Redwoods Elopement | Devan + Alex | Navarro, California
When Devan + Alex first locked eyes, they never could have imagined the beautiful adventure they were about to begin together. They certainly wouldn't have guessed that someday they'd be saying "I do” among California’s Redwood Giants! But on a radiant February day, accompanied only by their officiant and me, witnessed only by the towering redwood friends, they celebrated the beginning of their new life together as husband and wife. And this Mendocino wedding photographer is beyond thrilled she landed an invite to document it all!
Devan had sent me her dried flower bouquet in the mail because she didn’t think it would survive the flight, so when I arrived at their Airbnb the first thing she did was open up the box and pinned burlap around it with her grandmother’s broach. Then, I hopped in their car with them and we drove about 15 minutes up hwy 128, until we came to the most beautiful Redwood Grove!
After exchanging their “I do's”, we headed to Navarro Point for some photos with the majestic ocean as our backdrop.
Devan + Alex told me the thing they were most looking forward to seeing in their wedding gallery was photos of the two of them in the forest. And I believe without a doubt we captured exactly that! And as they exchanged vows, I couldn't help but share in their joy as I clicked away with my camera! Congratulations, Devan + Alex on your new life together!
Planning a wedding (big or small) of your own? I'm always excited to get to know amazing new couples like you! Get in touch today so we can start creating your dream wedding photography collection!
Photography: Chelsi McFadden | Hair + Makeup: Laura Paniagua | Officiant: Elope Mendocino
Cypress Grove Elopement | Mendocino, California | Rachel + Josh
Have you ever thought of running away to Mendocino, California to get married? Did you know that many of the local inns offer elopement packages? I had the pleasure of working with Brewery Gulch Inn for the first time over the summer. My favorite part of working with local inns for elopements is that they always suggest the most wildly beautiful locations for our couples to exchange wedding vows.
Have you ever thought of running away to Mendocino, California to get married? Did you know that many of the local inns offer elopement packages? I had the pleasure of working with Brewery Gulch Inn for the first time over the summer. My favorite part of working with local inns for elopements is that they always suggest the most wildly beautiful locations for our couples to exchange wedding vows. Cypress Grove is located on the northern bluffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park and boasts beautiful cypress trees as well as a breathtaking ocean view. I love photographing couples there because the trees offer some shelter from the wind but also because of the beautiful natural backdrop that the headlands provide. No wonder it’s a local favorite right?
Going only by the suggestion given to them by their coordinator, Rachel + Josh chose to tie the knot beneath the scaping cypress trees and then adventure with along the rest of the headlands for some fun photos. I could tell you all about it, but I think the photographs tell the story better than I ever could.
Nye Ranch Intimate Wedding| Fort Bragg California | Claire + Matt
Claire + Matt’s Intimate Wedding at Nye Ranch in Fort Bragg, California was one that seemed to come straight out of a storybook. High school sweethearts who both went off to college, made long distance work until one of them finally made their way back to the other. The last few years have been a journey for them both and all they wanted to be reunited in California with both their families to celebrate their wedding day.
On the day of their wedding, Claire was upstairs in the farmhouse getting ready, while matt was downstairs in the living room trying to figure out how to properly tie his necktie. Meanwhile, their two puppies were following them around and being adorable. When it was time for Claire to put on her dress, all of the women who were closests to her and Matt circled around her in her dressing room. It was one of the most endearing moments I have witnessed on a wedding day. One of my favorite things about the farmhouse was that every room was a little small and little dark and moody. One of the things I loved most about Claire and Matt is that they understood my inner weirdo and wanted to create art with me. Claire and I played with some shadows while she was getting ready and the photos are some of my favorites of all time.
When it was time for the ceremony, their dogs followed them down the aisle too. After they exchanged vows, we headed out to the bluff overlooking ten mile beach for some photos of the bride and groom. When we returned to the ranch, their family was there cheering them on. Their celebrating went on through the evening, family members told stories about them and shared their best marriage advice.
Thank you both for allowing me the privilege of spending time with your family and capturing your love story! Words really can’t do this day justice, so please, grab your favorite warm beverage and sit down and let’s play a game how many photos can you spot with Claire and Matt’s puppies in them?
Considering an Elopement or Intimate Wedding? 3 Reasons Why You Should.
In the last few years, it seems that more couples are choosing a more intimate and wild option for their wedding day. They’re eloping. You may have noticed the trend amongst your friends and colleagues and wonder, “what makes eloping so dang popular? I’ve been growing this photo business for a while now which has afforded me the opportunity to photograph both larger weddings and more intimate affairs such as elopements. As I have experienced both, I have discovered that I am curiously drawn to untraditional intimate weddings rather than more classically large and elaborate weddings.
