ago, and relish the opportunity for extra attention from guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona California

Another even older historic venue, constructed in 1921 and tucked into the mountains between Poway and Julian, is alive with rustic charm.

The Castle was decorated with hand-painted artwork on many of the ceilings, giving each room personality and unique spirit.

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

The entire Castle is built from natural stone from a local quarry meticulously pieced together created a work of art that is perfect for the Rustic look.

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

The Windmill, originally used to draw water from a well, no longer functions as anything other than a fantastic background for magical photos.

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

The Castle has multiple ceremony locations, but by far, the most Rustic would be the Oak Tree Ceremony Location.

Beneath the shade of these majestic boughs, couples can declare their love while guests feel transported to a forest glen.

 

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

A Country Wedding with cowboy boots goes with the rustic theme like love and marriage.

We love this idea of white boots and a lace gown, exploring the flower fields behind The Castle!

 

 

The lace and boots combination isn’t only for the Bride!

Adorable, shorter, lace Bridesmaids gowns pair flawlessly with this motif.

 

 

For your tables, keep the decor simple!

Wildflowers, wood, and a few candles are all you’d need when the beauty of the mountain is all around.

 

 

Even the ceremony decor can be fresh from the farm.

Who knew that a few wood crates, candles, and some white pumpkins for a Rustic Autumn Wedding could complete your look?

 

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

These romantic misty mountain views are unchallenged is their unique beauty.

 

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

 

More Inspiration

 

DIY Seating Charts

These well-loved windows are the perfect place for your guests’ names and table assignments.

 

 

Rustic Sweetheart Table Decor is easy to find and affordable.

We’ve even seen couples use a vintage door and two wine barrels as their table!

 

 

As we always say: Keep your wedding theme True To You!

 

 

Need help with the planning process?

Feel free to contact our expert Event Planning Teams, who are always ready to answer any questions you might have!

 

Keep an eye out for Part 7, “Bohemian-Chic”, coming soon to our WTWL Series!

 

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Four | San Diego Catering

Welcome to Part Four of our WTWL (Wedding Themes We Love) Series!

 

In this section, we’ll stray away from generalized “Moods,” such as we’ve shown represented in a Romantic or Modern theme.

Instead, we’re shining a light on Specified Subject Themed Weddings.

Some couples have a distinct shared event, pin-pointed hobby/interest, or even holiday that they feel defines a significant part of their relationship, and that subject steers couples towards the theme of their special day!

Travel

Here’s a theme that has become super attractive to young adventurous couples recently!

We’ve seen so many creative ways to incorporate travel into the smallest details for a wedding.

Photographer: Sara France Photography. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla.

Above, a talented couple was able to recreate the Adventure Book from Disney’s “UP!” used as their suggestion/sign-in book where they asked their guests for new travel destination inspiration.

Guests can even pick up personalized ticket/escort cards to find their seats, seen below!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

This witty Flight Attendant had her garters custom made from pieces at her job!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

Have guests sign an atlas to use in your future travels!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography. Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle.

Use a globe as a sign-in book or destination suggestion/card box.

Have your guests fill out postcards to themselves for you to send when you’re on your adventures!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

Vintage suitcases make perfect displays for favors or photo booth props.

Photographer: Robin Harris Images

 

 

Tropical

Can’t wait till the honeymoon?

Excitement over palm leaves, tropical flowers, and island escapes have been blowing up over the last few seasons!
Honestly, we can’t blame these couples for falling in love with the neon, retro, exotic, frond-filled paradise they’ve created.

Photographer: Dear Lovers Photography. Florist: Splendid Sentiments. Venue: Harbor View Loft.

Like being dropped into a jungle, minus the heat and humidity, a wedding in a garden venue such as the San Diego Botanical Gardens, would be a perfect affordable tropical escape.

Venue: San Diego Botanical Gardens

 

This happy couple brought the exotic beaches of Cuba to their big day through the use of palm fronds.

