Watch our latest film from wine country, featuring a Canadian couple who made Napa their wedding destination choice.

As videographers who serve couples in California’s wine country, we’ve been privileged to learn a great deal about destination weddings in the region, as many of our clients are from across the country and around the world. Napa and Sonoma, nestled in the heart of California's wine country, provide an idyllic backdrop for couples seeking a destination wedding. As you embark on the journey of planning your special day in these picturesque regions, there are a few key considerations and must-visit locations that will elevate your celebration to a level of pure romance.

1. Choosing the Perfect Venue: Top Resorts in Napa and Sonoma

Selecting the right resort is paramount to ensuring a seamless and unforgettable destination wedding experience. Here are the top five resorts that blend luxury with the charm of wine country:

• Auberge du Soleil

  • www.aubergedusoleil.aubergeresorts.com

• Calistoga Ranch

  • www.calistogaranch.aubergeresorts.com

• Meadowood Napa Valley

  • meadowood.com

• Solage, an Auberge Resort

  • www.solage.aubergeresorts.com

• Stanly Ranch

  • https://aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch

Each of these resorts offers a unique blend of sophistication and wine country charm, providing the perfect canvas for your wedding festivities.

2. Sip, Savor, Celebrate: Top Wineries in Napa and Sonoma

No destination wedding in wine country is complete without a visit to the region's renowned wineries. Here are the top five wineries that offer not only exquisite wines but also breathtaking venues for your ceremony and reception:

• Domaine Carneros

  • : domainecarneros.com

• V. Sattui Winery

  • : vsattui.com

• Chateau St. Jean

  • : chateaustjean.com

• Beringer Vineyards

  • : beringer.com

• Viansa Sonoma

  • : viansa.com

These wineries not only offer a diverse range of wines but also stunning landscapes, perfect for creating lasting memories on your special day.

3. Timing is Everything: The Best Seasons for a Napa or Sonoma Wedding

Consider the seasons when planning your destination wedding. While summer offers warm weather and lush vineyards, the fall harvest season paints the landscape with vibrant hues, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your celebration. Be mindful of peak tourist seasons, and work closely with your chosen venue to secure the ideal date for your dream wedding.

4. Logistics and Accommodations: Making It Easy for Your Guests

Helping your guests navigate the destination is crucial. Provide them with a list of recommended accommodations and transportation options, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

5. Embrace Local Flavors: Incorporating Wine Country Cuisine into Your Celebration

Enhance your wedding experience by incorporating the rich culinary offerings of Napa and Sonoma. Collaborate with your chosen resort or caterer to create a menu that showcases the region's finest ingredients, elevating your celebration to a true feast for the senses.

A destination wedding in Napa or Sonoma promises not only a breathtaking backdrop but also an unparalleled experience for you and your guests. By carefully selecting your venue, embracing the local offerings, and considering the unique charm of each season, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime in these picturesque wine country destinations. At Nice Shot Films, we are proud to be a preferred vendor at numerous locations in Napa & Sonoma, including Stanly Ranch and the Estate at Yountville.

This is a frame grab from one of our wedding shoots at McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma, California. Design by LeBloomerie of Los Gatos, California (Melissa Sullivan).

As wedding videographers in the San Francisco Bay Area, we see a wide variety of centerpieces — especially for outdoor weddings in Sonoma, Napa, and Carmel. Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in the integration of fruit into centerpieces — and we love this trend.

When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding, embracing the beauty of nature is key. And what better way to infuse natural elements into your celebration than by incorporating fresh fruits into your centerpieces? Not only do fruit centerpieces add vibrant colors and enticing aromas to your tablescape, but they also create a unique and delicious focal point for your guests. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can creatively integrate fruit into your outdoor wedding centerpieces, ensuring a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

1. Bountiful Beauty: A Fruit Cornucopia Imagine a centerpiece that not only dazzles your guests visually but also tempts them with an assortment of succulent fruits. Create a stunning cornucopia-inspired arrangement by placing an array of seasonal fruits in a woven basket or a rustic wooden bowl. Play with different textures and colors, such as vibrant citrus fruits, luscious berries, and tropical delights like pineapple and mango. This centerpiece will undoubtedly be a showstopper, adding an abundance of natural beauty to your outdoor wedding.

