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!
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.
A career lawyer working 12-hour days and a Dutch engineer traveling worldwide for business – when such a super-busy power couple plans a wedding, they need help. A lot of help. Anja and Eric realized that fact early on and enlisted my company, A Day Like No Other, shortly after booking their venue. As avid outdoorspeople, they had chosen Nestldown Estate, a 36-acre property of natural Redwoods, manicured lawns, elegant event spaces and whimsical extras like a lifesize toy train, a giant sand sculpture, a fairytale cottage, flying dragons… it is truly one-of-a-kind!
Our planning journey, as expected, happened with many starts and stops, depending on the couple’s workload and schedules. Catering, flowers, photo and video; music, guest entertainment, transportation and guest accommodations… there was a lot to be done! And finally, the Great Day had come.
For bride Anja, the day started with hair and makeup services by Design Her Image…
… while groom Eric was likewise busy with preparations.
Time to present herself to her groom for the first time in all her wedding beauty – First Look!
Meanwhile, the teams of Nestldown, A Day Like No Other, La Bocca Fina Catering and florist Green Petal Designs were frantically working behind the scenes to get all preparations done in time. Guests began arriving via shuttle (Corinthian Ground Transportation), and our DJ Woody Miraglia of Big Fun Disc Jockeys began playing prelude music in the “Chapel,” a natural clearing amidst towering Redwoods, accessed by a long flight of stairs which make for the most dramatic walk “down the aisle.”
The wedding ceremony was officiated by a longtime friend of the couple, and as such was very personal – and emotional.
Just married! “You may kiss your bride!”
While guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, musically accompanied by Victoria Studio (Victoria Liu), a duo playing classic Chinese tunes on authentic Chinese instruments, the newlyweds had many more photos to take…
Behind the scenes and unbeknowst to the guests, a Lion Dance Troupe (Lion Dance Me) was preparing for the big surprise of the day.
Once dining tables had been set up…
… guests were invited to attend the couple’s Tea Ceremony on the Main Lawn…
… and after that, the drumroll started!
Here come the cutest Chinese lions you’ve ever seen! They cozied up to the guests, batted their eyelashes and were altogether absolutely adorable.
Guests were delighted, and then dinner took place “under the stars” and under twinkling lights, accentuated with toasts and speeches.
After dinner, guests were invited to the “Barn” – the central function space at Nestldown – for Cake Cutting and dancing.
The “Barn” is a barn just by name (and by its architectural style) – it is in fact a rustic-elegant event space with everything you might wish for, including a monumental crystal chandelier…
… below which countless couples have performed their First Dance as husband and wife, just as these two here did. And except for the traditional Bouquet Toss and Cake Cutting…
… it was all DANCE, DANCE, DANCE for the rest of the night.
It was a truly unforgettable day. Anja’s and Eric’s Grand Send-off was the high point of the night:
Bubbles…
… and an exit in an authentic vintage London Taxi!
If I had to give this wedding a label, it would be “classic elegance and glamour – in time lapse.” Why? We planners at A Day Like No Other had just six weeks to plan the whole elegant affair… while the couple was managing a household move! Our last vendor contract was confirmed on the day before the event. It was intense, to say the least… BUT the result was beautiful, and bride and groom were super happy!
Allison had chosen an incredible lace wedding dress with a long train and matching veil…
… and a classic bouquet in stunning purple (all florals by Green Petal Designs).
Here are their rings:
Ready for one pre-ceremony photo (all photos: Danny Dong) – without seeing each other, though!
After a wedding ceremony in their church, serenaded by harpist Aysha Gomez-Kureishi …
… the couple left for photos in a vintage white Rolls Royce (from NLS).
Off they went to the Redwoods, with their harpist bringing her gilded harp along!
Isn’t that spectacular?!
