Brick and Bower Wedding in Gaslamp Quarters | Gabriella and Eric
After more than 12 years of photographing weddings, I still get very genuinely excited when a day has the right mix of elegance and ease. Gabriella and Eric's wedding at Brick and Bower had both. Set in the heart of downtown San Diego, it felt polished without being stuffy, and it was a joy to photograph from start to finish. Here's a look at how the day unfolded, why I think Brick and Bower is a great choice for a downtown San Diego wedding, and what it was like to shoot in the city with this couple and their wedding party.
What I Loved About Photographing This Wedding at Brick and Bower in Downtown San Diego
This was the first wedding I got to shoot at Brick and Bower and I enjoyed it so, so much! It's full of character in the places a photographer notices, and almost every corner gives me something to work with.
The fire escape alley. The light in the alley is beautiful, and it's one of my favorite spots for portraits. The fire escapes add layers and texture to the frame, and the soft, directional light is flattering on everyone. Gabby and Eric exchanged their private vows here and it was perfect!
The exposed red brick. The industrial, exposed brick walls are rich and warm, and they give every photo depth. They make a gorgeous contrast with a white dress and a sharp suit.
Natural light in the hotel rooms. Getting-ready photos are all about light, and the hotel rooms at Brick and Bower have plenty of it. Gabriella and Eric's getting-ready moments looked soft and natural, which is exactly what I want for the details and quiet candid moments.
The staircases. The staircases are a favorite of mine for portraits, wedding party photos, and candid in-between moments. They add shape and movement to the frame, and they give me options for varying angles, especially with a larger group.
Fun downtown San Diego backdrops nearby. One of the biggest perks of this venue is how close it is to great spots around downtown. We can step out for city portraits with the couple and wedding party, then head right back to the celebration without losing time, which keeps the day relaxed and the schedule efficient.
The elegant downstairs restaurant and bar. The downstairs restaurant and bar brings a polished, sophisticated feel to the day. It's a great place to capture toasts, cocktail hour moments, and guests mingling, and it gives the celebration an upscale, intimate energy without feeling formal.
Photographing Downtown San Diego City Portraits With Gabriella, Eric, and Their Wedding Party
I had a blast shooting in the city with Gabriella, Eric, and their wedding party. We headed out into downtown for portraits, and the architecture, city light, and varied backdrops gave us endless options. Better still, the wedding party was up for anything, which kept the energy high and the laughs coming. From the majestic, romanesque doorways to colorful parking lot walls, we had fun exploring downtown together!
I kept my approach in a documentary-style. I captured the day as it unfolded and used short, efficient direction only for the parts that need structure, like portraits and the wedding party. Gabriella and Eric stayed relaxed and connected to each other the whole time, which is exactly what makes candid, natural images possible. No overly stiff poses, just couples being themselves while I do the heavy lifting.
When the Family Travels: Eric's East Coast Guests Celebrate in San Diego
One of my favorite parts of this wedding was watching Eric's family arrive from the East Coast. When people travel that far to be there, you can feel it. The hugs last longer, the reactions are bigger, and everyone in the room is simply glad to be together. I spent much of the day watching for exactly those moments, because they're the ones couples treasure most when they look back at their gallery. Couples know they can count on me to catch the tears and belly laughs during toasts and the crazy dance moves during the party.
San Diego is a great place to bring out-of-town guests. Downtown is walkable, close to the waterfront, and full of restaurants, so the wedding weekend feels like a trip as well as a celebration.
Planning a Wedding at Brick and Bower or Downtown San Diego? Let's Talk
If you're planning a wedding at Brick and Bower or anywhere in downtown San Diego, I'd love to hear about your day. I've been photographing weddings full-time in San Diego for more than 12 years. I shoot on both film and digital, and I've been voted Best San Diego Wedding Photographer eight years in a row.
YES, PLEASE SHOOT OUR WEDDING!
Congratulations, Gabriella and Eric. Thank you for letting me be part of your day.
Indigo West Photography
Thank you to all the talented vendors :
Planning & Design: Epic Evens @epiceventsco
Venue : Brick and Bower, San Diego @brickandbower
Photography : Indigo West Photography (Us! duh)
Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at Brick and Bower in Downtown San Diego
What makes Brick and Bower a good downtown San Diego wedding venue for photos?
The venue is full of photogenic spots. The exposed red brick walls add warmth and texture, the fire escape alley has beautiful directional light, and the staircases work well for portraits and wedding party photos. The hotel rooms get plenty of natural light for getting-ready photos, and the elegant downstairs restaurant and bar is a great setting for toasts and cocktail hour.
Is there good natural light for getting-ready photos?
Yes. The hotel rooms at Brick and Bower have lots of natural light, which makes the dress, details, and quiet pre-ceremony moments look soft and natural.
Can you take portraits around downtown San Diego without leaving the wedding for long?
Brick and Bower is close to a variety of some of my favorite downtown San Diego backdrops, so we can step out for city portraits with the couple and wedding party and be back at the celebration quickly.
What's the best time of day for portraits at Brick and Bower?
It depends on the season and your timeline, but the fire escape alley has especially flattering light, and the brick interior looks great at any hour. A good photographer will plan portraits around the light on your wedding date. A great photographer will make them work at any time of day!
Is Brick and Bower a good choice for out-of-town guests?
Downtown San Diego is a convenient location for guests traveling in, with hotels, restaurants, and the waterfront close by. That makes it easy to turn the wedding weekend into a trip as well as a celebration, as Eric's East Coast family did at Gabriella and Eric's wedding.
How do I book you as my Brick and Bower wedding photographer?
Reach out by email or text. I’d love to discuss your vision for your upcoming wedding! Camera shy? You’re my favorite couples.