So today, I want to share about my obsession, why my husband and I opted to elope, and give you some perspective on why a more intimate wedding, may just be the thing for you.
All That Matters On Your Wedding Day Is Your Love Story
I’m going to spill some truth here. The moment he/she puts a ring on it, your mind goes straight to that secret pinterest board (oh don’t pretend like you didn’t make one long before you ever met each other, I see you) with ALL the beautiful wedding ideas that you have been dreaming about since you were 17. I know from experience how overwhelming it can be to make all the decisions for your wedding day (I ultimately decided to forgo the decision making, and let my MIL take over). Instead of focusing on the fact that you have found the love of your life and you are about to spend the rest of your lives together, you find yourself trying to be a wedding coordinator, master chef, and florist. Before that shiny new best friend was on your finger, you probably never even thought about coordinating a wedding or putting together a flower arrangement. It’s easy for your wedding planning to turn from being all about you and your husband/wife to be into making a perfect day that entertains everyone else. Elopements take the spotlight off the perfectly planned event and points it right on you and your love story. Eloping transforms the day from a bunch of moving parts and things that won’t matter after it’s over anyway, to what really matters anyway, the commitment that you are making to your person, the love that you share, and the beginning of your happily ever after. If after reading that sentence, you paused and were able to sigh in relief, an elopement or intimate wedding might just be for you!
2. You Can Get Married Wherever The Heck You Want
Back up Chelsi, what did you just say? I can get married wherever I want? Yup. You can get married on a beach in Hawaii, a glacier in alaska, on a boat in the middle of a lake in Italy. I know I’m not the only one who has daydreamed about such things. Eloping makes it easier to make that dream a reality. When you choose an elopement, you don’t have to worry about which location or venue is in the closest proximity to your family and friends. Instead you can choose a place that means something to the two fo you, perhaps a place that you vacationed or camped together for the first time, or somewhere you both have always wanted to go. If you are anything like me and have the wanderlust bug, a wild destination elopement might be right up your alley. Bonus, if you elope in a destination location, you can just stay there for a while for your honeymoon!
3. You Can Invest Your Money In What Matters Most
Let’s face it, throwing a traditional wedding is expensive. We’re not all millionaires, so throwing a wedding, no matter how big or small, budgeting is uber important. When planning a traditional wedding things can start adding quick. Invites, Photography, Venues, Flowers, Food, DJ, etc etc. The list goes on and on, but you get my point. It’s expensive, that’s all. It’s hard to plan the wedding of your dreams when you are on a budget and the money has to be spread through many vendors. An elopement is shorter, requires less vendors, and ultimate SAVES you money. There’s no need for food, a dj or an expensive venue. You can spend the money on the things that matter most to you. Perhaps it’s a gorgeous dream wedding dress, beautiful photos of you and your love on your wedding day, or even a video of you exchanging vows that you will show your family and friends for generations to come. The point is, when you don’t have to spend money on things that won’t matter years from now, the money can be prioritized to the things that matter most to you.
BONUS TIP:
You Can Still Celebrate With Your Family + Friends
If you have stuck with me this far, you are probably thinking “ all of this sounds amazing, but what about my family and friends?!? “. Look I get it, family and friends are a priority too. There are some options to include your family and friends on your wedding day.
Option 1: Choose a location that is still special to you close and affordable enough for your intimate family & friends to get to if they choose to come. Design it to be an intimate wedding without the expenses of a traditional wedding AND have your family there.
Option 2: Elope wherever you want, bring your family or don’t, then when you return home, throw a party for all your friends and family to come and celebrate too. You can plan a much more casual post-elopement party that is less expensive than a wedding reception. You won’t need fancy food or table arrangements. No need for favors or a live band. When you get home from your adventurous elopement, throwing a casual backyard party will allow you to make your family and friends feel included and welcome in your celebration. It is possible to exchange your vows in your dream location and still party like a rockstar with your friends. Plus, you’ll get to wear your wedding dress again. I’d say that’s a check in the yes column!
Whichever option you choose, everyone wins!
After reading this, if you are saying “heck ya” to any of these points, an elopement may be right for you. If you felt discouraged in anyway by these points, then an elopement probably isn’t your style and that’s okay too. Every single couple deserves to have an elopement or wedding that is perfectly designed to represent their love for eachother.
Ok what would you choose? Destination Elopement, Wedding, or something entirely different? Tell me what you would choose, and WHY, in the comments below!