All the while, multiple vendor teams were hard at work to get everything ready for Allison’s and Jeston’s reception at the historic Peninsula Golf and Country Club – the venue team, my two production managers, Nimy and Deanna, the florist crew, and our Jazz trio (Magnolia Jazz). The gold-decorated wedding cake (from Copenhagen Bakery) was delivered, and when the newlyweds arrived, Cocktail Hour was already underway, and everything had been set up for dinner…
… in the grand ballroom of the Clubhouse, beneath glamorous crystal chandeliers. The tables were adorned with lush floral centerpieces, part of them towering and part of them low and overflowing their silver compotes …
Everybody was having a great time (including the newlyweds!) .. .
… serenaded by the Magnolia Jazz Trio.
Allison and Jeston shared their First Dance as a married couple…
… and, following tradition, the bride tossed her bouquet to “all the single ladies.”
What else? Cake cutting, of course!
After that, it was only dancing, dancing, dancing… until the couple’s Grand Send-off!
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Allison and Jeston!
Are you inspired for your own wedding? Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.
A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design
Aileen and Yao were already planning their big, big wedding in their native Korea – but they also wanted to host a smaller event for their local friends in the San Francisco Bay Area. 50 guests, give or take… BUT elegant. What better place for that than famous Penthouse Suite in the Fairmont San Francisco, home to all US presidents and foreign dignitaries visiting the City. The couple booked my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with the festivities … and here we go!
While photographer Allexa Crosson and videographer Sig Reboquio were already documenting all the pretty details, from rings to invitations to flowers…
… the Fairmont staff under the leadership of event manager Jim Bast was busy repositioning furniture in the suite and starting kitchen operations.
Bride and groom were getting dressed…
… and florist Nancy Liu Chin delivered the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres and many, many floral arrangements for centerpieces and other tables. She also decorated the fountain on the patio with floating flowers…
… for a romantic and very polished effect.
Time for the couple’s First Look…
… with the SF City skyline as their glorious backdrop. And then – many more photos!!
Here in the famous Billiards Room – a Moroccan folly entirely decorated with elaborate tiles…
… in the two-story library whose ceiling is decorated with the outlines of constellations and where a secret passageway to the rooftop opens behind a moveable bookshelf (an escape route for all the royalty and dignitaries staying here on a regular basis…
… and in the elegant living room of the Penthouse apartment – adorned with intricately carved wood paneling, an elaborate fireplace surround and priceless antiques.
After their ceremony, officiated by a friend on the patio overlooking the meanwhile foggy City skyline, it was time to party!
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served in the living room…
… and the newlyweds raised a glass to their union. DJ Marcus Lee (from Paul Stylez Events) had the music going, and everyone was in a joyful, festive mood. In the meantime, the Jim Bast and the Fairmont team and my assistant Nimy and I were hard at work to get the dining room ready for dinner…
Every place setting was adorned with a wedding-ring shaped sugar cookie…
… and a handwritten personal Thank You note by the couple – a true “labor of love!”
After dinner and speeches, Aileen and Yao were ready for their Grand Entrance …
… and their choreographed First Dance:
… followed by a truly “wild” Father-Daughter Dance to the tune of “Heartbreaker!”
The rest of the evening was one big upbeat dance party, only interrupted by Cake Cutting (Cake by Intincing Creations).
What a party! What’s next? Another REALLY big party back in the couple’s native Korea! Congratulations, Aileen and Yao!
In the first half of 2024, I had the pleasure of planning and designing a very special wedding event – a celebration for a very private couple whom we shall call here “A” and “E.” When I first met them, they were already legally married; they’d had an intimate, family-only ceremony in their backyard on an auspicious date by the Chinese horoscope. The “real party” had to wait – and THAT they entrusted to my company, A Day Like No Other.
Our first task was to find an elegant venue with a view not too far from the couple’s home, and I was able to present several options to them. What they spontaneously loved was a spectacular place, perched high atop a mountain ridge with views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Silicon Valley: Thomas Fogarty Winery.
The next vendor decision was an equally easy and spontaneous one: photography team Danny and Julia Dong who captured the magic of the location and the beauty of the occasion from start to finish. Collideskope videographers joined them and recorded all those precious moments throughout the day.
