I have collaborated with Saida and Chantal, the charismatic owners of Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, on many wedding projects and styled photoshoots. These two were the first ones to bring French/European bridal couture to the US two decades ago, and their style, taste and commitment to their brides is simply unmatched. Here are their expert insights in how to choose your wedding dress.
Another insight into the ground rules for wedding photography from acclaimed San Francisco photographer Kevin Chin with whom I have worked on many weddings – and his photos are always fantastic! Elegant, capturing the atmosphere and the moment AND all the pretty details – a balanced approach to capturing a wedding, and always stunning!
“How did you get into photography? And, in particular, into WEDDING photography? What is it that fascinates you about it?“
Like many people, photography started as a hobby for me. I was always the one taking photos on family vacations and gatherings. I started taking photos of my friends for fun. From there, people started to ask me to shoot their family portraits and weddings. The rest is history. Weddings are the most important day in a person’s life, and I feel privileged and honored to capture their special day. Experiencing the joy and emotions of a wedding day is something that I never get tired of.
“What is your specific style and why?”
I would say I incorporate a mixture of many different styles when shooting a wedding. You need to well-versed in many photography styles to capture all the different elements of a wedding. I am very good at posing my couples to flatter their body characteristics and their style to make them look their best. I’m also good at observing and capturing real candid moments throughout the day. And, of course, I use my creative eye to capture all the pretty details of the wedding day that the couple has chosen, which include the wedding dress, flowers, decor, venue, etc. I also take into account what style of photography my couple is looking for. Some prefer candids and don’t like posing for photos, while others want beautiful posed portraits and want to look like a model. I try to capture a good mixture of everything, but I’m happy to accommodate their preferences.
“How have you evolved as a photographer?”
I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years. I have gone from shooting film to digital. I have always strived to shoot in a classic style that will not look dated over time. During the film days when there weren’t any previews of the photos you were shooting, with practice and experience, I developed a repertoire of poses and key shots that I knew would always work and that every couple would like. These were the “safe shots” or “money shots” that I knew I had mastered and that I could rely on for every wedding. When digital came around, I was able to experiment more because I could see a preview of the images as I was shooting. This gave me the freedom to experiment more which, I feel, made me a more creative photographer. I feel I offer the best of both worlds because I learned the fundamentals of photography with film and became even more creative with digital technology.
“How do you connect with couples?”
My couples tell me that they appreciate my calm demeanor and easygoing personality. This is something that is appreciated on the wedding day because it helps the couple stay calm on their wedding day.
“What is the difference between an experienced professional photographer and laypeople shooting with their cellphone cameras?”
Wedding photography is the one category that couples should invest in wisely because when the wedding is over, all you have left are your wedding photos. You want to make sure you invest in an experienced professional photographer that can capture all the different events of a wedding day. As I mentioned before, a professional photographer should be experienced with capturing flattering portraits, candids that capture authentic moments, and beautiful detail and venue shots.
These different photography styles is what it takes to capture the true essence of the wedding day. You may love the style of your photographer that you are about to choose, but make sure they are experienced on how a wedding day flows. This is important because you want to make sure your photographer doesn’t miss any key moments such as the first kiss, the first dance, etc. Once the moment is over, it’s over. There are no second takes on a wedding day.
“Why is wedding photography expensive?”
You pay for what you get!
“Anything else you want to add?”
Whomever you pick as your photographer, you want to make sure you get along with that person because your photographer will be with starting with you putting on the dress until the last dance. You want to make sure that you like this person and that you vibe with their personality.
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!
We expect that in 2025, weddings will be all about personalization, sustainability, and immersive experiences that create unforgettable memories. Couples are opting for intimate celebrations with unique elements, leaving a lasting impression on guests. From eco-friendly practices to cutting-edge technology, here’s a look at the top trends that we at A Day Like No Other foresee transforming the wedding landscape in 2025.
With a growing focus on sustainability, couples are choosing to make eco-conscious choices for every aspect of their wedding, from invitations to decor. Biodegradable confetti, plantable invitations, and locally-sourced catering are becoming popular. Minimalist designs, such as using seasonal flowers or potted plants as decor, add to the sustainable ethos. Would that be the right thing for you?