2. Garden Harvest: Fruit-Filled Terrariums Bring a touch of whimsy to your outdoor wedding with fruit-filled terrariums. Choose elegant glass containers, like bell jars or geometric terrariums, and fill them with a combination of fresh fruits, lush greenery, and delicate flowers. Opt for smaller fruits such as grapes, strawberries, and cherries to create a visually appealing and appetizing display. These miniature edible gardens will add a charming and playful element to your tables, delighting your guests and providing a conversation starter.

3. Citrus Elegance: Floating Fruit Slices For a simple yet stunning centerpiece idea, consider incorporating floating fruit slices in glass vases or bowls. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges work wonderfully for this arrangement. Simply slice the fruits thinly and place them in clear water-filled containers. As the slices float, they create a mesmerizing effect that is both refreshing and visually captivating. Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like mint or rosemary to elevate the fragrance and add an extra layer of elegance.

4. Romantic Delight: Fruit and Floral Fusion Combine the beauty of flowers with the sweetness of fruits to create an enchanting centerpiece. Select delicate blooms like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas, and arrange them in elegant vases or compotes. Intertwine lush foliage and vines with clusters of grapes, berries, or pomegranates to create a lush, organic look. This blend of fruits and florals will infuse your outdoor wedding with romance and provide a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

5. Rustic Charm: Fruit-Adorned Wooden Crates Embrace the rustic charm of an outdoor wedding by using wooden crates as the base for your fruit-centric centerpieces. Fill the crates with an assortment of fruits, incorporating different colors and sizes for a visually appealing display. Consider incorporating seasonal elements like apples, pears, or figs for an earthy touch. Enhance the rustic aesthetic by adding elements like burlap ribbons, twine, or wildflowers. This centerpiece idea will infuse your outdoor wedding with warmth and natural charm.

By incorporating fruit into your outdoor wedding centerpieces, you can infuse your special day with color, fragrance, and a touch of edible charm.

Rachel & Steven at Stanly Ranch in Napa, California.

At Nice Shot Films, we value investing a lot time and energy into education on issues of cultural competence. Our goal is to be prepared for weddings from all cultures, understanding the basic terminology, history, and traditions of each family that we film. For instance, we have been very proud to serve a number of Jewish clients, and we believe it is essential to have at least a basic understanding of key terms and traditions before filming a Jewish wedding.

To help you master the art of filming a Jewish wedding, we have compiled some tips and tricks that will guide you through the process.

Now, let's take a closer look at some key terms and phrases that relate to Jewish weddings:

1. Chuppah - The wedding canopy that symbolizes the couple's new home together. It is typically decorated with flowers and can be made of various materials, such as fabric, wood, or metal. Be sure to ask the planner how the family and couple will be situated in the Chuppah during the ceremony. Some traditional couples keep their backs to the audience the entire time, making shooting angles tricky. This requires careful planning.

2. Ketubah - A marriage contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the bride and groom. It is signed by the couple and two witnesses and is often displayed during the wedding ceremony.

3. Hora - A lively Jewish dance where the bride and groom are lifted on chairs and guests dance in a circle around them. We recommend filming this moment hand-held, right in the middle of the dance with a wide-angle lens.

4. Yichud - The seclusion of the bride and groom immediately following the wedding ceremony. This is a time for the couple to privately celebrate their new marriage.

5. Breaking of the Glass - A tradition where the groom breaks a glass with his foot at the end of the wedding ceremony. It symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and is a reminder of the fragility of human relationships. Be sure to film with moment with a wide enough angle to capture the entire moment, including the actual glass breaking.

