Weddingbee boards

I'm getting married at Nestldown in 2010. I'm trying to decide on March or late April wedding. If it's April--no honeymoon, if March, then spring break honeymoon of 9 days (FI is in PhD program). Other dates won't work because of higher costs in season.

If anyone out there is planning on getting married or has been married outdoors in March, can you let me know your weather experience? The wedding will probably start at 3 p.m. followed by early dinner outside with heatlamps and dancing and dessert in the barn at Nestldown.

Also, any Nestldown brides, let me know where you went for an afterparty in Los Gatos or San Jose. I'm looking for a very classy locale that also has dancing. Thanks much!!!

Hi Liz,

I don't come on the boards much anymore but saw your post. I was married at Nestldown on 8.1.08 and it was the most magical place on the planet. Everyone still gushes about how incredible it was. Love that place.

We did the wedding all outside, dinner in the meadow and then dancing and dessert in the barn. 

March is really unpredictable so as long as you have a plan B for Dinner you will be fine. I've also seen that they've tented the tennis court in the spring which looks really cool but is pretty $$$ and Nestldown itself is a pretty expensive venue.

 Who are you using for catering?

Hi! Thanks glittergrl! My FI and I just toured Nestldown on Sat. and seeing it in person---gasp! It is so gorgeous! We want to have it in the summer now, but would have to go with a weekday because it's so expensive! The one downside is everyone must leave and music off at 10 p.m.! That seems so early. But I suppose it'll work out because the younger guests can come along to an after party and older/tired guests can go home. I just learned from a friend who's worked as a caterer that Fri. and Sat. weddings are usually the most upbeat because people don't have to work...but I haven't ruled out Thursday at Nestldown yet because of the savings.

We haven't decided on the caterer yet. Who'd you use? I've emailed a few about the possibility of them learning a paella (FI's favorite dish) recipe, and so far just Continental Catering Company said yes, they "could try that." So, hopefully that works out. Also on Sat. we cake tasted at Margaret's French Bakery, which was delicious but $$$, so I think we're going to find another one.

 What did you use for a band/DJ? We're thinking of having my brother make the announcements/be MC because he's actually free to do that because he's not part of the wedding party, and one of his friends be the iPod DJ, although he'll have to sign a contract and even tour the place beforehand, per Nestldown's requirements.

 Did any of your wedding guests use the croquet set or bocce ball court? We're thinking of having the cocktail hour in that area. 

 Sigh, I'll bet your wedding was fabulous! I'm so glad to have found Nestldown.

 Another question: what was the state of your dress/veil at the end of the wedding? Did you have anyone hold the train as you walked down the dirt steps? (Amazing, dramatic entrance, but I'm just curious how it's executed in heels and long dress).

good questions!

this place is uber expensive but let me just tell you it's worth it. the location is so gorgeous its the only place on earth where you really don't need decor to make it look amazing.

that being said, i threw down for my wedding bigtime -- i work in the industry and put together a team of people i work with so in some ways i cheated -- i did a lot of trade and pulled favors.

catering - Rising Sun out of napa valley (i wanted a local farm/organic caterer)

cake - I Dream of Cake (though Icing on the Cake in downtown Los Gatos is phenominal)

Dress... dirty? yes! noticeable... No. I had a cathedral veil and short train (got my dress at Gabrielles also in Los Gatos!) I just decided that I wanted to do that big entrance and say to hell with the dress. There is nothing worse the shots of brides coming down a gorgeous aisle and seeing a wedding planner or friend in the background crouched over holding the train. Since my dress had lace and beadwork on the bottom, there were twigs and stuff that got in it, but my vibe was also 'organic' so i just went with it.

I feel you on the time restraint of 10pm. the time crunch is the biggest negative to the location. We partied it up until 10pm then got in shuttles and continued at the Toll House and others went to LG bars on the strip.

Also, we rented the house the night before and it is lovely but a major pain in the ass with regards to checking out the day of the wedding. if you are thinking of renting it, i strongly suggest doing the night of your wedding as well.

Brooke at Nestldown is an absolute dream. Love her. So warm and loves her job. We got married on a Friday and it was awesome. Had our rehearsal dinner at Tapestry which was amazing as well. I also recommend iGatti.

Let me know if you need any other tips! Happy to help and congratulations!