Technology is enhancing wedding experiences through augmented reality (AR), drones, and live-streaming. Couples can now invite guests who can’t attend in person through VR technology, creating an immersive experience. Digital guest books and AR photo booths are also becoming staples. Since the vast majority of MY clients are working in high tech in Silicon Valley, I will definitely offer such suggestions to them!
Brides and grooms are opting for custom-made attire that reflects their personalities. Some are choosing bold colors, while others are selecting multifunctional outfits that can transform from ceremony to reception style. Non-traditional choices, such as jumpsuits, detachable skirts, and embroidered accessories, are popular. One of my latest couples celebrated their cultural heritage – bride Gypsy, groom Viking – in their wedding attire, similar to the photo below. The gentlemen actually wore raw furs as collars!
The trend of intimate weddings continues, with couples investing in high-quality experiences for a smaller guest list. Micro-weddings allow for unique touches like destination ceremonies, gourmet tasting menus, and elaborate, multi-day celebrations. The latest dream destinations: St. Barth’s, Anguilla, Bora Bora… and of course Iceland, which is still a big trend.
Couples are embracing bold colors like emerald green, royal blue, and deep burgundy for a striking look. Statement florals, such as oversized arrangements or flowers suspended from the ceiling, add drama to the decor. Floral arches and hanging gardens are also gaining popularity. It’s really, “Go big or go home!”
Interactive dining experiences are a huge hit in 2025. Couples are setting up live cooking stations, custom cocktail bars, and dessert stations where guests can personalize their orders. Think DIY pizza bars, gourmet s’mores stations, and signature cocktail mixology sessions. One of my recent couples had a sushi roll station, another one a creme brulee bar (with custom toppings). The possibilities are nearly endless!
Traditional venues are taking a back seat to unique, offbeat locations. In 2025, couples are choosing to host weddings at unconventional venues such as art galleries, botanical gardens, rustic barns, and even ancient ruins. Outdoor weddings at vineyards or mountaintops are still trendy. I have done wedding ceremonies on the decks of historic tallships and chartered yachts… one in a recording studio where celebrities like Willie Nelson did recordings… one at Monterey Bay Aquarium, one at the SF Academy of Sciences. Are you already getting inspired?!
From live bands to immersive experiences like magicians or caricature artists, couples want entertainment that engages guests. Silent discos, hologram performers, and interactive storytelling for speeches are emerging as popular options. Several of my couples have booked artists to capture the wedding day through live painting. We’ve had dance instruction in Charleston moves for a Great Gatsby-themed wedding; there are poets for hire who will write a haiku for each guest. Again, so many possibilities!
To save costs and access more availability, couples are increasingly opting for weekday weddings. They often add unique elements like a weekend getaway for guests or hosting pre-wedding dinners and post-wedding brunches to create a multi-day celebration. And the cost savings are substantial! (That is, if you choose Monday through Thursday – Friday weddings are already considered “regular” wedding days…). Just keep in mind that your guests would have to take days off to attend; a weekday date might make it impossible for some.
Traditional registries are being replaced by experiential gifts. While in the past, it was considered rude and very bad style to ask for cash gifts, the rules have relaxed in the last few years. Couples are opting for cash funds towards home renovations, honeymoon adventures, or contributions toward experiences like cooking classes or wine tastings, instead of the standard kitchenware and appliances. Chinese couples have always been and are still in luck here: cash gifts in the famous “red envelopes” are a time-honored tradition in the Chinese culture. No etiquette fauxpas here!
Conclusion:
We at A Day Like No Other anticipate that 2025 will be a year of breaking traditions and embracing innovation in the wedding industry. From sustainable choices to high-tech enhancements, each trend is about creating a memorable, personalized experience. Couples are encouraged to prioritize their values, invest in quality over quantity, and create a celebration that truly represents them.
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…
… also with their bridal party.
Meanwhile, the teams of A Day Like No Other, Continental Caterers, Green Petal Designs florals and Big Fun Disc Jockeys were hard at work setting up the ceremony area, decorating and cooking and making sure that both the bar and the sound systems were in place in time.
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 …
… shimmering linens and napkins from Napa Valley Linens …
…. and dominated by potted Phalaenopsis orchids from Green Petal Designs.
It was a really glamorous dinner setup…. and that was not the only surprise!!