As a wedding videographer, it's important to understand the cultural and religious aspects of the event in order to capture it authentically. Here are a few tips to help you be a competent wedding videographer at a Jewish wedding:

Assess how Orthodox your couple is and how many of the traditions they plan to include.

Jewish weddings vary widely depending on the couple's level of Orthodoxy and their personal preferences. Some couples choose to have a very traditional wedding, while others may incorporate more modern elements. It's important to have a conversation with the couple beforehand to understand their expectations and the level of observance they follow.

For example, if the couple is very Orthodox, they may follow strict rules around what can and cannot be filmed during the ceremony. They may also have specific requests for how you capture certain moments or use specific equipment. It's important to be aware of these expectations so you can adjust your approach accordingly.

Determine whether parts of the day will be separated by gender.

In traditional Jewish weddings, parts of the day may be separated by gender. This means that the men and women may be in separate rooms or areas during certain parts of the ceremony or reception. For example, the Hora dance is often separated by gender, with the men and women dancing in separate circles.

As a videographer, it's important to be aware of these traditions and to respect them. You may need to adjust your filming approach to capture both the men's and women's sides of the celebration separately. It's also important to be sensitive to the fact that some guests may prefer not to be filmed during certain moments.

Ask whether it would be respectful to wear a yarmulke during the ceremony, even if you are not Jewish.

In Jewish culture, wearing a yarmulke (also known as a kippah) is a sign of respect and humility. Some families may appreciate it if non-Jewish guests, including videographers, wear a yarmulke during the ceremony.

It's important to ask the couple or their families beforehand if they would like you to wear a yarmulke. If they do, make sure to bring one with you or ask if they have one available for you to use. If they don't request it, it's still a good idea to be respectful of the tradition and to dress modestly and professionally.

Recognize that not all Jewish couples are particularly religious. Ask. Explore. Get to know your couples.

Not every Jewish couple is deeply religious. While Judaism holds a rich tapestry of customs and rituals, incorporating these elements into a wedding doesn't always stem from profound religious convictions. Many couples, regardless of their level of religious observance, embrace these cherished traditions as a way to honor their heritage, celebrate their cultural identity, and create meaningful connections with their families. From the breaking of the glass to the joyful hora dance, these rituals can be interpreted in a way that reflects the couple's personal values and resonates with their love story, capturing the essence of their unique journey.

As a professional videographer it is your job to tell stories. And the story of each couple is unique. It requires curiosity, openness, and the courage to ask thoughtful questions for a videographer in the Bay Area to become a truly competent storyteller within any cultural background.

ILEA NCC event on sustainability.

How can the wedding industry be more sustainable and eco-friendly?

Last month, we attended an educational event that was hosted by ILEA NCC, focusing on best practices for sustainability in the wedding industry. The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly options available to you.

Here are the top 10 ways to be eco-friendly while planning a wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area:

1. Ask your venue how they practice sustainability: If enough couples ask venues about sustainability, venues will start to compete in the marketplace for eco-friendly couples. Thankfully, there are many wedding venues in the Bay Area that are committed to sustainability, from LEED-certified buildings to outdoor spaces that utilize natural light and renewable energy. We recommend Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California, as a leader on this front. In addition to have organic gardens and a whole team that is dedicated to environmental protections for their grounds, they also have a culture that is eco-conscious. Learn more about Filoli here: www.filoli.org

2. Use recycled paper for invitations: Consider using recycled paper for your wedding invitations, or go digital with e-invitations to save on paper waste.

3. Rent your wedding attire: Instead of purchasing brand new wedding attire, consider renting or borrowing dresses, suits, or accessories for the big day.

4. Opt for eco-friendly florals: Choose flowers that are locally sourced and in season to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. You can also look for florists who use sustainable growing practices.

5. Serve organic and locally sourced food: Choose a caterer who uses organic and locally sourced ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. Serving an all-vegetarian meal will reduce your carbon footprint by 50% or more. You can also limit the size and types of meats offered to your guests.

