A city like San Gabriel has a plethora of exquisite vocations, which can become a double-edged sword when it comes to choosing specific places to shoot. For something as once-in-a-lifetime as a wedding, it’s hard to think of a better hotspot than the San Gabriel Grapevine Arbor Wedding area. The two spots have a respective charm, and there’s plenty of locations hidden in between.

Q&A w/ Bridget & Scott
1. Describe your wedding day in 3 words:
Exhilarating, blessed, love

2. What was your favorite moment of the day?
Exchanging our vows

Both the arbor and the mission abound in rustic beauty. Considering they respectively date back to 1861 and 1771, the aesthetic reflects the long history of both places. The San Gabriel Mission has become a cornerstone of both local and tourist culture. It’s a museum and church in one, blending reverence and aesthetic preservation. The church building itself is a sight to behold. Its natural lighting imparts vibrant color to a treasure trove sculptures and paintings. The altar, in particular, becomes breathtaking during opportune moments.

3. Why did you guys decide to pick San Gabriel mission for the wedding ceremony and Grapevine Arbor for your reception?
I went to San Gabriel Mission Elementary school and High school and grew up in that parish.  I wanted a beautiful, outdoor setting very close to our ceremony site.

While the church building has a potent regal quality, Grape Vine Arbor has a much more communal vibe to it. After all, good wine is synonymous with relaxation. With indoor and outdoor options, the best of both worlds are available with regard to shot composition and portfolio diversity. It’s elegant enough for a wedding reception, but not to the point where younger attendees couldn’t play lawn bowling after dinner.

Knowing which areas are available, when they’ll look the best and how best to get there makes the difference between a stressful rush-job and a calculated, smooth shoot. The town itself is much more than its landmarks, with plenty of unique nooks and crannies in between Grape Vine Arbor and San Gabriel Mission. It’s the kind of place you could never shoot the same way twice. You can always use the historical backdrop, but the scenery is always changing as seasonal events and festivals come and go.

An added benefit of shooting at San Gabriel’s mission and Grapevine arbor is the aesthetic common ground they find in old Spanish architecture. While certainly different in their overall atmosphere, both locations have a distinct similarity in how they were originally constructed two centuries ago. In fact, the same could be said about the city itself. A keen eye can find a multitude of hidden gems. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, so it’s best to approach a spot like this with a bit of preparation and planning.

4. What was something that surprised you most about the day?
I was actually able to enjoy the day and remember all the details.  I was afraid it would pass me by and I would miss so much.  

With some forethought and a well-organized itinerary, it’s downright amazing how many angles you can take when approaching the San Gabriel Mission and the Grape Vine Arbors. There’s a lot of appreciate about both spots, so chart it out before the big day.

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