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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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