A true “Insider Wedding” – Deanna and Brandon

Posted on January 14, 2024 by jlammerts

Deanna is one of my assistants at my wedding planning company, A Day Like No Other. Having diligently worked her way up from shadowing to assisting to ultimately leading the production of weddings (while still working her 9-5 job), she finally took the plunge – and a full-time wedding planner position at Wedgwood Events in Sacramento. This was intense training on the job for a full year, and with all this experience “under her belt,” she was ready to tackle her biggest project yet: her own wedding!

This is Deanna “on the job” and how our brides and grooms have seen her…

Deanna and her fiance Brendan met in an Intro to Acting class at UC Davis when she was a freshman and he was a junior. They dated throughout college and, after graduation, Brendan moved to LA to live with Deanna and her family for 5 years. In 2021, they moved to Sacramento for Brendan’s job as an environmental scientist for the California Water Quality Control Board; he is now working on a Master’s degree in Natural Resources online at Oregon State University. Deanna has moved on to become a catering event specialist at UC Davis and is still working as a wedding coordinator for A Day Like No Other; long-term, she is hoping to establish herself as a wedding planner and coordinator in Sacramento and the Central Valley.

And this is Deanna on her own wedding day – radiant!

In November 2023, a month after celebrating 11 happy years together, Brendan and Deanna got married at Antiquité Maison Privée, a former antiques shop – which added its own touch to the bride’s wedding aesthetic. She was inspired by her memories growing up in Southern California, her love of Spanish architecture and Mexican folk art. Her color scheme was based on sunsets and Talavera tiles. The backdrop of the former antiques shop led her to add more vintage-y elements like velvet and lace table linens and etched water goblets. The weather on November 4th, the day of the wedding, was PERFECT – Deanna and Brendan were really lucky in that respect! Everything fell into place really beautifully (Wedding Day coordination: Taylor Kelley Events).

The day began with hair and makeup services by Christy Reynolds Beauty at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, and the bride and her bridesmaids had a lot of fun together, as documented in photo and video by Lily and Lime.

The bride was helped into her wedding dress (from Sparkle Bridal Couture) by her Mom – such a wonderful mother-daughter moment!

What’s missing? Princess slippers ….

… and the bridal bouquet (by Flowers by Jordan)!

Groom and groomsmen were meanwhile also getting ready and having equal fun!

One quick pre-ceremony bridal party photo…

Soon enough, their guests began to arrive for their joyful wedding ceremony under a profusion of lavish flowers in sunset colors…

And now: “You may kiss the bride!”

Just married! Mazel tov!

While the newlyweds had many, many photos to take…

… their guests were already enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres (Jackson Catering & Events) while being entertained with live music by the Midtown Jazz Trio.

Time for dinner! Here Deanna’s artistic talents came to shine – starting with her creative escort card display:

… and “guest book” poster.

From dinner tables…

…and the couple’s antique Sweetheart Table (rentals: Blossom Farm Rentals and Barnswallow Rentals; linens: MG Linen Rentals)…

to elegant placesettings…

… with Talavera tile table numbers – everything bore the stamp of the bride’s aesthetic. Well – did I forget to mention the wedding cake (Freeport Bakery) …

… which perfectly played along with the Talavera tile theme?

The newlyweds performed their traditional first task as a wedded couple – cake cutting – with bravura, and then there was no holding back the whole crowd from dancing! DJ Buzzardball played up a storm, Deanna and Brendan performed their choreographed First Dance…

… and all guests joined them in the exuberant traditional Hora Dance, hoisting bride and groom up in the air!

What an unforgettable party! Wishing you love and happiness on your way, Deanna and Brendan!

How to choose a wedding band for your destination wedding

Posted on January 10, 2024 by jlammerts

A guest post by Kelly Peterson

Every engaged couple deserves to have their dream wedding day come to fruition. For many, the perfect celebration will involve jetting off to a special destination abroad in order to exchange vows in the most picturesque and paradisal of settings.

