The light rain that fell for only a short time did nothing to dampen either the incredible beauty of Nestldown, (in the Santa Cruz mountains) or the high spirits and love present during Alison and Chad’s wedding day. While driving there that day we all decided that Nestldown is most definitely among our very favorite venues. Every corner of the property offers a new enchanting surprise- be it the storybook cottage, the shrub animals, the myriad of quaint or romantic benches, the long emerald expanse of lawn and trees that invites one to stroll and dream…. and it is endlessly new again.

Alison loved loved loved purple and as it is Meg’s favorite color it was a delight to see it represented in the maid of honor’s dress, the ring pillow, Alison’s delicate crystal jewelry,  the table linens, and expressed with fabulous flair in the gorgeous bouquets and centerpieces from Boulder Creek Flowers .

Luck meant no rain fell during the ceremony in the breathtaking redwood glen that only Nestldown offers. Even repeated experiences do not keep you from a sharp intake of breath when you see the beautiful steps leading down to the canopy of greenery that forms the altar for the wedding overlooking a pond. It is quite simply beautiful every time of year.

Soon after the ceremony, with the arrival of the newly married couple in the classic old English taxi, the partying began in earnest in the warm barn, which always seems to glow whether with chandelier light or candle light.

One had only to hear that the groom had given the bride her heart shaped diamond ring on the collar of a kitten to know this was a special love story. In keeping with that shared love of the couple’s, they had given a gift to the Human Society in lieu of a favor- and there was a card at each place setting with photos of the pets of the couple and friends and family.

Delicious catering (as ALWAYS) from Teri Menchini at  La Bocca Fina left everyone warm and delightfully full but there was no chance to be lulled  to quiet with Big Fun DJ in the house! Woody had the barn rocking and as ever their light show was a treat to photograph. Ceron Anthony of Cake Expressions had made them a gorgeous heart shaped cake.

The night flew by and suddenly it was time to bid the couple adieu and send them off into the night and into their bright future as husband and wife.

Michael will do anything necessary to see his vision come to life!

The image he was stalking…