6. Reduce food waste: Work with your caterer or wedding planner to reduce food waste by accurately estimating your guest count and donating any leftover food to local food banks.

7. Skip the single-use plastics: Avoid using single-use plastics, like plastic utensils or straws, at your wedding. Instead, opt for compostable or reusable options.

8. Use eco-friendly decorations: Choose decorations that are eco-friendly, like LED lights, repurposed wood or paper, and potted plants.

9. Select vendors who share your values and will amplify them on social media: As a wedding videographer in the SF Bay Area, we feel lucky to film many couples who are trying their best to be conscious about environmental concerns. We love to tell that story. We’ve also been lucky to encounter other vendors who promote these values in their brands, as well. For a great example of an eco-forward company, check out Brannan Events & Design: https://brannanevents.com/

10. Avoid Saran Wrap: Use beeswax wraps or reusable containers to store leftovers instead of using Saran Wrap, which can take up to 500 years to decompose. During our above-mentioned educational event in San Francisco, one of the speakers was from Recology Waste Management, and she emphasized how saran wrap can be detrimental to the recycling sorting machines that the city uses to recycle trash.

If you're looking for more resources on sustainability in the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to check out Recology, a local waste management company committed to sustainability and reducing waste in the community: https://www.recology.com/

Photo by Diana Coulter

Should you include your dog on your wedding day? As wedding videographers, we love nothing more than capturing those special moments between couples and their dogs. In this blog post, we'll share some tips and ideas for how couples can incorporate their dogs into their wedding videography (along with a few notes of caution).

1. Include Your Dog in Pre-Wedding Activities: Before the wedding ceremony, include your pup in pre-wedding activities, such as getting ready with the bridal party or groomsmen. Videographers can capture these moments, from your dog playing with the bridal party to getting their fur brushed, and it can make for a fun addition to your wedding video.

2. Walk Down the Aisle with Your Pup: Dogs can make the perfect ring bearers or flower dogs. They can walk down the aisle with you, carrying the rings or flowers, making for a heartwarming moment that videographers will capture beautifully.

3. Include Your Dog in Your First Look: Your first look is an emotional and intimate moment. Including your dog in this moment can add an extra layer of joy and emotion. You can have your dog walk up to you or surprise your spouse-to-be with your dog at your side.

4. Make Them Part of Your Reception: Dogs can make great additions to wedding receptions. You can include them in the reception décor, such as a table sign that reads "My Humans Got Married" or incorporate them in the seating chart. They can also be part of the wedding party introductions or even have their own special dance with the bride or groom.

5. Capture Candid Moments with Your Dog: Dogs have a way of being adorable and spontaneous. Ask your videographer to capture candid moments with your dog, such as playing with guests, chasing after toys, or giving you kisses. These moments will make for an unforgettable addition to your wedding video.

But bringing your dog to your wedding also includes a few things that you should consider first. For example:

1. Make sure your venue allows dogs: Before you start planning your dog's role in your wedding, make sure that your venue allows dogs. Some venues have strict rules about pets, while others may allow dogs in certain areas only. Be sure to check with your venue before you start making any plans.

2. Consider your dog's personality: While you may love your dog's personality, not all dogs are suited for the hustle and bustle of a wedding. Some dogs may become anxious or stressed in a crowded or noisy environment. It's important to consider your dog's personality and behavior before deciding to include them in your wedding.

3. Have a designated dog handler: While you may be busy on your wedding day, it's important to have a designated dog handler to take care of your dog. Your handler can ensure that your dog is fed, watered, and walked, as well as keep an eye on them to make sure they're not getting into any trouble.

Including your dog in your wedding can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to be careful and mindful of your furry friend, your guests, and your venue. By considering your dog's personality, having a designated dog handler, being careful with accessories, and being mindful of your guests, you can ensure that your dog is a welcome and well-behaved addition to your wedding day.