A wedding held close to home involves plenty of planning and preparation as it is – so, when it comes to crossing off your pre-wedding checklist in an unfamiliar environment, even the most minute of tasks can feel a lot more stressful. It’s lucky, then, that once you’ve got your vendors such as your food, decor and entertainment sorted, the rest is pretty much plain sailing.

One of the most crucial elements to plan is your wedding band – but, how do you choose the right one for a wedding abroad? In this article, we take a look at three things you should keep in mind.

Stick to your theme

Those who choose to wed abroad usually have a special place in mind; somewhere that really means something to the both of them as a couple. Whether you’re setting off in search of hot weather, spectacular views, or perhaps with a view of honoring a cultural tradition, choosing a destination wedding means that you’ve got a built-in theme for your big day, and much of your designs and decor are pre-decided for you.

In order to make your destination wedding experience feel that much more authentic, you’re going to want to choose a wedding band that can match the mood and atmosphere of your celebration. This might mean choosing a band local to your wedding venue that incorporates instruments and songs that are culturally relevant to your chosen part of the world – a great way to celebrate the beauty of your chosen location, and incorporate some great traditional dance moments.

Read reviews and check their experience

It’s easy to shop around for great wedding entertainment when you’re doing so at home, in your day-to-day environment. Trying to find the perfect musical act in a foreign country is a different story altogether – particularly without the ability to rely on recommendations from people you know and trust.

For this reason, it’s best not to take any chances when it comes to picking your wedding entertainment abroad. It’s crucial to do plenty of research on the available bands in your chosen location, and to choose one that comes with lots of positive reviews from previous couples who have opted for a destination wedding. Prior experience is essential, as you want to know that your wedding band will be able to do your vision justice.

Similarly, if you’ve found your dream wedding band a little closer to home you’ll want to make sure that they have experience playing at weddings abroad, to avoid any complications or surprises when the big day arrives.

Arrange a meeting

Collaboration is key when it comes to getting the most out of your wedding entertainment. It’s easy to set up a quick meeting with your chosen wedding band if they’re local – perhaps even to meet the group a few times prior to the big day in order to make sure that everything is in order.

When it comes to hiring a band local to your destination abroad, you’re less likely to have time to chat back and forth – and most of your communication is likely to be via video call, email or over the phone. Because of this, you’ll want to optimize any contact time that you do have with your band, in order to ensure that you’re both on the same page prior to the big day. This could mean setting up an initial meeting before signing on the dotted line, and turning up prepared with key questions you have for your band. Ultimately, you’re going to want to communicate as much as you can as early as possible, to avoid any delays or miscommunications further down the line.

Go with your gut

While there are a few things to consider, choosing a band for your destination wedding is an exciting process, and shouldn’t feel daunting. Once you’ve got the practicalities covered it’s best to choose with your gut, for a destination wedding band that truly speaks to who you are as a couple.

Three Tips for a Greener Wedding Breakfast

Posted on December 12, 2023 by jlammerts

A guest post by Kelly Peterson

If you’re planning a sustainable wedding, you may be wondering how to tackle your wedding breakfast. Although wasted food is one of the most common offenders to carbon footprints at weddings, there are plenty of ways to ensure your guests are satiated in a more eco-friendly fashion.

Here, we share three golden tips for a greener wedding breakfast.

Opt for local, seasonal produce

Whilst some wedding venues require you to use their in-house caterers, others allow you to choose your own. Having control over your catering is a valuable tool when it comes to ensuring it’s as green as possible.

Opting for local caterers who prioritise sustainability in their own businesses, and use fresh, locally sourced produce is the best way to reduce any carbon emissions from transporting food ingredients. If they can, opting for organic produce also reduces the environmental impact of your produce.

Supporting small businesses is a great option, as many are more eco-friendly than larger chain catering companies. Look for green flags such as using free range, high welfare animal products, organic fruits and vegetables, and sustainable packaging. Not only will using seasonal produce make your wedding breakfast greener, it will taste absolutely delicious as well.

Consider alternative options

There’s no rule that you have to have a three-course meal for your wedding breakfast if you don’t want to. There’s loads of creative, fun options that can not only add a unique quality to your wedding but can also help reduce the carbon footprint of your day. Food trucks, grazing tables, buffets and barbeques all help to ensure there’s as little food wastage as possible throughout your wedding breakfast.