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography. Florist: Joy of Bloom Florals. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla

 

Correctly placed printed palms can establish the proper mood as well!

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography. Florist: Joy of Bloom Florals. Rentals: Adore Folklore.

 

Fiction

If you and your love are fans of any fictional world, we’re talking about anything from Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones here is some inspiration!

Have your wedding in an actual castle!

 

Your favorite books can be centerpieces or table numbers as a creative way to get your guests to their correct tables.

Photographer: True Photography Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle

 

The Cake Topper is often a personalized reflection of the Bride and Groom, why not make it a fun version of yourself?

Photographer: True Photography

 

After your event, using the centerpieces as your guests’ wedding favors is a sure way to immerse them in your favorite fantasy world.

 

Holidays

Popular holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. have been used as inspiration for a couple’s wedding theme as well.

These dates can be attached to important cultural events or meaningful family moments that are influential enough to be an underlying spirit throughout the wedding.

Are you looking for a little extra luck on your big day? In the picture above, the couple wanted to celebrate their strong connection to their Irish roots, and threw their wedding on St. Patrick’s Day!

 

A white winter wedding can be like a second Christmas with the chilly weather and gathering of family. Subtle decor, like the pinecones below, can be a discrete nod to the holiday season without covering everything in tinsel.

Photographer: ABM Photography

 

Hobbies

Whether it be a specific sport, activity, or shared interest, if you and your loved one share a passion, why not bring it into your wedding planning?

Photographer: True Photography

 

For example, this couple wanted to bring their love for Baseball into their celebrations for loving each other!

Photographer: True Photography

 

This caffeine craving couple custom printed their favorite drinks onto their toasting glasses!

Photographer: Dapper Images

 

All in all, a wedding day is all about celebrating love!

If a couple loves a particular subject almost as much as they love each other, use it as a launching point for a wedding theme!

Chances are, it’ll be no surprise to any friends or family who know the happy couple, and everyone loves a customized wedding.

 

Feel free to Reach Out to our talented coordination team for answers to any planning questions!

 

Keep an eye out for Part Five of our WTWL Series, coming soon!

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Three | San Diego Catering

Here we are again for Part Three of our

“Wedding Themes We Love!” Series

 

 

Romantic

In Part One of this series, we mentioned the Formal/Traditional Themed wedding as the most often mentally pictured for a wedding.
If Formal the first, thanks to Hollywood, the Romantic Theme would be the close second.
This theme is most natural to blend with others, and frankly, there are very few weddings that wouldn’t fall under the Romantic spectrum.

The defining characteristic of this theme?
All the florals, bigger is better, especially in loose, wild arrangements as though plucked from an enchanted forest.

Florals below by Flora Glamor

Photo by Gabriel Conover Photography

Everything is in pastels like cream, blush, lilac, sage, and cornflower blue.

Photo by Fleeting Fox Photo

No hard edges or defined lines.
Like walking in a dream, everything is soft and flowing with a life of its own.

Photographer: Gabriel Conover Photography

Warm glowing hanging lights, like the classic Market or cheerful Christmas lights, add to the ambiance.

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photo

Plunge your guests into an ethereal atmosphere where magic seems closer than ever, and they feel like they’re part of your fairy tale!

Photographer: True Photography

This theme can fit any dining style due to its versatility! So take a closer look at your guests and their needs instead.
Have a reasonably young crowd excited to dance? Go with a “Moving Style.”
Are you looking for something more traditional for your fairytale wedding? The Seated or Buffet dining option is more your scene!

 

 

Whimsical

This theme is for the unconventional couple looking to embrace the unexpected on their special day, hoping to wow their guests!

Photographer: True Photography

If your mood is “Don’t take life so seriously, this is a party,” then this is the theme for you!

Photographer: Bella Grace Lynn Photography

Mismatched decor works well for this idea, so go wacky, unique, and eccentric for your big day.

The bottom line is always to think bright, colorful, and happy!