After preparations at home …
… with hair and makeup services by Wowpretty Salon, bride, groom and bridal party transferred to the venue (all transportation provided by Corinthian Ground Transportation) where many vendor teams were already hard at work to get everything set up in time. Florist Karen Baba of PlanDecor begun decorating the couple’s own arch, while the bride was helped into her elaborate, light platinum-colored dress …
…by her bridesmaids.
What an incredible train!
After putting on her princess heels and receiving her gorgeous bridal bouquet, A. was ready to show herself to her “Prince Charming” …
… who had likewise been prepared by his groomsmen.
After their official First Look, bride and groom had many, many photos to take…
… first only the two of them, and then with their attendants.
Bride and bridesmaids were CLEARLY very happy with their flowers!
Guests were already arriving (via Corinthian shuttles), and DJ Derek Mizuno of Entourage Events put the finishing touches on his sound setup, supporting the soloists who, as friends of the couple, were performing as well.
The ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple…
… in bright sunshine and with a lot of joy and smiles!
Just married! More photos for the newlyweds, while guests were treated to Fogarty wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Michi Catering and the photo booth (from Entourage Events) offered fun for everyone.
Dinner is ready! The Michi team had set the tables with elegant gold-rimmed china, matching gold-toned flatware, pink glassware and with shimmering lavender napkins in a loose knot…
… and florist Karen’s centerpieces provided a big pop of lively color – especially on the Sweetheart Table!
The sunset on A & E’s wedding day was spectacular – unforgettable together with the endless views…
Once dinner was over, everyone moved inside for Cake Cutting (cake by PQ Fung/ Pastry Atelier PQ) …
… and dancing. The couple had practiced an intricate choreographed First Dance routine that left everyone utterly speechless.
With that, the dance floor was officially open, and guests only took a short break to help themselves to the mouthwatering pastries from the dessert table (Pastry Atelier PQ).
The conclusion of the evening was as spectacular as the day itself – with a shimmering bubble exit for the newlyweds!
Rachel and Jim had met and lived together for more than two decades, literally “growing old together,” and then they decided to make their union official – and for that occasion they were envisioning an elegant, warm celebration with their children, grandchildren and circle of the friends acquired over a lifetime. What better setting for such a one-of-a-kind wedding than the storied Fairmont San Francisco? So Rachel and Jim secured it for their venue. And then… they realized that a lot more needed to be planned. A whole lot more. I am honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to make their vision a reality. We jumped right in… and over a yearlong collaboration on vendor bookings, logistics, design and decor, we truly became good friends!
The couple began their wedding day at their “homebase,” their room at the Fairmont….
… with this unbeatable view of the City and the Bay.
While Rachel had her hair done by her longtime hair stylist Eric Webb and her makeup applied by Tiffany Chiang of Design Her Image, photographer extraordinaire Kevin Chin captured the beautiful details.
Then bride and groom helped each other getting ready …
And even if they had seen each other during the morning preparations, Rachel wanted to have a traditional “First Look.” She was soooo excited!
Here they are, on the glorious main staircase in the Fairmont lobby.
It was so moving to see… and then it was time for many, many photos.
Meanwhile, frantic preparations were underway to get everything ready in time for guest arrival, the ceremony and Cocktail Hour and, of course, for the reception with dinner and dancing. The Fairmont team, led by Corrine Mitten, had set everything up for us already (thank you!); florist Karen Baba of Plan Decor was busy decorating the chuppah on the Fairmont Rooftop Garden; DJ Tyler Huffman and the Rhonda Sauce Jazz Trio (both from Ivy Hill Entertainment) were getting situated for sound and music, and my assistant Deanna and I were coordinating the myriad details behind the scenes.
We set up the WELCOME sign – which I had custom-designed based on the couple’s choice of invitation card, with a custom color scheme based on – you won’t believe it – the carpet pattern in the ballroom! Its elegant eggplant and antique gold arabesques were the inspiration for the whole color scheme, resulting in a very cohesive overall look and feel. These colors were ultimately chosen because they also fit so well with the bride’s dress choice of teal silk – the bridal bouquet and floral arrangements (from PlanDecor) were kept in rich jewel tones (the bride’s favorite colorway), again based on eggplant and gold.