The beauty of food trucks is that each meal is made to order, and any leftover produce is likely to be used for following events by the supplier. Adding more vegetarian or vegan options, or even having a meat-free wedding breakfast if that suits you, is another brilliant way to reduce the overall environmental impact of your feast.

Be smart with your add-ons

From your alcohol to your wedding favours, each small element of your celebration has the potential to further boost the eco-credentials of your big day. Try to use sustainable brands, offer fewer dessert options, opt for a smaller wedding cake and use eco-friendly wedding favours. Consider what your guests will actually use, rather than what’s traditional – for example, edible favours are less likely to be left behind at the end of the night.

By making multiple small changes to your offerings, you’ll find you reduce the environmental impact of your entire wedding. If you have to use your venue’s caterers, ask them questions about their food waste policy, as well as their other internal sustainability policies, to ensure their ethics align with your own.

Keep your vision in mind

Ultimately, hosting a greener wedding breakfast is all about making multiple small changes to your menu, to ensure that your sustainable values echo through each element of your meal. By keeping your eco-friendly vision in mind when booking your venue, caterers and suppliers, it’s more than achievable to enjoy your wedding breakfast at a smaller cost to the environment.

Lauren and Darren: An Elegant Affair at Villa Montalvo

Posted on November 16, 2023 by jlammerts

When these two decided to tie the knot, they were looking for a venue with character, something special and unique, and they turned to my company, A Day Like No Other, for help. I had an idea, and they loved it: Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, a grand historic mansion surrounded by a manicured park – a really unforgettable setting. And so we begun to put together the myriad details over nearly a year of planning time. Finally, the Great Day had come – the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

After her hair and makeup session (by Nicole’s Vanity), the bride got into her diaphanous, lace-and-tulle dress, and the groom dressed up as well…

… with photographer Julia of Danny Dong Photography capturing all these precious moments.

The wedding flowers in the bride’s favorite muted Fall colors (by Laurel & Vine) had arrived…

… and it was time for the couple’s First Look.

The Italianate Garden at Villa Montalvo with its “Love Temple” was the perfect backdrop for many beautiful portraits…

… as well as the site for Lauren’s and Darren’s wedding ceremony under an elaborately decorated chuppah.

Soon, guests were arriving (via shuttles from Corinthian Ground Transportation)…

… and musicians from the Lucky Devils Band began playing as guests were being seated. Rabbi Dana Magat conducted a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.

Just married! Mazel Tov!

And off to more photos…

… in the beautiful park surrounding the Villa. Guests were invited to cocktails in the Spanish Courtyard.with a full bar (by Best Beverage Catering).

Meanwhile, the teams of A Day Like No Other, of La Bocca Fina Catering and Laurel & Vine florists were busy putting the finishing touches on the dinner setup on the front verandah…

… under string lights installed by Brilliant Event Lighting.

Guests were treated to delicious dishes…

… and everyone had a good time – especially the newlyweds!

After dinner, guests were invited to a mouthwatering dessert buffet and ice cream from Scoop Microcreamery.

Following dessert, there was no holding back on dancing. Beginning with Lauren and Darren’s First Dance as a married couple…

… to music by the Lucky Devils Band…

… followed by the traditional, exuberant Hora Dance, with the couple being hoisted up in the air…

… and culminating in an epic dance party for everyone. When it was finally time to say good-bye, the newlyweds’ send-off was equally grand: with guests cheering on them with bubbles and glowsticks as they were leaving…

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… in a gorgeous vintage limousine (by Elegant Journey) into their married bliss.

Again, congratulations and Mazel Tov to you, Lauren and Darren!

Let your next party take flight – in a historic airport terminal!

Posted on November 14, 2023 by jlammerts

I know – you think that’s a totally crazy idea. I would have said the same, until today, actually. Despite having lived in San Francisco for twenty years, this part of the City’s history was completely unknown to me: an international airport terminal on Treasure Island, built in the late 1930s as a gateway for PanAm flights to the Far East. The terminal and two adjacent hangars is all that is left from these glory days… the days of the Golden Gate World expo!