Photographer: Bella Grace Lynn Photography

If you and your partner are both a little quirky, be proud and let it reflect in your centerpieces, signs, everything!

Photographer: Mirage + Light Photography

Due to its young, fun-loving, casual, unconventional nature, going with a “Moving” or Small Plate Style dining for this theme seems like the best fit.
A Buffet is a fun option for this theme, too, if wedding guests would feel more comfortable casually sitting to chat throughout the night.

 

 

Alternative

On the opposite end of the color spectrum, a couple doesn’t have to be bright and cheery to be unconventional!

Photographer: Mirage + Light Photography. Florist: Love Her Madly

No need for sunglasses inside to battle the neon aesthetic like in the theme above.
This theme tends to feel more formal with a nod towards modern class and sophistication.

Photographer: Jessie Schultz Photography

It’s perfect for the offbeat couple who are looking for something broody and beautiful.

Darker, jeweled tones promote a moody color palette that can be just as romantic as the pastels!

Photographer: Aubree Lynn Photography. Florist: Studio Fleurish

We love the idea of smokey grays embellished in champagne or wheat.
Or perhaps a palette inspired by the sky at night calls to your heart!

Photographer: Val Dostalek Photography. Florist: Splendid Sentiments

We can see Small Plate or “Moving” Style dining perfect for this theme, but with its formal air, a Seated dinner could also be a smart choice!

 

 

Coming Soon!

Keep a lookout for Part Four of this series as we explore the Tropics, and some clever Travel themed weddings, (for those who can’t wait for the honeymoon!)

 

 

 

 

 

Brittney + Alfred | Fleeting Fox Photography | Mt. Woodson Castle

Let Love Take Flight!

 

Flight Attendant Brittney and US Navy OS1 Alfred both love travel and adventure.

 

They found each other up in the Bay Area of Northern California

and fell in love over long hikes with their dogs and exploring the world.

 

Finding someone to share such a high-paced lifestyle–or even keep up–is difficult.

Fortunately, these two old souls bring out each other’s best in every way.

 

 

The happy couple was so sweet and wrote letters to each other to read before the big First Look!

 

Friends and family traveled from all over the world to attend the five-day party.

 

 

Fleeting Fox Photography was able to capture some romantic, intimate moments before the craziness of the big day began.

 

 

Patricia Norvell and her team did such a phenomenal job with not just with the bridal makeup and hair,

but with all the bridesmaids, flower girls, and Mothers as well!

 

 

Floral arrangements were from Nancy Stevens Flowers, and Brittney’s vision for bouquets with paper flowers, succulents, and real flowers was made into a charming reality.

 

 

Alfred gifted his Groomsmen with custom pint glasses to commemorate the occasion.

 

 

The bridal party was looking sharp in their Platinum Gray suits and gorgeous mixed Plum, Champagne, and Navy dress tones!

 

 

Guests were welcomed by our staff at Mt. Woodson Castle and encouraged to take a cold Apple Cider Sparkler to drink on the way down to the ceremony.

 

 

The white pumpkins, lanterns, and candles tucked into moss framed wooden crates started the aisle at the lower Oak Tree Ceremony site.

 

 

The Ceremony was initiated by just about the cutest and most enthusiastic flower girl we’ve ever seen!

 

 

The day was sunny and warm, despite the late fall season.

As Brittney and Alfred held hands and said their vows, the giant oaks sheltering the ceremony site were reminiscent of where they first met in Northern California.

 

 

After the touching ceremony, officiated by Brittney‘s Uncle Butch, the guests celebrated and were encouraged to go up to the cocktail hour for a reception on the upper lawn.

 

 

This allowed Alfred and Brittney to sneak away for their first quiet moment together as husband and wife!

 

The scene set before the guests on the Upper Lawn was immaculately polished to perfection; frosted in lavenders, sage greens, and metallic gold accents.

