If you know me, you know I love weddings and I love ranches. It’s no surprise one of my favorite Sonoma wedding venues is Beltane Ranch. The place is perfect: rose garden, horses, baby goats, long-horned cows, cats, dogs, chickens, olive grove, vineyards, oak trees, long & dusty dirt roads, tractors, old barn, beautiful yellow old house (full of charm), intimate guest rooms, open garden with perfect sunsets, great staff….the list goes on and on….

Back in 2013, when I shared a San Francisco studio with Spiral Hand Designs (now sadly closed), Nicki walked in and hired them and me on the spot. She said she was getting married at this cute little B&B in Sonoma. I never heard of it before. And I never heard of her soon-to-be-husband: David Pogue.

Nicki and David are incredible people. Their wedding was a very sweet and humble event focused on celebrating with their children, family and closest friends. It was a beautiful small wedding that was extremely family-focused rather than being bride and groom centric. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, with lawn games, lounge seating and a photo booth.

Fun stuff that happened throughout the day:

• During the ceremony, Nicki misplaced her vows and all the guests joined in the hunt to find them.
• David began speaking his vows and then stopped, saying he couldn’t do it. Next thing you know, he breaks into a dedication song he wrote specifically for his new bride. He planted musicians all around the ceremony to join in. (One was even dressed as a Beltane Ranch employee!) David has a flare for dramatics- you should check out his surprise proposal to Nicki which he produced as a film!
• Nicki and David’s children passed out butterflies to all the guests for a group butterfly release during the ceremony.
• It was a windy day at the ranch which worried the bride and groom that the unity candle lighting ceremony would not bode well. Right before the ceremony began, the wind completely stopped! The lighting of the candles uniting the two families went off without a hitch. Meant to be? I think so!

Nicki and David made all the right decisions when planning this wedding. The team of vendors they chose were absolutely perfect for their style and vision. Every detailed element was well-executed. Nothing was over done; every single detail in the wedding represented the couple and their family. From food and flowers to serving the best beer in the world, Nicki and David did everything right! (Not kidding about the best beer in the world. Check out this article). Congratulations to Nicki and David and your beautiful family. Wishing you all the happiness in the world! Thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding day.

Beltane always delivers and they never disappoint.

Venue: Beltane Ranch|11775 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Second Shooter: Kevin Meynell Floral Design: Spiral Hand Design Cake: SusieCakes Catering: The Girl and the Fig Band: Trio Paz Hair/Makeup: Winc Artistry Photography: Arrowood Photography