Erin & Tanner's Wedding. La Selva Beach

Ceremony and reception at Villa Viscaya, a private estate in La Selva Beach.

Erin and Tanner are from Minnesota. They were originally planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean but happened upon Villa Viscaya here in the Bay Area during their venue search and fell in love with the location. Being oceanfront and on U.S. soil was an added bonus! The incomparable Nicole Lisanne was handling all the arrangements so living in Minnesota wasn’t going to be an issue when it came to planning.

Fast forward to the wedding day who would have guessed it would rain all day? I was watching weather radar all week and driving over the “hill” had me growing more apprehensive. There was no chance this rain was going to let up in time for an outdoor ceremony. Contingency plans were on when we drove up to the estate. Amy Frugoli from Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events and crew were busy rearranging the main room for the ceremony. Tanner and Erin were in good spirits all smiling and laughing - nothing fazed them. Erin even came prepared with galoshes and a matching umbrella. Awesome!

There were many wonderful details at this wedding. Tanner had originally wanted a miniature pineapple on his boutonniere but unfortunately there were none to be had so Rachael Myers of Sweet Tooth Confections created one to adorn their cake. All the linens were picked out months ago and chosen to match the ocean and autumn inspired color scheme. They had beautifully printed programs and menus, delicious food, yummy desserts, and a surprise Porsche cake.

The rain stopped long enough for a change of pace and we took advantage by going outside for some picture taking. Villa Viscaya is a remarkable estate set on a hill high above the Pacific, a perfect setting for an intimate wedding with 22 of your closest friends and family. We photographed on the lawn, in the halls, in the driveway, next to the fountain, at the massive front doors. This place is really nice! We even made it out to the nearby beach which was completely deserted.

What a great day!

Event Coordination: Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events by Design
Floral Design: Precious and Blooming Floral Design
Catering: Thomas John Events
Cake: Sweet Tooth Confections
Decor: Classic Party Rentals

Amy & Rick's Wedding. San Martin

Ceremony and reception at Clos La Chance Winery in San Martin. 

Amy and Rick knew exactly what they wanted. The first clue came in their inquiry where they requested the final product to be delivered almost entirely in black and white. I reread the email to be certain, that certainly was different. During our phone conversation Amy confirmed the preference for black and white images and that they wished to have editorial-type coverage presented in a press-printed coffee table album. They also hired International Strings out of Los Angeles to provide the music because they liked the demo reel better than local options. See? They know what they want. Awesome! 

Currently residing near Chicago, Rick was originally from the Bay Area so they decided to get away and host an intimate wedding party near family. This was also going to be a destination event for guests traveling from Illinois; Clos La Chance on the CordeValle property seemed like the perfect setting - an elegant location with top notch accommodations and close to relatives. 

That morning Rick took the boys to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve as Amy prepared her hair and makeup at a salon. We caught up with the guys at a villa in CordeValle. Rick had chosen a dark chalk-stripe suit and suspenders to play off Amy’s vision of a vintage 1920’s and 30’s style. Amy was in Clos La Chance’s bridal suite getting ready to put on her dress, a full-length sheath with a beaded belt and floret accents. She also wore deep purple hued shoes, a long veil, and carried a bouquet of purple Calla lilies. 

Amy peeked out the door as guests found their seats. Rick stood around the corner waiting for her entrance to walk down the aisle together. During the ceremony they both stood within a large circle formed by flowers that their guests had laid. In the late afternoon they exchanged vows against hills of Hayes Valley and the vineyard surrounding the winery. Later, after a little hiking and picture taking among the vines, everyone sat down together at a single long table. Per Amy’s request Bloomsters dressed the property with many candles and lanterns. It was a wonderfully relaxed evening with close friends and family. 

Floral Design: Bloomsters 

Cake: Dolce Cakes 

Music: International String Trio