Since we had two photographer friends snapping shots at our wedding, (one film, one digital) rather than a professional, we decided that we would take our pictures and make them into books through Shutterfly.com. We made our wedding book through shutterfly's amazing do it yourself website, and we had people raving over it, and then gasping over the inexpensive price. We also used shutterfly for wedding thank you books to our parents, and continue to use them for their photobooks. They are extremely speedy in turn-around time, and the quality has always been super.

A close friend of mine hired Jean as her wedding coordinator and could not stop sharing with me what a HUGE blessing she was to her. Jean will really work side by side with the bride, and her resources are tremendous. She truly cares about the brides and grooms she works with, and with her wonderful experience, she is a great source of ideas and suggestions, working to make sure she fits in those things that are important to the couple, as well as what can fit within the wedding budget. At the wedding she was not running the show, but working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly--and it did, from start to finish, a simply beautiful wedding, and everything my friend wanted. Top ravings for Jean Marks!

If you're looking for a place to be treated like a queen, either for your make-up on your wedding day, or if you want to use them for an ultra wonderful treat for your bridesmaids as a bachelorette party (which they're just starting to promote) then I would totally recommend Preston Wynne Day Spa. They have a professional staff and wonderful products. They also have two locations--Los Gatos and Saratoga.

Daniel's bachelor party took place at D & B's, and from all accounts it was fun--you can sit and chat in the booths, or play the games--judging from what he told me, and being a bunch of guys anyway, they didn't spend a whole lot of time chatting. They do have great food there!

I met with Marivic in person to look over her collections of her amazing inviations which she has done. She was extremely professional, very open to ideas and willing to work with me in designing exactly what I was really looking for. I really appreciated her creativity and suggestions, and her keen eye for detail. If you are looking for a personal touch and invitations that will simply blow away your guests, I would totally opt for Marivic!

I went on a weekday, and the consultant really had a lot of time to give to me and was very gracious. They had an amazing selection and I tried on many beautiful dresses, but I needed time to think things over. The consultant did not seem happy that I wasn't going to make an immediate purchase. I finally decided to go back to buy the veil, so I stopped in on a weekend and brought my mom and sister--AWFUL, AWFUL! I was just there to make my purchase, but no one wanted to help me, neither was anyone friendly or helpful. I actually felt like I was a bother and unwanted, so because of the poor service, I left without buying the veil. I went to David's Bridal instead.

Nestldown was like a dream come true...a hidden fairy tale. The grounds are impeccably manicured with flowers in every season. The redwood aisle that you walk down is like something out of Fairyland--the beautiful lake and fountain were the cherry on top.
We were delighted with the accomodations--it IS possible to just have the ceremony there and really cut the costs. In fact, we were impressed with how much was included --using their lovely bridal house to get ready in, the sound system already set up amongst the redwoods, the used of the limo to drive down the bridal party, setting up and breaking down of chairs, driving our guests down to the ceremony if they chose...
Brooke was extremely helpful and kind, the bridal house was perfect for getting ready, and they drove our party down to the location by the lake with an old fashioned limo. So many people told us it was the loveliest wedding they had ever been to, and I would agree!