After dinner, more delights awaited – first off: wedding cake and a dessert bar (from La Vie Douce)!
Once the cake had been cut, there was no holding back on dancing. The newlyweds opened the dancefloor with their First Dance…
…. and that was the beginning of one wild dance party!
The open Deck was illuminated by thousands of twinkle lights, the bar was open, and even the non-dancers were having a fabulous time.
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Isheeta and Alex!
See it all Live!
And if you desire a wedding just as beautiful as theirs… choose A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design.
“When only the best will do!”
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;
parking valets (West Park Express) got ready to park the guests’ cars, Mademoiselle Colette Catering delivered both brunch for the houseguests and a dozen delicious small wedding cakes;
florist Janelle of Green Petal Designs delivered the bridal bouquet …
… 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!
A whirlwind wedding planning project for a superbusy couple and a fairytale wedding – that was my first task in 2024! Sheida had contracted my wedding planning and design company, A Day Like No Other, after I had planned her older sister’s wedding a few years back – and her first surprise for me was that we only had 7 weeks until the Big Day. The venue (Boulder Ridge Golf Club in San Jose) had been booked… but that was it so far. So we went to work! And time literally flew by…
On the morning of Wedding Day, Sheida and Homer woke up to a gloomy sky and light rain – it was such a disappointment… but they kept their high spirits and got ready for the festivities.
Sheida’s day started with hair and makeup services by Adelina Eidelman, and bridesmaids and mothers simultaneously enjoyed services by Faces by Emily.
Sheida had chosen a romantic Savin of London wedding dress with lavender rose applique… a real dream! (One that we were lucky enough to secure at such short notice, thanks to our friends at Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon).
Isn’t it fabulous? All her other accessories played into this theme of romance, elegance and soft lavender hues.
Photographers Danny and Julia Dong and Frame Story videographers were there from the get-go to capture every beautiful detail throughout the day.
With help from her bridesmaids, Sheida got all dressed up …
… and groom Homer got into his elegant dinner jacket – ready for their First Look!
That happened at their getting-ready location, the historic Dolce-Hayes Mansion in San Jose.
Then a little meteorological miracle happened, and the skies literally smiled on our couple: the sun came out, and the rain stopped! Just in the nick of time to prepare for their elaborate ceremony outdoors, as originally planned.
And here is their stunning sofreh-aghd (by Aroosi by Lili), honoring the bride’s Persian heriage, with every single element full of symbolism:
Here comes the bride, on her proud Dad’s arm, serenaded by violinist Pourya Khademi.
During the ceremony, female family members rub sugar over the couple’s heads – symbolizing the sweetness of marriage (over a thin cloth, actually – to prevent everything getting too sticky…)
It was a beautiful scene – with the sun coming out behind the clouds… drama!
After the ceremony, guests were treated to unforgettable entertainment – starting with an authentic Lion Dance, a nod to the groom’s Chinese heritage.
Meanwhile, a number of vendor teams had been working their magic behind the scenes to transform the dining room at the Club into a gorgeous scene – with draping all around, ceiling swags and twinkle lights, and suspended greenery and chandeliers over the dancefloor (all by Fine Linen Creation)…
… and stunning tall centerpieces from Blackistone Florist (all personal flowers and all floral decor). The couple’s Sweetheart Table received special treatment, of course!
DJ AMP had the music going, and the kitchen at Boulder Ridge Golf Club was ready to serve dinner.
On their place settings, guests found a traditional Persian bowl as their keepsake, and there were elegant chocolates as well…
… in addition to all the delicious Persian sweets from the sofreh.
True to form, the couple’s Grand Entrance to dinner was anything but standard: Niosha Dance Academy, a Persian dance troupe, performed to the delight of all their guests.
After dinner, guests were treated to an elegant wedding cake…
… which the bride and groom cut expertly, as their first official task as a married couple.
Finally, what everyone had been waiting for: dancing started! The newlyweds opened the dance floor with a choreographed routine…
… and that was the start of a wild dance party for everyone – including a Bouquet Toss! To keep everyone energized, Bun Me Up served bao buns as late-night snacks.
Sheida and Homer snuck out for a few moments with photographers and videographers for some more nighttime photos…
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together, Sheida and Homer – and keep celebrating!
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,
….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!
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!
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!