Engagement Session In The Santa Cruz Redwoods
Alexis + Wes wanted to do their Engagement Session amongst the redwoods at the same location as their 2024 Wedding, at the gorgeous Nestldown tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This was my first time ever being at or doing photos at Nestldown and I couldn't wait! I've seen so many of my talented friends do weddings and other sessions here so I knew a lot of places would look familiar and couldn't wait!
Since we had to work around the venue's schedule and Alexis + Wes wanted a weekend date (like most normal people - I just assume everyone else works a Mon-Fri job and has weekends off unless they say otherwise 😅), we had a start time of 9am. I figured the lighting would be soft, it wouldn't be too hot, and it would be quiet and serene that early in the morning. Well, I was partly right.
It was 90º when we arrived at 9am. My assistant and I took a little walk around and were already sweating. We kept our fingers crossed that the weather wouldn't be an issue for Alexis + Wes because sure, we were fine. We could melt in peace since we were behind the camera that day but for my beautiful couple who had to be in front of the lens, I was hoping they'd be ok!
And man on man are Alexis + Wes absolutely CHAMPS!
We explored the grounds on foot (they do have golf carts available for renting on your event day FYI) but we figured we had time so we could explore together. We captured some shots in the treehouse, at the little fairytale cottage, and even walked around the sand castles too. There's so much to this quirky little venue! The perfect mix of fairytale hidden amongst the grand redwoods. The magnificence and the magic.
We kept the super cuddly poses to a minimum since it was so spicy out and chose to go in favor or more fun and relaxed poses. We walked all around these beautiful grounds capturing their connection, scouting different locations for photos on their wedding day, and saying repeatedly that we will be keeping our fingers crossed that it "won't be this warm for the wedding" lol!
Scroll down to see some sneak peeks from Alexis + Wes's Santa Cruz Mountains Engagement Session and enjoy their beautiful connection!
Nestldown Engagement Session