In recent years, TikTok has become a global sensation, with millions of users sharing videos on the app every day. It's no surprise that the trends on TikTok have made their way into weddings, with couples using the platform to showcase their big day in new and exciting ways. Here are some ways to incorporate TikTok trends into your wedding video:

The "Before and After" Transformation

One of the most popular TikTok trends is the "before and after" transformation videos. This trend involves showing a transformation from a less-than-glamorous state to a glamorous one, usually with a fun transition. In your wedding video, you can use this trend to show the transformation of the bride and groom from their everyday selves to their wedding day selves. This could include shots of hair and makeup being done, the putting on of the wedding dress and suit, and even a fun transition shot between the two looks.

The "First Look" Challenge

The "First Look" challenge is another popular trend on TikTok. This challenge involves the groom turning around to see the bride for the first time in her wedding dress, but instead of the traditional romantic reaction, the bride surprises the groom with a fun or silly reaction. You can incorporate this trend into your wedding video by filming your own version of the "First Look" challenge. Have the bride surprise the groom with a silly reaction, like pretending to be a monster, or have the groom surprise the bride with a choreographed dance.

The "Slow-Motion" Walk

The "Slow-Motion" walk trend involves walking in slow motion to a dramatic song. In your wedding video, you can incorporate this trend by filming the bride and groom walking down the aisle in slow motion. This will add a dramatic effect to the moment, and you can even play a dramatic song to add to the effect.

Choreographed Dances

One of the biggest TikTok trends is the choreographed dance. Many couples are now creating their own choreographed dances for their wedding reception, and you can include it in your wedding video. You can have the bridal party or even the entire wedding guests dance along to a popular TikTok song, making it a fun and memorable moment.

Creative Transitions

TikTok is known for its creative transitions between videos, and you can use this in your wedding video. Instead of traditional cuts, you can use TikTok-inspired transitions such as the wipe, zoom in, or fade to create a more engaging and dynamic video.

Hashtags

Hashtags are a crucial part of TikTok, and they can be used in your wedding video too. You can create a unique hashtag for your wedding and encourage guests to use it when posting videos and photos of your big day. This way, you can easily track and compile all the posts in one place.

Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life, and hiring a wedding videographer is an excellent way to preserve those special memories. However, finding the right wedding videographer can be challenging, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area where there are so many talented professionals to choose from. In this blog post, we will explore the dos and don'ts of hiring a wedding videographer to help you make the best decision for your big day.

Do: Research and Compare Before hiring a wedding videographer, research and compare different options. Look at their portfolios, read reviews from past clients, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Take your time to find a videographer whose style and personality align with your vision for your wedding day.

Don't: Hire Based on Price Alone While it's important to stick to your budget, hiring a wedding videographer based on price alone can be a mistake. Quality wedding videography is an investment, and you get what you pay for. Be wary of videographers who offer prices significantly lower than their competitors, as this may indicate a lack of experience or quality equipment.

Do: Communicate Your Vision Communication is key when it comes to hiring a wedding videographer. Be sure to communicate your vision for your wedding day, including any specific shots or moments that are important to you. A good wedding videographer will work with you to ensure that your vision is reflected in the final product.

Don't: Micromanage the Videographer While it's essential to communicate your vision, it's equally important to trust your videographer's creative process. Micromanaging your videographer can hinder their ability to create a beautiful and unique wedding video. Instead, trust in their skills and expertise, and let them do what they do best.

Do: Ask About Equipment and Backup Plans Ask potential wedding videographers about their equipment and backup plans in case of technical difficulties. Quality equipment and backup plans are crucial to ensuring that your wedding video is of the highest quality, even in unforeseen circumstances.

Don't: Delay Booking Your Videographer Wedding videographers in the San Francisco Bay Area are in high demand, so it's essential to book your videographer as soon as possible to ensure that they are available on your wedding day. Waiting too long to book can result in missed opportunities and settling for a less desirable videographer.

Wedding videography has come a long way in recent years, and the future looks bright for our industry. With advancements in technology, new creative techniques, and changing trends in the wedding industry, the future of wedding videography is looking more exciting than ever before. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top innovations and trends that are shaping the future of wedding videography.