So here is your history lesson:

Treasure Island is actually an artificial island in the SF Bay! In 1937, the then-revolutionary Bay Bridge was built, and in celebration of this engineering marvel, San Francisco hosted a World Exposition – on Treasure Island – and built an airport right there…

… complete with tower!

Everything is still original in its elegant Beaux Arts style…

… reminiscent of a bygone area when air travel was an exquisite luxury.

The interior features an enormous mural by artist Lowell Blair Nesbitt and authentic terrazzo flooring.

The space can easily accommodate up to 400 guests, and the heart of the party is a gorgeous period piece of a bar, with red velvet draperies and a grand piano…

… complete with a resident peacock!

I can literally see the space transformed into its previous glory – Great Gatsby would have loved it! So many possibilities… and – did I forget to mention? Parties can go on until 2 am!

At Golden Hour, guests are treated to spectacular sunsets over the City and the SF Bay – with a front row seat in the bar, looking out the back windows… the SF skyline is just on the other side of the Bay, and the ferry terminal is literally across the street. Just perfect.

Get ready to plan your next party there!

Mariko and Phillip: Glamour and Urban Chic

Posted on October 14, 2023 by jlammerts

We all know how much San Francisco has to offer – Golden Gate Bridge, historic mansions, the SF Bay, gritty-industrial buildings, the most beautiful Beaux-Arts style city hall in the nation… What if you are getting married, and you can’t decide where in San Francisco? Then you do what Mariko and Phillip did: all of the above! A ceremony in City Hall,

Photo credit: SF City Hall image gallery

….followed by a reception at Gallery 308, an industrial space overlooking the SF Bay. Their guests even got treated to a little sightseeing tour to historic Ghirardelli Square, on the way from ceremony to reception. That all made for complex logistics – that was what they had my wedding planning company, A Day Like No Other, for – but it was all well worth it.

Mariko’s day began super early – at 6 am! – so she would be ready for her First Look at 9 and her ceremony at 10. Her photographer Kristen Murakoshi of Studio Ma was already waiting for her and for groom Phillip at City Hall. Mariko brought her elegant bridal bouquet in muted summer colors and cascading tiny orchids (all floral decor by Green Petal Designs).

Then it was time for many, many photos – SF City Hall is just gorgeous! And so was our couple…

Soon enough, the first wedding guests were arriving (in shuttles by Corinthian Ground Transportation), officiant Maggie Beretz prepared for the ceremony, and pianist Lara Garner began playing prelude music as guests found their seats. The ceremony took place on the Grand Staircase under the soaring rotunda of City Hall.

It doesn’t get much more grandiose than that… And here they are, “just married!”

Time for a kiss – one of many…

While the wedding guests were taken by shuttle on a mini sightseeing tour to historic Ghirardelli Square, the newlyweds had time for many more photos in and around City Hall.

From there – off to Fort Mason, to their lunch reception for 200 guests at Gallery 308, an industrial space overlooking the SF Bay.

Exactly Mariko’s and Phillip’s colors! And their style – they had asked me for a design in ’70s style and colors and had chosen their invitations accordingly:

… and for their table flowers, they wanted Ikebana style in exactly these colors. You think that these design ideas are too disparate to be integrated into one cohesive style? Think again! We made it happen. Here are the beautiful centerpieces by Green Petal Designs.

When the newlyweds arrived at their reception venue, the venue staff had set up their tables and chairs, the catering staff of Smokin’ Yankees BBQ under the leadership of Bekah Juencke had laid the tables with linens, napkins, and elegant china, flatware and glassware from Hensley Event Resources; with paper cranes folded by the couple themselves for good luck;

the centerpieces were in place,

delicious BBQ food was being served, bartender Will Mar and team had the bar in full swing, and Travelin’ Joe’s coffee and waffle bar was open, too.

DJ Ron Israel of Spotlight Occasions had the music going, and a delicious dessert bar was waiting for the guests as well.