Next came the Guest Book table – with the signage again showing the motifs and colors of the invitations; the guest book cover picking up the eggplant hue, and the big floral arrangement playing along.
Next up: Ketubah signing before the wedding ceremony.
And with that, the two are actually MARRIED.
The chuppah was waiting, resplendent in, you guessed it, eggplant, yellow and jeweltones …
All guests had meanwhile arrived, and the great moment had come! To the tunes of Rascal Flatt’s God Bless the Broken Road (played by DJ Tyler Huffman of Ivy Hill Entertainment), Rachel and Jim walked down the aisle.
The two “broke the traditional glass” TOGETHER…
… and then the whole congregation broke out chanting “Mazel Tov” to the newlyweds.
While the new couple enjoyed a little quiet retreat – and then had many more photos to take – their guests were treated to a Cocktail reception in the Pavilion Room ….
… with live entertainment by the Rhonda Sauce jazz trio.
Meanwhile, we all put the finishing touches on the elaborate dinner setup in the Crown Room…
… where subtly shimmering eggplant-colored linens and napkins (from Napa Valley Linens) coordinated perfectly with the room’s interior and intimate lounge seating (from Hensley Event Resources) in the recesses of the ballroom invited guests to quiet conversations and little breaks from the festivities.
The tall centerpieces, literally hovering above the dining tables, formed a lively color accent – without interfering with conversation across the table (something the groom had been adamant about!).
To round out the lush, rich look and warm feel of the elegant ballroom, we added a large number of tall living plants – stunning palm tree varietals and huge Bird-of-Paradise plants (from Indoor Greenery) from the entrance steps to the whole perimeter and at strategic spots in the room.
Guests found their table assignments through eggplant-colored escort cards in the exact same design as all other signage – just in an “inverted” colorway!
Ready for dinner! The newlyweds kicked off the dinner-and-dancing portion of their celebration with their Grand Entrance and First Dance to the song How Sweet It Is by Marvin Gaye (professionally choreographed by and practiced with Cynthia Glinka of Dance with Glinka).
With that, dinner service began, live music accompanied the feast, and many family members and guests proposed toasts and well-wishes. Once dinner was finished, Rachel and Jim had one more important task to accomplish: cutting their cake – traditionally the first shared task of a newlywed couple.
Per our wishes, the talented Kelly Zubal of Inticing Creations had decorated the elegant white cake with the exact floral motif that formed the common thread from invitation to signage to wedding decor.
Once that was done, everyone flocked to the dance floor to kick off the dance party with an exuberant Hora Dance during which, traditionally, the newlyweds are hoisted high up above the dancing crowd – and that’s exactly what we did!
From that point on, there was no holding back on the dance floor, and DJ…. kept everyone exactly there! It was a wonderful, unforgettable celebration – and bride and groom were SO HAPPY!!
Wishing you this happiness together for every single day, Rachel and Jim!
If ever there was a super-busy young couple planning their wedding, it’s THEM! Groom Alex is working long hours as a software engineer. Bride Isheeta was completing Medical School during our planning time and took her final exams just weeks before her wedding. Together they managed TWO cross-country moves while we were collaborating on their Big Day. Small wonder they needed the help of my company, A Day Like No Other, to plan their wedding celebration!
They had fallen in love with one of the most romantic venues in all of the San Francisco Bay Area, Thomas Fogarty Winery. Nestled into rolling vineyards, and perched high up on a mountain ridge, with endless views from the San Francisco skyline to Silicon Valley – it clearly spoke to these two nature lovers!
After nearly a year of diligent planning, the Great Day had finally arrived – a beautiful, sunny early summer day under blue skies and with a slight breeze. Just perfect.
For bride Isheeta, the day began with hair and makeup services by Vivian Sampson Beauty…
… followed by dressing up with the help of her Mom – the quintessential Mother-Daughter moment!
And likewise, groom Alex and HIS Mom had THEIR moment.
Photographer Melissa Floriano and Avalos Films videographers captured all these precious scenes, from start to finish.
