30 yrs ago, a young couple starting their family purchased 180 acres of wilderness in the Santa Cruz Mountains and, through persistent hard work, they “moved a mountain” in the literal sense of the word; they transformed it into their vision of a garden oasis, for themselves, their children and ultimately, for wedding celebrations. They built a huge (elegant!) barn – already planned as a fully outfitted event space – where their children could play; a storybook cottage for their girls, a life-size train for their boys (father and son), a tree house… and over the years added innumerable extra touches to what is now the ultimate elegant wedding destination in the Redwoods. With a natural Redwood “chapel” for ceremonies, ponds, meadows, 36 acres of manicured gardens, mature trees with permanently installed twinkle lights casting a magical glow at dusk – Nestdown has become the perfect combination of elegance and natural beauty. It is still owned and managed by the same family, meanwhile supported by the children who had the good fortune growing up in this magical place.
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
I have been honored to be included in the small handful of wedding planners allowed to work at this exceptional venue, and here are images from the many, many weddings I have been privileged to plan, design and produce there. Let me show you around…
The “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the redwoods, paved with flagstones for the most romantic ceremony spot imaginable.
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit JJ Chen
These are the wedding photos you want to see again and again, down the road, in twenty years…
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Photo credit Megan Reeves
Photo credit Megan Reeves
Of course, you need a photo with the Fairytale Cottage…
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
… and with the train… and the tree house… while your guests are enjoying cocktails!
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Dinner on the Main Lawn is magical, as dusk is falling…
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Photo credit Bre Thurston
… and after that, it’s dancing, dancing, dancing under the enormous crystal chandelier in the Barn.
Photo credit Ben Ingram
And at Nestldown, the Grand Send-Off of the newlyweds is definitely one of the highlights of the event!
Photo credit Bre Thurston
Through a “tunnel” of cheering guests, the couple departs to a waiting authentic London taxi!
Photo credit Melissa Floriano
Bon voyage and a lifetime of happiness – which started on this magical day at Nestldown.
Who doesn’t know the “Kelly bag” by Hermes? Probably every elegant woman in the world wants one. The waitlist is years long. Resales boom.
Photo credit: Pinterest
But have you ever asked yourself for whom the bag was named?
The bag, named Petit Sac à Courroies, was first designed by Hermes in 1935 – and, believe it or not, it was not a success. But…. that changed dramatically when American actress Grace Kelly …
Photo credit: Pinterest
… had to carry one onscreen in one of her Hitchcock thrillers and came to love it so much that she kept carrying one privately. This was the public breakthrough…
Photo credit: Pinterest
Already a star, with an Academy Award and three Golden Globes to her credit, she was copied by a whole generation of fashionable women – and when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, “Princess Gracia Patricia” became a forever fashion icon.
Photo credit: Pinterest
No matter that she’d be nearly 100 years old by now – her effortless elegance is as stunning today and still serves as inspiration to designers and fashionistas alike (think: Red Carpet….)
Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest
And in terms of bridal couture: her dress was clearly an inspiration to Kate Middleton’s…
Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!
What is your specific strength as a florist?
I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
– What is your style? Your approach to your work?
My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.
– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?
Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.
Photo credit: Kreate Photography
What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?
Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store.
Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
What else would you like to add?
If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.
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.
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Danny Dong – A Savin of London 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.
Iconic landmark. Prestigious historic mansion. Refuge of American presidents and foreign dignitaries. Even: movie set (for “The Rock” with Sean Connery!). The Fairmont San Francisco is all of this – and more. Walk its corridors, and see a whole gallery of the history of the City by the Bay – narrated through visits of the rich and famous, cultural icons and politicians to this incredible hotel.
Photo credit: Kevin Chin
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
What better place for an elegant, sophisticated wedding celebration? Especially for an authentic San Francisco flavor, AND for true million-dollar views.
Photo credit: Kevin Chin
Whether you are just enjoying an intimate elopement dinner in your room in the Fairmont Tower…
Photo credit: Gavin Farrington
… or have your big ceremony and dinner and dancing here, it will be an unforgettable celebration!
The Rooftop Garden is a perfect spot for outdoor ceremonies…
Photo credit: Kevin Chin
… while the adjacent Pavilion Room with its incredible Art Deco chandelier lends itself to indoor ceremonies.
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo opportunities in the hotel include the majestic main staircase…
Photo credit: Myrtle Photography
… the lavishly appointed lobby …
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
… the Rooftop Garden …
Photo credit: Myrtle Photography
… and, of course, the double-height Penthouse Suite where all American presidents stay when they visit San Francisco.