The whole reception was quietly and efficiently orchestrated “behind the scenes” by the two experienced production managers from A Day Like No Other, Nimy and Myrtle.

Bride and groom were happy!

After the festive luncheon, Mariko and Phillip shared their First Dance as a married couple…

…. and that brought their guests to the dance floor, too.

When the festivities concluded in the late afternoon, everyone agreed: this was one unforgettable party!

Keep dancing and celebrating on your shared journey, Mariko and Phillip – with our best wishes on your way!

Canyon Ranch – my Discovery of the Year!

Posted on September 26, 2023 by jlammerts

Lately, I had to travel to the San Francisco Bay Area for work and needed a hotel to stay. Someone recommended Canyon Ranch in Woodside, and to my great embarrassment, I had not heard of it before despite the fact that I had lived close by for fourteen years. I decided to give it a try – and I am so happy that I did!

Canyon Ranch is different from any hotel I have known so far – it is actually a wellness retreat, geared at the relaxation of body and mind. Hidden behind a dark, solid metal gate, you would never guess what’s beyond: a true oasis of peace and tranquillity with all the creature comforts you can imagine.

The entrance to the hotel already sets the tone: a grey, three-story siding-clad building that literally melds into the surrounding Redwood Forest, respectful to undisturbed nature; a modern, streamlined water feature displaying the hotel name, accompanied by the gentle sounds of splashing water – nothing fancy or frilly that might distract from the simplicity and tranquillity that is the guiding principle of this experience.

My room was located in one of several “tree houses” – small cabin-like structures built right into the forest, some clinging to a steep incline, supported by stilts (like mine) which house two units on top of each other and balconies hovering among the tree tops.

You really feel you are in a tree house. All you hear is birdsong and the rustling of the wind in the leaves. Peace and quiet.

My room itself was an interior design marvel illustrating just that – peace and quiet. Simple shapes, balanced proportions, quiet colors and top-notch materials: all came together to form the perfect cocoon to calm down and relax.

As a designer myself, I was delighted. Every little detail was – just right. A joy for the eye as much as for the soul.

A backdrop of an enormously enlarged wood slice, a comfy bed with down pillows, bedding of all natural materials, a dimmable bedside lamp, a juxtaposition of textures (stingray skin and glass top on the bedside table!) – I could go on and on. I also had a beautiful leather sofa with a cuddly sheepskin cushion – again, clean lines, great comfort and a contrast of textures. The same for my bathroom with a big soaking tub, modern, minimalist fixtures and oh-so-fragrant toiletries…

In the words of Apple founder Steve Jobs: “Simplicity is the utmost sophistication.”

Wrapped up in the most comfortable and soft hotel robe, I did my work lounging with a view of the forest. It was as close to the full retreat experience as I could get!

Then it was dinnertime. Did I already mention that all meals are included? So easy – a short walk to the dining room and terrace in the golden light of the sunset…

Meals are served either on the terrace or in the adjacent dining room; either at a table or while sitting around a fire table (in this case, you’ll dine from a wooden tray on your knees – they’ve thought of everything!) – whatever you feel like. And while I am on a continuous strict diet, I had to relent while at Canyon Ranch: their food is just heavenly, and it would have been a sin not to enjoy it! Food is a big part of the “feel good” experience, and mealtime brings together the guests for leisurely conversation.

A few delicious examples:

Corn ravioli in an artistic presentation…

Maitake mushrooms with greens and nuts…

… everything served in beautiful ceramic bowls in the soothing soft shades of grey that dominate the whole property. Talk of design!!

Next morning, my breakfast was just as fantastic…

I chose the freshly pressed orange juice (best juice I ever had!), coffee and blueberry pancakes…

… outside on the patio, with a glorious view. What a way to start the day! The other guests (the ones who did not have to work!) went off to nature hikes, yoga and massages or headed to the state-of-the-art gym. I allowed myself 30 minutes of hard swim in the spectacular pool – after all, I had to work off all those delicious calories, right?!

