Artsy, Film-Forward San Diego Hotel Wedding | SoCal Weddings
When it comes to San Diego wedding locations, Angela and Peter’s wedding was nothing less than a dream. As a photographer, you live for those moments when a couple asks you to bring their vision to life, and that’s exactly what we accomplished at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego.
The couple’s desire for artistic, creative, and artsy elements resonated with me from the start. It was a refreshing change from my usual Los Angeles weddings, allowing me to explore a different setting and bring a unique flair to their photos.
So, I packed up my gear and headed to San Diego for what would turn out to be one of my favorite weddings of the 2024 season. Angela and Peter’s confidence in my creativity and vision was everything—nothing means more to me than a client’s trust and collaboration.
The adventure kicked off with a pre-rehearsal dinner photo session at the iconic Balboa Park. The park’s rich history and lush landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for some seriously stunning shots.
If you’ve never done a photoshoot at Balboa Park, add that to your list! It’s a blast, and the park complements so many occasions and styles.
Fast forward to their much-anticipated wedding day at the US Grant Hotel—a venue almost as extraordinary as Angela and Peter’s love story. The historic hotel is a jewel in San Diego’s crown with its breathtaking architecture and timeless elegance. Despite the rain that poured for 99% of the day, the hotel’s exquisite interiors became our playground, offering countless opportunities for artsy, editorial shots.
One of the highlights was the bridal getting-ready room. When I talk about what you want in a getting-ready space, this is it! It offers the trifecta: natural light, space to get ready, and neutral decor that lets the moments shine. Angela chose the presidential suite, and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. The suite provided a luxurious experience and allowed us to capture gorgeously candid getting-ready shots and epic editorial portraits. Imagine getting ready in a space where former presidents have stayed!
Hotel weddings come with their own set of challenges, especially with lighting. The US Grant Hotel, though beautiful, is quite dark in many areas. This is where my expertise in using a combination of flash, film, and digital styles comes into play. I’m a firm believer that low light and flash can create some of the most dramatic and artistic images, and this wedding was a testament to that belief.
Angela and Peter’s request for editorial and filmy photos emphasizing the hotel’s architecture was a joy to fulfill. The US Grant Hotel’s ornate spaces and intricate details provided a rich canvas. This venue’s old Hollywood vibe, combined with its array of elegant indoor settings, is a unique and charming spot for a San Diego wedding.
If you’re dreaming of artsy, film-forward photography for your big day, choosing a venue that complements this style is absolutely essential. There are so many fabulous San Diego wedding locations that will check that box!
Despite the rain, Mother Nature gave us a short break that allowed us to step outside for a magical golden hour session. The contrast between the moody indoor shots and the golden outdoor glow created a beautiful narrative of the day.
Angela and Peter’s wedding demonstrates the importance of choosing a venue that aligns with your photographic style. The US Grant Hotel’s rich architecture and elegant indoor settings were perfect for their artsy, editorial vision. If you’re keen on film-forward photography for your wedding, selecting a location that matches this style is crucial.
For those of you envisioning a similar artistic approach, let’s chat about how we can bring your unique story to life. Whether it’s Los Angeles, San Diego, or any other beautiful locale, I’m always here to capture the magic of your wedding day with a blend of artistry and passion. (I’m here for more San Diego wedding locations, too!) Here’s to more love stories and more unforgettable moments!
Feel free to reach out to discuss your wedding photography needs, and let’s make your big day as magical as Angela and Peter’s!
“We hired Hanna for her distinct style: think Vogue, editorial, timeless. Hanna shot our wedding day in digital and film; her editing style masterfully and seamlessly marries the two mediums together. She exceeded our already high expectations and gave us ART that belongs in a museum or gallery.
While the artsy, abstract photos are my personal favorite, our family and friends cannot stop raving about the candid images she and her 2nd shooter (we had Jake on our wedding day) got throughout the day. As the bride and groom, you’ll feel pulled in a million different directions on the big day and will inevitably miss a lot of small moments with your guests. However, having these photos to reflect on makes us feel like we didn’t miss anything. Our wedding gallery is nothing short of a time travel machine that takes us back to our favorite day with our favorite people.
Now, let’s move on to what it’s like to work with Hanna. Let’s put it this way: I’d trust Hanna with my life. Hanna became my de-facto timekeeper on our wedding day. She kept me and my rowdy friends on time without making it feel like we were on a schedule. In fact, Hanna kept the vibes going even when she was working hard behind the camera. As the bride/groom, you will spend your entire day with your photographer – might as well find someone fun!!! She also remembered and made time for my smallest requests during our planning call: pics of my friends and me jamming around the piano and architecture shots. Those became some of my most treasured photos.
In short, Hanna was a dream photographer to work with. 10/10.”
-Angela, Bride
San Diego Wedding Vendor Team
Photography: @hannawalkowaik
Floral: @i_do_flowersforyou
Caterer: @theusgrant
Ceremony & Reception: @theusgrant
Music: @dancingdjproductions
Luxury Wedding Dress: @provinas
Custom Wedding Suit: @indochino
Invitation Suite: @minted
9/14/2024
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