The first big highlight of the day was, of course, the couple’s First Look…
…. followed by many, many photos of the bride and groom…
Florist Janelle of Green Petal Designs had created stunning bouquets and floral arrangements with the bride’s favorite flowers – orchids and roses. So elegant… Time was going by so quickly, guests were arriving (via shuttles from Corinthian Ground Transportation), and then – the ceremony began. Groom Alex was escorted by both his parents…
… a super cute flower girl (with an orchid flower crown!) stole the show…
… and after her, bride Isheeta appeared with her parents.
Always such an emotional moment… and the scenery was simply breathtaking.
The ceremony was officiated by a longtime friend of the couple – it doesn’t get much more personal than that!
“You May Now Kiss the Bride!” – and there they are, just married!
While guests were enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres supplied by Continental Catering, serenaded by DJ Woody of Big Fun Disc Jockeys and entertaining themselves with making a Polaroid scrapbook for the couple ….
… the newlyweds had more pictures to take.
Dinner time! Our catering team had set up dinner tables in the open Pavilion with elegant chairs and tabletop items from Hensley Event Resources …
After a full decade of courtship, Christine and Young, both physicians, decided that “enough was enough” and it was time to finally get married! They turned to my company, A Day Like No Other, to help them find just the right fit for their venue and vendors, plan and design the Great Day, and, of course, orchestrate the festivities. And off we went… in a (at least to me!) very unexpected direction: instead of a glamorous party, these two prioritized quality time with their “nearest and dearest” far more – they were going to invite them all to a five-day resort retreat, plus more friends to their wedding celebration. Suddenly, I was facing a HUGE project.
For their “home base,” the couple chose Ralston White Retreat, a converted mansion tucked away in the Redwoods high above the little township of Mill Valley in Marin County, accommodating 30+ guests, typically for Thursday-through-Monday retreats; exactly what they had in mind for their nuptials.
That the front lawn is heart-shaped for all the romantic weddings that this venue has hosted over the years was, of course, an added bonus! Due to its secluded location (and winding, one-lane mountain access road…) the logistics of this wedding proved difficult, to say the least – but we had about a year to plan. Two caterers for every day of the retreat. Linens, rental items, beverages, snacks, guest entertainment and a myriad details for the day before and after the wedding … to keep all house guests (including doggies!) well-fed, happy and entertained.
And then, of course, everything needed for a typical wedding celebration! And suddenly, Wedding Day was upon us – for Christine, that meant hair and makeup services (by Kary Li) to start the day.
The mansion was already filled with flowers and gifts…
… and photographer Frank J. Lee started very early to capture all these details …
… and the whole atmosphere of this exceptional wedding – INCLUDING Christine’s and Young’s delightful puppy Mochi and HIS homebase:
Once hair and makeup were done, Christine got into her elegant wedding dress..
… and jewelry…
… with the help of her friends.
Girls definitely having fun!
The experienced production team from A Day Like No Other (Nimy and Narod) orchestrated the whole event discreetly from “behind the scenes,” from start to finish – a huge task! Soon the first vendors started to arrive, to load in, to set up, in order to get everything ready in time. The Boba Guys set up their station to tide hungry guests over from brunch to ceremony. Rental items (from Bright Event Rentals) were delivered and installed, alongside all the setup that the venue team, Christy and Gabe, had to do;
… and boutonnieres and installed the ceremony decor;
DJ Paul of Big Fun Disc Jockeys set up music and lights (supported here by my fabulous production lead, Nimy)…
… and Le’s Kitchen Catering under the expert leadership of Christina Hsu and Amy Tang had their hands full with cooking and setting up tables and chairs.
Christine and Young – traditionalists in that respect – had decided NOT to see each other before the ceremony, and photographer Frank went back and forth between the two, capturing a host of SEPARATE pre-ceremony photos.
And here is the undisputed star of the show: Mochi on his Mom’s arm.
Ceremony time! Here comes the bride.
Father Gerry diCaprio conducted the wedding ceremony, and – “You may now kiss the bride!”