In short – I loved it. I will definitely be back – but in addition, this would be a fantastic location for an intimate wedding, a quiet bachelorette party, a “Mini Moon,” a spa day (and night) for bride and bridesmaids, and a wonderful place for wedding guests to stay. With 43 guest rooms, Canyon Ranch can definitely accommodate enough out-of-town guests and the newlyweds themselves – with regenerating activities for everyone. Meditation, yoga, painting, fitness, kayaking, Tai Chi, Ikebana – guests will be entertained and at the same time achieve perfect relaxation. There are patios with views of the forest which would be the perfect spot to say “I Do” in an unforgettable setting. The food would be equally spectacular. There would be a wedding cake and dancing. What else could you desire…?

So now you understand why I am calling Canyon Ranch my personal discovery of the year. Do go and experience it yourselves. You will come back a believer, I guarantee it!

Taylor and Sheldon’s Joyful Summer Wedding

Posted on July 27, 2023 by jlammerts

Taylor and Sheldon are a busy professional couple, living out of state – and for planning and designing their wedding, they enlisted the help of my company, A Day Like No Other. They had chosen a venue close to where the bride grew up and where her parents are still living: Thomas Fogarty Winery in Woodside. Simply perfect for the garden-themed summer wedding the couple was envisioning, elegant and romantic in ivory and lilac hues, with a few metallic gold accents.

Their invitations set the tone:

The bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready at the house of the bride’s parents, with hair and makeup services by Aqua Beauty Lounge.

A timeless mother-daughter moment…

Not to forget the jewelry…

And here she is… dramatic!

Lastly – the bridal bouquet (all florals by Laurel & Vine):

And with that, Taylor was ready to present herself to her husband-to-be.

Sheldon had meanwhile also dressed up…

…. and was ready for the “First Look.”

Always such a touching moment…

Time for many, many photos with photographer Kevin Chin and for video with videographer Martin Meyer!

Official wedding photo, right?

Meanwhile, the ceremony area had been set up, officiant Chris Thielen had arrived, and DJ Paul Burchfield of Big Fun Disc Jockeys had the music going as guests began to arrive (via shuttles from Corinthian Ground Transportation). It was the perfect summer day, warm and sunny under a cloudless blue sky, and with a slight breeze.

The ceremony lawn offers endless views, from the San Francisco skyline all the way to Silicon Valley.

And here comes the bride, on her father’s arm.

After her father formally “gave her away” to Sheldon, Taylor joined him and officiant Chris Thielen for the ceremony.

Ring exchange…

… and “You may now kiss your bride!”

Just married!! And off to many more photos and video …

… while guests enjoyed Fogarty wines and hors d’oeuvres (all food and bar services by Melons Catering) on the open Deck at Fogarty Winery.

The Melons Catering team had meanwhile set up dinner in the open Pavilion…

… with elegant china, placemats, glassware and cutlery from Hensley Event Resources, on beautiful linens by Napa Valley Linens.

Impressive centerpieces (by Laurel & Vine) were the stunning focal point of each table.

All elements had been carefully chosen to complement the overall look of summery elegance and luxury – including the seating chart for guests…

… and beautifully packaged favors in the wedding colors.

The Head Table, of course, got extra-special treatment!

After a delicious dinner (by Melons Catering)…

and many toasts and speeches…

… AND a group photo with all their guests…

… it was definitely time for dancing and for cutting the cake (by Susie Cakes)!

The newlyweds completed this time-honored first task in their marriage with bravura.

For her choreographed First Dance, the bride had changed into an “easier” (but no less stunning!) dress…

Applause!! Next up – Bouquet Toss…

… and Garter Toss!

And what followed then, was a truly EPIC dance party!

What a celebration! Our best wishes on your way, Taylor and Sheldon!

