MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa | Elaine & Patrick

Elaine and Patrick’s wedding, which we’ve been eagerly awaiting, finally came to life in the most beautiful way. I can’t thank them enough for their trust and confidence in us—booking our wedding photography nearly two years in advance. Throughout the whole wedding planning journey, I felt an instant connection with Elaine. We shared the same vision and taste, and every conversation flowed so smoothly.

At last, the big day arrived, and it was nothing short of magical. The aisle, elegantly lined with delicate baby's breath, led the way to Elaine, our stunning bride, as she made her entrance on her father’s arm in a breathtaking satin gown. It was an incredibly moving moment that I’ll never forget.

Patrick is one of the most thoughtful grooms I’ve ever met. You could see from the way he looked at Elaine that she is his entire world. No matter what was happening, he always had this loving, gentle smile whenever his eyes met hers. His attention to detail and care for her throughout the day was so heartwarming. After their first dance, he even asked me if he had done a good job. To me, it was perfect—but you could tell how much he wanted everything to be just right. Though Patrick is on the quieter side, you could feel his deep commitment to making the day flawless, listening intently to every suggestion we gave.

The ceremony itself was full of heartfelt moments. Elaine could barely get through her vows without tears, but her smile never faded. Patrick’s teary-eyed grin touched everyone in attendance, and before long, many of the guests were wiping away their own tears. Watching the two of them, it was clear they are the embodiment of true love.

I also want to extend my gratitude to all the vendors who made this wedding so spectacular. The white and green theme reflected the purest kind of love, and the entire setup was beyond beautiful.

Wishing Elaine and Patrick a lifetime of happiness together! 🎉

Venue: MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (Sonoma)

White & Green Flat-lay Details

White & Green Flat-lay Details

Saratoga Springs Wedding | Alex & Sisi

A little preview from Sisi and Alex’s beautiful wedding day! 💍 I’m so grateful for their trust, as they booked their October wedding with me as early as last May. Their lilac-themed, woodland-inspired celebration was a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and elegance.

Sisi’s style was impeccable, wearing a sleek and graceful mermaid satin gown with a polished updo and pearl accessories, radiating sophistication.

It was such a pleasure to capture all the love and laughter of your special day.

Nestldown LLC ｜Alex & Sam

It was a pleasure to take photos for our beloved couple, Alex and Sam, at Nestldown LLC, the most beautiful woodsy venue in the Bay Area, last week. (Hereafter referred to as ND.) I’d like to share my experience of this wedding venue, hoping to provide some helpful insights for those planning to hold their weddings here.

ND is a private property located in Los Gatos. The 36-acre garden is situated in the heart of the California redwoods, with the specific address at 22420 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos. The venue features koi ponds, waterfalls, a piano, a Fantasy Garden, lawns, orchards, chess, Apple Hill, a barn, a miniature train, and more, offering a wealth of backgrounds and materials for photography. It’s challenging to capture everything in just one day. The scenery changes with each season, ensuring that it’s beautiful no matter when you visit.

This venue is very popular, hosting nearly 150 weddings annually, and it tends to be fully booked well in advance, especially on weekends. From Monday to Thursday, the cost ranges from $15k to $22k, Fridays cost $20k to $30k, and weekends are priced between $22k and $38k. During March, April to early May, November, and December, the maximum guest capacity is 125 people. From mid-May to October 31, the maximum capacity is 150 guests.

They assign a Special Events Manager (SEM) to help you plan and organize your wedding 7-9 months in advance. About 10 days before the wedding, the timeline is sent to each vendor, along with reminders of key details. On the wedding day, the SEM provides walkie-talkies to various vendors, including photographers, to ensure smooth communication. Important note: drones are strictly prohibited at this venue.

The parking area is quite large, so you don’t need to worry about parking issues. Upon arrival, you’ll first see the barn (where getting ready and the dinner/dancing takes place). Opposite the barn is a koi pond, a small waterfall, and the Main Lawn (where outdoor dining occurs). To the left, you’ll find the iconic small house and butterfly chair, which is called the “Fantasy Garden.” The First Look typically happens on the upper redwood trail, and the ceremony takes place in the Chapel (a woodland setting with a long staircase). Nearby is another pond (with a fountain) and two small wooden bridges. Though the venue is expansive, there’s no need to worry about walking too much. The couple will have a dedicated vehicle for transportation. The SEM will drive a golf cart or a black vintage taxi to shuttle the couple between various spots. At the end of the day, the sparkler exit takes place in front of the barn, with the couple exiting to the taxi and being sent off amid cheers.

Thank you again to our couple for trusting us and having us capture their big day. We wish them a lifetime of happiness.