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo credit: Allexa Crosson
You can, of course, have your whole wedding in this Penthouse Suite – it can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony on the patio, cocktails in the living room, dinner in the dining room and, if you wish, dancing, too! And the best thing? Once your guests have left, you can simply stay and spend the night in one of the most luxurious bedrooms you’ve ever seen!
But we are getting ahead of ourselves… for a bigger wedding party, there are several glamorous ballrooms to choose from for dinner and dancing:
Photo credit: Kevin Chin
Photo credit: Myrtle Photography
… always with elegant tabletop items like silver chargers and cutlery included.
Photo credit: Gavin Farrington
And once the party is over, just look out over the City, together as a married couple. Nothing beats this romantic moment!
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
So … now you know why the Fairmont is high up on my personal “Favorites” list! And the best thing: I’ll be back in a few months to create more wedding magic there… can’t wait!
Where even to begin?! One of the most beautiful historic mansions in the San Francisco Bay Area, it was built in 2011 for then-San Francisco mayor James Duval Phelan; the surrounding 160 acres of meadow and forest were transformed into a manicured park in the Italianate style by John McLaren (who also designed Golden Gate Park). The name “Villa Montalvo” is a reference to popular 16th-century Spanish writer Garci Ordóñez de Montalvo, who first coined the name “California.” At his death, Senator Phelan was explicit in his bequest of Villa Montalvo. “I would like Villa Montalvo, to be maintained as a public park and for the development of the arts.” And that is exactly what happened! Today, the villa welcomes elegant weddings for up to 250 guests with indoor/outdoor options – so you are literally covered even in case of inclement weather.
Photo credit: Danny DongPhoto credit: Danny Dong
One of the property’s most popular ceremony sites is the Love Temple, set inside the Italianate Garden at the bottom of the Great Lawn. A wide, rose-lined brick path flanked by antique marble statues leads to this open-air, white-columned pavilion, and couples wed in view of the surrounding garden with the Villa and woods in the background.
Photo credit: Todd Rafalovich
Directly behind the Villa, the Oval Garden offers a lush, intimate setting complete with classical statuary and wisteria-covered pergolas. A brick pathway serves as the center aisle, and a columned arcade makes a stately backdrop for exchanging vows. A third ceremony option is the new West Lawn Garden, which can accommodate 300+ guests.
Photo credit: Todd Rafalovich
While the newlyweds are photographed on the picturesque grounds, family and friends enjoy cocktails either in the West Lawn Garden or the scenic Spanish Courtyard.
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Receptions follow on the Villa’s broad veranda, where everyone is treated to splendid garden vistas and the occasional visiting deer (and which can even be enclosed, should the weather not cooperate!)
Photo credit: Todd Rafalovich
The Villa’s interior is equally impressive. All of the first floor’s adjoining rooms open onto the veranda, creating a wonderful flow to your event. The huge Main Hall at the center of the house boasts a high, beamed ceiling, gilded chandeliers and an enormous fireplace. The Hall is often used for dancing, its many French doors left open so that the music carries out to guests relaxing in the adjacent courtyard and on the veranda.
Photo credit: Wanderlust Photography
Other unique gathering spots include the handsome Library, paneled with rare New Zealand walnut, and the Dining Room, a cozy salon with a century-old fireplace and richly paneled walls.
Perhaps the Villa’s most charming space is the Solarium, the perfect niche to showcase the wedding cake.
Photo credit: Danny Dong
And that’s not all: The entire upstairs is reserved for the wedding party and their immediate family. The three spacious suites include a lavish dressing room, with its own balcony overlooking the Great Lawn.
In short: Villa Montalvo is the PERFECT wedding venue – offering privacy, elegance, historic ambiance and innumerable beautiful spots, year round. No wonder I love it so much for my couples…
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Intrigued? Contact venue manager Bri Banners at [email protected], and for all your wedding planning needs, contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.
Nancy and I are going back more than a decade… and I have come to highly appreciate her very elegant approach to wedding flowers. For example, she is not using any “fillers” – and that, of course, makes her arrangements more beautiful (but also more expensive). It’s true – she is a luxury wedding florist! Just admire the stunning floral decor she creates… and learn from her insights!
Behind the Blooms: A Florist’s Approach to Luxury Wedding Flowers
Ever wonder what goes into creating breathtaking wedding florals? Here’s a little insight into my world as a florist!
“What is your specific strength as a florist?“
What sets me apart is that I don’t just design as a floral designer—I design as an event designer. My work isn’t just about making arrangements look beautiful; it’s about crafting a full guest experience. Every floral element is placed with intention—how it looks, feels, photographs, and enhances the atmosphere for both the couple and their guests.