Beth and Rob: a Celebration of Music, Art and Nature at Nestldown

Posted on July 5, 2023 by jlammerts

Artistic talent runs in both Beth’s and Rob’s families. Beth is an accomplished vocalist and music teacher. Rob’s mother is an exceptional painter. But there is more: both Beth and Rob are nature lovers – small wonder then, that they chose Nestldown as their wedding venue. Hidden in the Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this wedding venue on 36 acres has it all: a natural “chapel” in an ancient Redwood grove for romantic ceremonies, rustic-elegant event spaces (think gardens with pergolas and fire tables, a “barn” illuminated by an enormous crystal chandelier) and whimsical touches galore – from a life-size train, a fairytale cottage and a sand sculpture to transportation by authentic London taxis!

After more than a year of planning, the big day had finally arrived, and it was just perfect: warm, sunny, blue skies and a slight breeze. For Beth, the day began with hair and makeup by Carly Wise who brought out the bride’s delicate features with a feminine updo and artfully-near invisible makeup. Beth was positively glowing!

Next: flowers! Beth did not want “traditional” wedding flowers – she wanted wildflowers! Loose, organic blooms in a riot of colors. Only problem: wildflowers are notoriously fragile and would not stand up to the rigors of a wedding day; they would wilt in a matter of half an hour. What to do? Enter florist extraordinaire Janelle Jacky-Litt of Green Petal Designs: she created bouquets and arrangements that look exactly like wildflowers (Beth LOVED them!) but were actually based on hardier varietals. Here is one of the bridesmaids’ bouquets.

And here she is, carrying her bridal bouquet:

Isn’t she gorgeous?!

Groom Rob with likewise getting ready…

Beth and Rob had made it a point to have as many pre-ceremony photos taken as possible – to have more time with their guests after the ceremony – so that’s where they were headed. Photographer Megan Reeves and assistant captured every precious moment – for example, the couple’s First Look.

There were also many bridal party photos on the program…

Soon enough, guests began arriving via shuttles (from Corinthian Ground Transportation), and everyone was preparing for the ceremony.

DJ Woody Miraglia of Big Fun Disc Jockeys had the music going, and three friends of the couple, two violinists and a guitarist, were ready to play for the entrance of the bride.

And here she comes, accompanied by both her parents…

The ceremony was officiated by yet another friend of the couple and as such, was heartfelt and very personal.

It was such a joyful moment.

“I Do!” – and “You may now kiss the bride!”

And here are the newlyweds!

While Beth and Rob were taking just a few more “family formals” photos, guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Betty Zlatchin Catering),

…lawn games, train rides and photobooth fun (by Night Owl Photo Booth).

Eventually, the newlyweds arrived by train and joined the party.

Meanwhile, dinner on the Main Lawn had been set up…

… with a Koi Pond as its backdrop.

While all guest tables were splendid with elegant place settings…

… with hand-painted menu cards (like all other wedding stationery and signage, designed by the Mother of the Groom) and vibrant “wildflower” centerpieces…

… the Head Table, of course, received special treatment.

Tables had not been numbered, but named after bird species – the groom is an ornithologist, after all! For entree choice markers, the couple chose various wildflower species, true to style!

And so that guests would not get lost among all the birds, the Mother of the Groom had also created an artistic map showing the location of each table.

Needless to say – the name of each table was displayed as a beautiful painting of the bird it was named after.

Over dinner, dusk began to fall, and the myriad twinkle lights installed in the tall Redwood trees surrounding the main lawn began to sparkle – it was truly magical.

Once dinner and toasts and speeches were done, guests were invited into the Barn for desserts and dancing. Again – never ones to simply follow tradition, the couple had opted for their favorite fruit pies (a huge table full of them!) over a typical wedding cake, and their guests really “dug in.” Then it was time for Beth’s and Rob’s First Dance, accompanied by more of their musician friends. Watching these two gently twirl underneath the giant crystal chandelier was a truly unforgettable moment.

Then the bride danced with her Dad and the groom with his Mom…

and after that, the dance floor was opened to an epic dance party.

with all-time favorite tunes (yes, ABBA, for example!) and glow sticks for everyone… and in the end, nobody wanted to go home! The newlyweds were whisked away into their married bliss by London Taxi… keep dancing, singing and watching birds in perpetual happiness, Beth and Rob!