Just married! While guests were enjoying cocktails, the newlyweds had many, many “together” photos to take. Plenty of opportunities in the beautiful woods surrounding Ralston White Retreat!
Come dinnertime, the string lights surrounding the dining area created a truly magical scene. Place cards were tied to blankets – welcome wedding favors to keep off the evening chill under the towering Redwoods.
The traditional ceremonial Cake Cutting, following the conclusion of dinner, was as unconventional as this whole wedding: in lieu of one big, towering wedding cake, the couple had opted for smaller Black Forest cakes from their favorite French bakery, Mademoiselle Colette – one on each dining table – as delicious edible centerpieces, for the guests to help themselves. Bride and groom cut the first two of the cakes …
… and not a single crumb was left from all this deliciousness!
After that, the whole party moved indoors for dancing to the tunes of DJ Paul.
The newlyweds opened the dance floor with their formal First Dance…
… and all their guests followed suit! Everyone was having a great time, and bride Christine only interrupted the dancing with her Bouquet Toss.
The party went on and on, a lot longer than anticipated… what an unforgettable celebration!
Wishing you a world of happiness on your way, Christine and Young!
When Andrea and Pedro first approached my wedding planning company, A Day Like No Other, they had pretty much settled on their venue but were seeking help with everything else – and it was fortunate that they had not yet booked that venue… Being very familiar with it, it was obvious to me that this would by far not offer sufficient room and function spaces for the 180-people event that the couple was envisioning. So – we started over! Again, fortunately, Andrea and Pedro quickly found their perfect venue among the alternatives that I proposed: Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose, an elegant property with a golf course amid green rolling hills, a ceremony area with a waterfall as a backdrop, and a clubhouse with a beautiful patio for cocktails and a huge ballroom with picture windows for dinner and dancing (plus a super supportive venue manager!!).
Our planning took close to a year, and finally, finally – the Big Day arrived.
For the bride, it started with hair and makeup services by Wowpretty Salon …
… and getting ready with her bridesmaids.
Andrea had chosen an elegant strapless, formfitting lace wedding dress…
… and glittery bridal shoes fit for a princess!
Photographer Frank J. Lee captured every moment from start to finish.
What’s missing? Her bridal bouquet, a very feminine, handtied summer bouquet with English Garden Roses in soft hues of ivory, pink and rust (all wedding flowers by Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine).
Ready for her pre-ceremony photos! Following time-honored tradition, Andrea had decided to let her groom first see her at the ceremony. Groom Pedro had meanwhile also gotten dressed up with the help of his groomsmen…
Ready for many photos on the beautiful grounds of the property.
Soon, their guests began arriving by shuttle (by Corinthian Ground Transportation), and many work teams – the A Day Like No Other team Haneen and Diane, the venue crew, the florist, the DJ (Henry Kim of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) – were busy putting the finishing touches on the ceremony setup.
Under a gilded circular arch in front of palm trees and a waterfall, a friend of the couple’s officiated their wedding ceremony.
Here comes the bride:
“You may now kiss the bride!”
Just married!
While guests were treated to cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres, photographer Frank took official wedding photos …
… and bridal party photos…
… and then, he took the newlyweds around the property for many more photos. And how do you get around in a golf club? That’s the fun part – in a golf cart, of course!
Again, frantic activity was happening behind the scenes – the photo booth (by Night Owl Photo Booth) had to be set up in time and the dining room had to be prepared for dinner. The couple had chosen metallic gold accents (gold Chiavari chairs and chargers) and pink napkins to go with their pink and rust centerpieces.
Grand Entrance!!
After a delicious dinner (inhouse catering at the venue), the newlyweds shared their much-anticipated choreographed First Dance.
DJ Henry Kim had learned a Spanish-language script for bilingual announcements just for Andrea and Pedro!
He kept the party going with Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance, the traditional Money Dance…
… and the wild “hora loca” with dance lights and glowsticks!
What a party!! The couple’s festive Send-off happened in the same spirit of joy and exuberance:
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together, Andrea and Pedro!