I’m also too practical to design just for a trend. Trends come and go, but a well-designed event is timeless. Our design philosophy is rooted in my instantly recognizable belief that florals should complement, not compete with the space, the setting, and the guest experience. I approach every event with this mindset, ensuring that the floral design elevates the event in a way that feels intentional and seamlessly integrated.
“What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?“
Beyond beautiful blooms, it takes: Designing with Purpose – Every arrangement is curated for its aesthetic, functionality, and impact on the event flow. Expert Curation – Sourcing the freshest, most stunning blooms to create the perfect palette and texture. Seamless Collaboration – Working closely with planners, venues, and other vendors to ensure every detail aligns. Flexibility & Quick Thinking – No event goes 100% as planned, so adapting without sacrificing design integrity is key.
Real-Life Solution: One of the most complex installations I ever tackled was designing an orchid chandelier where the rigging point was on the 2nd floor, but guests were entering from the Mezzanine. The strands had to hang 27 feet down, so I had to engineer a way to suspend a grid from the 2nd floor opening that extended all the way to the Mezzanine.
On top of that, each strand had to be prepped in advance to avoid tangling—one wrong move, and we’d have a massive floral mess before the event even started! It took careful planning, precision rigging, and an eye for both aesthetics and logistics.
That’s the level of detail we go to—designing florals that not only look breathtaking but are also executed flawlessly.
“Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
Great question! The cost isn’t just about the flowers—it’s about everything that goes into creating a flawless execution:
Premium Blooms – Many wedding flowers are imported, seasonal, or require careful handling. Expert Design & Labor – Designing, processing, arranging, and installing florals takes skilled professionals and hours of work. Logistics & Setup – Transporting fragile blooms, setting up installations, and ensuring everything looks perfect under a tight timeline. Event-Day Execution – Unlike home flowers, wedding florals must be flawless for one day only, requiring meticulous planning.
A wedding is a one-shot production—and florals are a critical part of that visual storytelling.
Evoto
“What’s the Difference Between Low-Quality and High-Quality Floral Décor?“
It all starts with the artisan’s mission, execution, and service.
Low-quality florals feel like an afterthought—generic, uninspired, and poorly executed. They lack careful sourcing, handling, and attention to detail, often arriving wilted, misplaced, or unfinished.
High-quality florals aren’t just about expensive blooms—it’s about how even a simple carnation is cared for, how a bunch of sweet peas is watched for days, and how upon delivery, wilting flowers are replaced, glass is wiped, and centerpieces are placed perfectly.
Luxury floral design is about craftsmanship and precision—but also having enough skilled hands on site to ensure everything is installed on time, adjusted, and perfected. It’s about going beyond expectations, so the final product feels effortless, polished, and truly extraordinary.
“What else do you want to add?”
Great floral design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how it makes people feel. It’s about creating an atmosphere, a memory, an experience. When done right, florals don’t just decorate a space—they transform it.
Our design is intended to reflect my instantly recognizable belief that wedding florals should be more than just pretty arrangements—they should be part of the guest experience, an extension of the event design, and a defining element of the celebration.
For me, florals are never just about flowers. They’re about elevating the event, enhancing the guest experience, and making a moment unforgettable.
I have worked with Marie many, many times over the years, and we have really become friends. We know we can fully rely on each other – and so I have never before asked her how she even approaches and does her work (it always came out fantastic… so why ask?). But with so much experience she has to share, I now did ask her – also for you, my readers!
Photo credit: Regina Popova
“What is your specific strength as a florist?”
I am good at ‘thinking on my feet.’ There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick ‘flower thinking.’
“What is your style? Your approach to your work?”
My signature style is ‘garden with a touch of wild whimsy.’ My approach is to stay very organized on the back-end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.
Photo credit: Brooke Battle Photography
“What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?”
Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.
“What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?”
Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to give the “wow factor.”
Photo credit: Kreate Photography
“Why are wedding flowers so expensive?”
Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you find in a typical grocery store.
Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for their time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes a lot of large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help them set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to their employees.
Photo credit: Marie Krick
“What else do you want to add?”
If couples are wanting to get the most “bang for their buck,” I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.
Attention to detail and the importance of understanding my clients’ vision.
“What is your style? Your approach to your work?”
My style varies depending on the client and venue. But personally I prefer a romantic, unique “garden-y” look…but I also love working with contemporary designs.
“What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?”
Determination and attention to detail
“What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?”
Basically the types of flowers you choose, attention to detail, containers, specialized unique decorative items – and the desire to be the best!
“Why are wedding flowers so expensive?”
A lot of labor goes into creating an event, and the cost of the flowers themselves, the containers, mechanics etc.
“What else do you want to add?”
There’s nothing better than hearing from your client that you exceeded all their expectations and that their guests raved. That is what makes what we do worthwhile. And working with great vendors like you Jutta….thank you xx