Y'all, 2019 was my most successful year in business ever. After a wildly busy summer and a packed September, it was time to treat myself to a little rest and relaxation. I had already booked my flight to northern California for Candyce and Mike's wedding in Los Gatos, and since I booked through Southwest I took advantage of their super generous flight change policy to tack on a few extra days. I met up with my mom in San Francisco, and together we headed to Napa. We had warm weather, delicious wine, and uninterrupted girl time. Our favorite experiences were the tours at Jordan Winery in Healdsberg and Stags' Leap in Yountville. Pricey but worth it! We had delicious pasta at Torc, watched the sunset at the Archer Hotel's rooftop bar, had a picnic lunch from the Oakville Grocery, and spent hours driving around with the windows down. It was exactly what I needed to hit the reset button and show up for this October wedding in the redwoods at one hundred percent. I had been looking forward to this wedding all year - and it was finally time!
Candyce and Mike found me through a friend at Google, where, coincidentally, is where they met. After chatting over beers at Cerebral Brewing in Denver, they booked me immediately for their Bay Area wedding. Ten months (and one Half Moon Bay engagement session) later, the day had come for these two to tie the knot at Nestldown.
This venue? Let me tell you, it is the most picturesque place in the world. A family-owned and operated venue beneath towering redwood trees, Nestldown is a photographer's dream. Light filtering through the trees, small streams, a persimmon grove, a vintage taxi... it's paradise.
Candyce and Mike decided to see each other before the ceremony in a "first look" so that they would be able to join cocktail hour and mingle with their guests. As we were walking towards the lake for photos before the ceremony, a bird pooped all. over. me. It was in my hair, on my shoulders, on my camera, on my forearms... it was disgusting. Seeing as I had no change of clothes and the nearest bathroom was a 10 minute walk away, I had to rinse my hands in the closest stream and just power through it. The things we do to serve our couples! :)
The first look was exactly the right move for Candyce and Mike. Not only did they get to have more private time together than most couples dream of on their wedding day - they also finished their wedding party and family portraits before the ceremony! After their stunning ceremony, they took a few portraits with their extended family, then with each other. Finally, they loaded into a vintage taxi to be driven to their cocktail hour where they had the opportunity speak with all of their guests who had traveled from near and far to celebrate with them.
Scroll on down for photos of Candyce and Mike's beautiful wedding complete with a cameo from King the puggle and a light wand exit!
VENDORS
Venue | Nestldown
Florist | APIS Floral
Caterer | Poetry in Motion, Smith’s Beverage
Baker | Cake Expressions
DJ/Band | Los Gatos DJ
Rentals/Decor | Danny Thomas Rental Company
Bride’s Attire | Stella York & Badgley Mischka from Bo Lee Bridal
Bridal Hair | Liezelstyles
Bridal Make-Up | Adrianneartistry
Groom’s Attire | Hugo Boss
Rings | Tiffany & Co Videographer | Fylm Media
Lead Photographer | Dylan Crossley Photo
Second Photographer | Emily Ganey
