NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

The dream of Nestldown

30 yrs ago, a young couple starting their family purchased 180 acres of wilderness in the Santa Cruz Mountains and, through persistent hard work, they “moved a mountain” in the literal sense of the word; they transformed it into their vision of a garden oasis, for themselves, their children and ultimately, for wedding celebrations. They built a huge (elegant!) barn – already planned as a fully outfitted event space – where their children could play; a storybook cottage for their girls, a life-size train for their boys (father and son), a tree house… and over the years added innumerable extra touches to what is now the ultimate elegant wedding destination in the Redwoods. With a natural Redwood “chapel” for ceremonies, ponds, meadows, 36 acres of manicured gardens, mature trees with permanently installed twinkle lights casting a magical glow at dusk – Nestdown has become the perfect combination of elegance and natural beauty. It is still owned and managed by the same family, meanwhile supported by the children who had the good fortune growing up in this magical place.

Photo credit Melissa Floriano

I have been honored to be included in the small handful of wedding planners allowed to work at this exceptional venue, and here are images from the many, many weddings I have been privileged to plan, design and produce there. Let me show you around…

The “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the redwoods, paved with flagstones for the most romantic ceremony spot imaginable.

Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit JJ Chen

These are the wedding photos you want to see again and again, down the road, in twenty years…

Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Photo credit Megan Reeves
Photo credit Megan Reeves

Of course, you need a photo with the Fairytale Cottage…

Photo credit Melissa Floriano

… and with the train… and the tree house… while your guests are enjoying cocktails!

Photo credit Melissa Floriano

Dinner on the Main Lawn is magical, as dusk is falling…

Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit Bre Thurston

… and after that, it’s dancing, dancing, dancing under the enormous crystal chandelier in the Barn.

Photo credit Ben Ingram

And at Nestldown, the Grand Send-Off of the newlyweds is definitely one of the highlights of the event!

Photo credit Bre Thurston

Through a “tunnel” of cheering guests, the couple departs to a waiting authentic London taxi!

Photo credit Melissa Floriano

Bon voyage and a lifetime of happiness – which started on this magical day at Nestldown.

“To film or not to film, that is the question…”

Expert interview with videographer Will Cook of Kindlewood Films

Will and I go back many years – and we’ve collaborated on quite a few weddings. For many couples, videography is an afterthought, and for some even an “unnecessary expense.” WRONG, says Will… let’s see why that is so!

How did you get into videography/wedding videography?
I started out in commercial and documentary filmmaking, but found myself drawn to the emotion and storytelling of weddings. A friend asked me to film their big day years ago, and I was hooked. There’s something really special about capturing such an important, personal moment and turning it into a cinematic keepsake.

How many weddings have you done?
Over the years, I’ve filmed more than 150 weddings across California and beyond. Each one is a little different, which keeps it fresh and creatively fulfilling.

Which qualities, in your opinion, are crucial for a great wedding videographer?
A great wedding videographer needs to be calm under pressure, always aware of what’s happening, and able to anticipate the moments before they happen. But just as important is having a filmmaker’s eye—using light, sound, and movement to tell the story in a beautiful, meaningful way.

What is the difference between cellphone video by wedding guests and a professional wedding video?
Cell phone videos are great for capturing quick moments, but a professional wedding video is intentional. It’s shot with multiple cameras, crisp audio, cinematic framing, and professional editing. The difference is like comparing a home video to a short film.

What does wedding video add BEYOND wedding photos?
Photos freeze moments in time, but video brings them to life. You can hear your vows, see your loved ones move and speak, relive the speeches, the laughter, the energy on the dance floor. It captures the emotional heartbeat of the day in a way nothing else can.

What are the criteria by which couples should choose their wedding videographer?
Connection and trust are key. Look for someone whose work resonates with you emotionally, who communicates clearly, and who you feel comfortable having around on your wedding day. Style, professionalism, and personality all matter.

What makes wedding videography so expensive?
A lot goes into it—multiple cameras, high-end audio gear, lighting, travel, and most importantly, the time. A single wedding can take 60+ hours to edit. You’re not just paying for a service, you’re investing in a piece of storytelling that you’ll watch for decades.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I always tell couples: your wedding day will go by fast, and there’s no way to remember everything. Video lets you relive it. Years from now, when voices have changed or loved ones are gone, having that story captured is priceless.

Want to see living proof of how powerful a wedding video can be? Here is one that Will did at one of my weddings!

Rox and Clay video


Expert interview: Violinist Laura Jeannin on live music for your wedding

Laura and her Mersonacta Quartet have played many times at my weddings and imparte them with an upscale, polished feel that pre-recorded music just can’t create. She of all people knows everything about WHY you should have live music at your wedding, at the very least at your ceremony. 

“How did you get into music? And then into WEDDING music? What is it that fascinates you about it?”
My parents are musicians so I come by it honestly! As for wedding music, it’s a fun way to make people really happy. It’s such a special day for a couple and it’s really fun to contribute to that joy and lasting memory. 


“What is your specific style and why?”
I love playing all the pop songs but I’m actually trained as a baroque musician. I have a Master’s degree in baroque performance and that’s my favorite music to play (Bach, Handel, Corelli, etc).


“How have you evolved as a musician?”
I’m constantly evolving – learning new stuff, learning how much I can improve. Playing with other people is such a fun way to improve as a player.


“How do you connect with couples?”
I’m extroverted so it’s super easy for me to connect with couples. Being around other people is what gives me life. I love to hear their stories of how they met, and hearing their vows is always really fun. I’m often crying hearing these sweet stories!


“What, in your opinion, is the difference btw just recorded music (playlist, DJ) and live music at a wedding?”
Why do I go to concerts? To watch! Live music is such a visual element and while watching a DJ dance around can be cute, it’s so fascinating for me to watch musicians play.


“Why is live music expensive?”
We’ve put in our 10,000 hours. I have two degrees in music, and I’ve been playing my instrument and perfecting my craft for over 30 years. We spend time in the practice room learning the notes before your Big Day – so it’s not just the time on site that you’re paying for.

Thanks so much!

Laura Jeannin

Baroque & Modern Violin

www.rubinsalz.com

Want to watch and listen? Here you go! Corelli and another Baroque duo!