Marlise and Erik’s intimate wedding at Sparrow Valley Retreat in Aptos, California was peaceful, romantic, and surrounded by the kind of redwood beauty that makes Santa Cruz mountain weddings feel so timeless on film. Tucked into the trees, this celebration had such a warm and grounded atmosphere from beginning to end, with quiet moments, soft natural light, and a setting that felt private, relaxed, and deeply personal. Their wedding film captures everything that makes an intimate wedding in Aptos feel so special, blending forest scenery, emotional moments, and thoughtful design into a day that felt both elegant and completely true to them.

Hosted at Sparrow Valley Retreat, the day came together beautifully with planning by Golden Coast Planning and film by Josh Harney Films. Beauty by Kelly Jo Beauty brought a soft, polished look that fit the setting perfectly, while rentals from Chic Event Rentals and lighting by Magical Lighting helped shape an atmosphere that felt warm, intimate, and inviting. Catering by Chef Tim Wood and music from Santa Cruz DJ Company added to a celebration that felt effortless and thoughtfully curated, with beautiful creative touches from Eothen and The Coastal Crafts woven throughout the day.

If you’re planning an intimate wedding at Sparrow Valley Retreat, in Aptos, or anywhere in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this film is a beautiful example of how a forest venue, thoughtful planning, and a strong creative team can come together to create a wedding film that feels cinematic, emotional, and deeply personal.

Creative Team

Planning: @goldencoastplanning

Video: @joshharneyfilms

Floral: @eothen_

Beauty: @kellyjobeauty

Cocktails: @thecoastal.crafts

Catering: @cheftimwood831

Entertainment: @santacruzdjcompany

Venue: @sparrowvalleyretreat

Rentals: @chiceventrentals

Lighting: @magicallighting