Gianna’s and Kyle’s “heavenly” nuptials at Nestldown

Posted on January 16, 2023 by jlammerts

Gianna and Kyle had something like a whirlwind romance – Kyle proposed just a year and a half into their relationship, and a month later, the two had brought my company, A Day Like No Other, on board for their wedding planning. Their dream venue – Nestldown Estate in Los Gatos – was booked, and off we went on a yearlong endeavor to make their wedding celebration truly special, memorable, and above all, uniquely theirs.

Last October, the big day had finally come. Bride and groom were getting ready at Hotel Valencia in San Jose …

…. and the bride and her bridesmaids enjoyed hair and makeup services by stylists from Wowpretty Salon.

Gianna had chosen a very feminine, romantic wedding dress.

Photographer Melissa Floriano and videographer Sean Kurtela joined the bridal party to capture all the precious moments – AND the gorgeous details!

As avid “stargazers,” bride and groom chose a celestial motif for their invitations – a glittery starry sky, actually, and the bride’s earrings reflect the same “heavenly” taste!

Bride Gianna got into her dress with the assistance of her bridesmaids …

… while in a suite at the other end of the hotel, groom Kyle and his groomsmen were likewise dressing up.

Time to transfer to the venue (via Corinthian Ground Transportation) for the couple’s First Look and many photos and video footage! As their First Look location, Gianna and Kyle had chosen the charming Fairytale Cottage onsite.

Next up: couple’s portraits and bridal party photos.

Gianna wore a star-studded hairpiece to complement her earrings, and for her bridal bouquet, she had chosen ivory and dark red blooms in an effortlessly feminine style (all florals by Lotus & Lily Floral Design). Dark red was also the color of choice for the bridesmaids’ dresses…

… while the gentlemen wore classic charcoal grey (with honey-colored dress shoes!).

And here is the whole impressive lineup of 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen plus officiant!

Bridal party having fun!

In the meantime, the ceremony area in the “Chapel,” a dramatic redwood grove, had been set up and decorated with a circular arch, embellished with gorgeous flowers.

At the entrance to the aisle, little containers with bubbles waited for the guests, to blow bubbles on the newlyweds after the ceremony.

And here is the “aisle” – a dramatic stairway descending down a wooded hill into the Redwood clearing.

Soon enough, guests began arriving, greeted by a customized Welcome sign.

The ceremony, officiated by a close friend of the couple, began on time, with the processional of the groom…

… and HERE COMES THE BRIDE!

Los Gatos DJs provided beautiful wedding music (and for the groom’s entrance, a march out of “Star Wars!”)

“You may now kiss the bride!”

Just married! The parents of the groom walked out with the “guest of honor” of the day – the couple’s puppy dog “Muffin.”

While the newlyweds had many more photos and videos to take…

… their guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Eisenhauer’s Catering) and to musical entertainment and photo booth fun (both by Los Gatos DJs). When it was time for dinner, guests found their seating assignments on a pretty seating chart…

… on the way to the Great Lawn where dinner tables had been set up. There were also baskets with cozy blankets to keep everyone warm.

Dark blue and maroon, accented by metallic gold, set an elegant tone. The newlyweds presided over the whole “congregation” from their special Sweetheart Table, adorned (like all guest tables) with lavish floral centerpieces by Lotus & Lily.

As dusk was falling, the lights in the surrounding trees came on, and the atmosphere turned magical.

After dinner, guests were invited to dancing in the Barn, the central building at Nestldown. A “barn” only by architectural style, it is a truly unique and elegant event space…

… crowned by an enormous crystal chandelier. This is where Gianna and Kyle enjoyed their First Dance as a married couple…

… and where they cut their “heavenly” cake (by Cake Expressions).

A photo gallery on the antique hutch displayed family photos from several generations back…

… and an open-air bar under twinkling lights and the photo booth provided entertainment in addition to dancing.

The evening came to its conclusion on another high point: an (LED-) sparkler send-off to the “Nestldown Trademark” vintage London Taxi to whisk the newlyweds away into their married bliss!

Off to a lifetime of shared happiness – that’s what we wish for you, Gianna and Kyle!

Wedding Woof

Category Archives: Festivities