Destination Wedding at Spring Ranch in Mendocino California
Probably one of the most sentimental and nostalgic weddings I’ve ever photographed, hands down!! From the bride’s dress to the handwritten thank you letters as escort cards for the sit down reception dinner, the vows to throwing its-its out on the dance floor in lieu of cake, the tracking of the Oregon Ducks Hockey Game during the reception and every other little detail in between. This Mendocino, California wedding was one for the record books!
Kari + Nick met at the end of the night on a party bus heading back from a Zac Brown Band concert. She sat next to him (obviously she thought he was cute) and then ended up hanging out until 3am that night. They followed up with a date the next few weeks and then very quickly decided each was the right one. Then in the beginning of October 2022 surrounded by family and friends on the headlands of Mendocino, California Kari + Nick exchanged vows and then made their way to Spring Ranch for a fun filled evening of dinner and dancing.
“Spring Ranch feels like a world away from everything”- yes, I stole that from their website because it’s true. When we arrived for the first time (shocking right, this was my first wedding there!) we were left taken aback by the timelessness and comfort of the “Grand Victorian” mansion, reception spaces (in the event barn), and the bridal loft. Each space was filled to the brim with nostalgia and rustic elegance. The eucalyptus trees and meadows surrounding the ranch were pure magic on Kari + Nick’s fog drenched day.
The venue is a short mile drive (or walk for brave souls who prefer to walk down the highway) from the quaint town of Mendocino. Stealing just another little tidbit from their site: “Spring Ranch is the event venue that brings people together to celebrate the best of living.” This description was perfect for Kari + Nick’s wedding and when I tell you that their reception was FUN….
Well don’t take my word for it, scroll down to see for yourself!
Photographer: Chelsi McFadden | Wedding Coordinator: Mendocino Weddings | Ceremony Venue: Mendocino Bay Overlook | Reception Venue + Bridal Suite: Spring Ranch | Florals: Golden Coast Florals | Bartending: Mendocino Outland | Catering: Feast Mendocino | DJ + Photo Booth: NorCal Pro Sound | Rentals: Matt Rowland Events
Chelsi McFadden is an adventurous destination wedding and intimate elopement photographer based in Mendocino, California, but she is ready to travel pretty much anywhere transportation can take her. She lives for beautiful light, intimate moments, and emotionally compelling photographs. Her style is raw, friendly, and genuine. She believes in enjoying every sunrise, being true to oneself, and most importantly: capturing the true emotion of wedding days through genuine and raw connections.