Guests picked up a Vanilla Old Fashioned or Blood-Orange Spritzer signature drink from the bar on their way to collect their boarding pass/escort cards.

 

 

Lavender goblets and gold chargers enhanced the purples of the succulent and eucalyptus centerpieces with gold geometric candle holders.

 

 

The Mobile Groovin’ Bus from DJ Pat of Sound Prodigy opened at the start of cocktail hour.

Each guest jumped on board the photo bus and filled the happy couple’s sign-in book with their best faux mustaches and disco afro pictures.

 

 

With the castle in the background and the surrounding mountains silhouetted by the setting sun, an ethereal feeling settles in.

Was that a fairy hiding behind the cafe light?

Or just one too many spritzers?

 

After a short welcome speech, our servers delivered a salad of tender baby greens in a cucumber ring with candied pecans, and bleu cheese crumbles to each guest.

Once finished with the first course, guests could help themselves to all three of the food stations.

There was Lobster Mac n’ Cheese with crunchy Bacon Toast, Braised Beef Short Ribs with decadent Garlic Whipped Potatoes, and finally the taco bar with Pollo Asado and Sautéed Shrimp.

 

As dinner wrapped up, our staff served champagne, toasts began, tears were shed, and the smiles were unstoppable.

Everyone then gathered inside the Great Hall of the castle where first dance, Mother and Father dances, cake cutting, and general rug-cutting took place.

 

Flour Power provided the ceremonial cake topper, which Brittney and Alfred saved after cutting, but made sure there were four different flavors of pie for their guests!

 

 

DJ Pat kept the dance floor rocking for the rest of the night and everyone had the time of their lives!

 

The rest of the night was full of merriment and joy as the two families and friends finally melded together.

 

 

After the Grand Exit, shuttles took guests back down the mountain to the hotel but scheduled a necessary stop along the way.

Guests were allowed to get off the bus to stop at In-N-Out, order, eat, and get picked up again all by the same service!

 

It was a dream-like event meant for the storybooks.

 

 

We just wanted to thank Alfred and Brittney for choosing us to share your special day with you.

We love your love and wish nothing but the best in your future together!

Thanks also to all the other vendors who helped us make this day perfect!

 

Fleeting Fox Photography

Mt. Woodson Castle: Venue

Mobile Groovin’ Bus: Photo Booth

Sound Prodigy: DJ

Flour Power: Cake

Patricia Norvell: Makeup and Hair

Nancy Stevens Flowers

 

Alexsis and Julian at Mt. Woodson Castle

Check out these stunning photos from Alexsis and Julian’s Mt. Woodson wedding! They tied the knot with a ceremony on the front lawn of the castle, followed by a beautiful reception on the lower lawn. We love the fall wedding colors they chose and the bridal party looked amazing in burgundy dresses with matching bouquets.

 


Vendors:
Venue – Mt. Woodson Castle
Caterer – Personal Touch Dining
Photographer – True Photography
Coordination – SD Weddings By Gina
DJ – My DJ’s

Ashley & Steven at Mt. Woodson Castle

It was so fun celebrating with Ashley and Steven at Mt. Woodson Castle! Guests had a great time dancing and spending time with the happy couple all night long. This wedding was so beautiful and their pictures are gorgeous!


Vendors:
Venue – Mt. Woodson Castle
Caterer – Personal Touch Dining
Photographer – True Photography
Florist – Native Poppy
DJ – Elite British DJ
Bakery – Flour Power

Samantha & Brendan at Mt. Woodson Castle

Samantha and Brendan’s wedding photos are so gorgeous! The couple got married at Mt. Woodson Castle with a beautiful ceremony by the oak tree. We love how they placed sunflowers on the chairs up and down the aisle to match the bridesmaid’s bouquets.


Vendors:
Venue – Mt. Woodson Castle
Caterer – Personal Touch Dining
Photographer – True Photography
Bakery – Sweet Cheeks Baking Company
DJ – Sound Prodigy
Florist – Adorations Botanical Artistry

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