1. 360-Degree Video One of the most exciting innovations in wedding videography is 360-degree video. This technology allows videographers to capture an entire scene, from every angle, creating a fully immersive experience for the viewer. This technology is especially popular for destination weddings, as it allows couples to share the beauty of their surroundings with friends and family who may not have been able to attend in person.

2. Drone Footage: Drones have revolutionized the way that wedding videographers capture footage. These small, remote-controlled aircraft allow videographers to capture sweeping aerial shots of the ceremony and reception, providing a unique perspective on the festivities. Drones are especially popular for outdoor weddings, where they can capture stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Live Streaming: Live streaming has become increasingly popular for weddings, especially during the pandemic when many couples were forced to scale back their guest list. With live streaming, couples can share their special day with friends and family who may not have been able to attend in person. Videographers can live stream the ceremony and reception, allowing guests to tune in from anywhere in the world.

4. Short-Form Videos: Short-form videos have become a popular trend in the wedding industry. These videos are typically one to two minutes long and provide a highlight reel of the wedding day. Short-form videos are perfect for sharing on social media and provide a quick and easy way for couples to share their special day with friends and family.

5. Cinematic Style: Cinematic-style wedding videography has become increasingly popular in recent years. This style of videography is inspired by Hollywood films, with sweeping shots, dramatic music, and stylized editing. Cinematic-style videos provide a high-end, cinematic feel to the wedding video, creating a truly unique and memorable experience.

What trends are you watching in wedding videography for 2023 and beyond?

If you're considering a destination wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area, you're in for a treat. The region is home to some of the most stunning wedding venues in the world, and the beauty of the Bay Area is unparalleled. But when it comes to capturing your special day on film, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best possible wedding video. In this guide, we'll share our top tips for destination wedding videography in the Bay Area, as well as some of the top venues for capturing those memories.

1. Choose the Right Venue - When it comes to destination wedding videography, the venue you choose can make all the difference. Look for locations with stunning views, unique architecture, and plenty of natural light. Some of the top venues in the Bay Area for wedding videography include:

• Stanly Ranch: This working vineyard in Napa Valley offers stunning views of rolling hills, vineyards, and a charming farmhouse. Website: https://aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch/

• Four Seasons Napa Valley: This luxurious resort features Tuscan-inspired architecture, breathtaking views, and world-class amenities. https://www.fourseasons.com/napavalley/

• Auberge du Soleil: Nestled in the hills above Napa Valley, this upscale resort offers stunning views of the valley below, as well as luxurious accommodations and top-notch dining. https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/

• Cavallo Point: Located in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, this historic resort offers panoramic views of the bay, as well as charming accommodations and world-class dining. https://www.cavallopoint.com/

  2. Hire a Professional Videographer - When it comes to destination wedding videography, it's important to hire a professional who has experience with the specific location and venue you've chosen. Look for a videographer who specializes in destination weddings, and be sure to review their portfolio to ensure their style and quality of work meets your expectations.

  3. Plan for the Light - The Bay Area is known for its gorgeous natural light, but it can be tricky to capture just right. Work with your videographer to plan your timeline around the best light of the day, such as the golden hour just before sunset.

  4. Incorporate the Surroundings - The Bay Area is full of unique and stunning natural features, from towering redwoods to dramatic coastal cliffs. Consider incorporating the surrounding landscape into your wedding video to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art.

  5. Don't Forget the Details - From the intricate beading on your dress to the delicate flowers in your bouquet, the details of your wedding day are what make it truly special. Be sure to work with your videographer to capture those details on film, so you can remember them for years to come.

Destination weddings in the Bay Area can be an unforgettable experience. With the right venue, a professional videographer, and a bit of planning, you can create a stunning wedding video that captures the beauty and magic of your special day. So, choose your venue carefully, hire a talented videographer, plan for the light, incorporate the surroundings, and don't forget the details, and your destination wedding video will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.