Best Wedding Venues In Mendocino, California| Mendocino Wedding Photographer
Hey friends! I am often asked for my favorite wedding venues on the Mendocino Coast. Honestly, that’s a loaded question because I love them all, but like anyone, I definitely have my favorites. I decided to give you a little glimpse into a few of my favorites. So here they are in no particular order:
The Inn at Newport Ranch
Driving up to this property, you will instantly feel like you have stepped onto a movie set. You may be greeted by a cow in the driveway, but most definitely by your hosts who will likely offer you a water or glass of wine. With breathtaking ocean views, gorgeous architecture, stunning interior design, and love in every corner, this is the perfect location for an intimate wedding. As if that wasn’t enough, let’s not forget the redwood lined ridge-top and coastal views. We can explore the redwoods together for your bridal session and then you can be married overlooking the breathtaking pacific ocean. This is also a perfect place for a Mendocino Honeymoon or even a quick lovers getaway. We’ve had our own staycation there and can not say better things about it!
photo courtesy of theinnatnewportranch.com
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Although it has been an incredibly long time since I have photographed a wedding there, I spend a lot of time with my family and friends at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I had the honor of photographing a proposal there over the summer (oops a little behind on blogging, coming soon!) and wowza, look at those colors! This place is a treasure trove of color, texture, and most importantly will save you a boat load in decorating costs. Home to the Dahlia Garden and best known for their Rhododendrons, the garden is beautifully fragrant and will entertain all the senses. Oh and did I mention the ocean views? Yes, this is your all inclusive choice on the coast. Mendocino Coast Botanical has it all!
Switzer Farm
Located 20 miles north of Fort Bragg, California, this venue boasts breathtaking ocean views, a beautifully manicured garden, and a centuries old victorian farmhouse. The farmhouse home can accommodates 20 plus guests, and for those not staying with you, there are several Bead and Breakfast’s to choose from just up the road in Westport. This is the perfect place for the couple who wants to bring their family along for their big day!
Ellie’s Farmhouse
A country home is nestled among 40 acres with meadows & majestic redwoods, Ellie’s Farmhouse is a perfect place for your intimate wedding or gathering. The most unique and possibly my favorite feature of this property is the old fashioned Fire Engine from Mendocino Fire District that sits on the lawn. It’s a perfect prop for photos. The house can accommodate up to 7 overnight guests, and there is a bonus Glamping Tent that could serve as your place to snuggle up after your wedding day! There is a beautiful kitchen that is perfect for your caterer or family to prepare a meal. Every nook and cranny is full of perfect details for your wedding day!
A Few additional Venues on the coast for your consideration:
(click the words below to be taken to the venue website!)
Macculum House (I am excited to be working with Elope Mendocino on a wedding here this summer)
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Philo Apple Farm (discounts apply for anyone booking a wedding with me here)
Yokayo Ranch (I am excited to be working with his venue this summer, keep a lookout for a blog post sometime in June)
Some of my favorite Wedding Planners:
Elope Mendocino (Elopements are my jam, and I love working with Vanna, let’s make magic together!)
No matter where you decided to exchange nuptials on The Mendocino Coast, you are sure to have beautiful views and unforgettable memories!
Brides, what do you look for when you are considering from a venue? Tell us in the comments below! and for all my Wedding Professional Friends out there, What are your favorite venues here on the coast? Drop a comment and give us your best tips!
Chelsi is a destination wedding and portrait photographer based in Fort Bragg, California. She loves to travel and will go anywhere to capture your life's sweet moments. She lives for seeing the world, capturing authentic love, and making people feel fabulous. Her style is authentic, real, and emotional. She believes in laughing too much, singing too loud, and most importantly living life to the fullest and prefers capturing every single authentic beautiful moment that evoke emotion over perfectly posed photos.
Albion River Inn Wedding in Albion, California || Ana + Cory
Anytime an event is planned outdoors in April on the Mendocino Coast there is a risk of rain showers. The day before Ana + Cory were to be married at Albion River Inn, it was pouring. I was starting to get a little nervous, so I ordered rain gear for myself and my camera. I contacted Cory and let them know that they may need an alternate plan for their ceremony. The forecast called for more of the same on their wedding day. They came prepared with clear umbrellas and water resistant boots.
On the day of their wedding, 10 minutes before we were supposed to start their bridals and family photos, it started raining sideways and then like magic when we stepped out of the car at Spring Ranch, an old cattle ranch in Little River, California, the downpour turned to a sprinkle. They hid beneath their umbrellas for a little while and then decided to live dangerously and dance in the rain.
As we approached the inn, the rain stopped entirely and they were able to have their ceremony on the lawn overlooking the ocean as planned. My words can not do this wedding justice, so you’re going to have to see it for yourself. So without further ado, Ana & Cory’s Albion River Inn Wedding:
Chelsi is a wedding photographer based in Mendocino, California but travels nationwide. She lives for chasing beauty in the world, capturing authentic love, and encouraging people to be their true selves. Her style is authentic, real, and emotional. She believes in dancing as if no one is watching, laughing even at the dumbest jokes, and capturing real life, give me all the feels, emotional photographs of your most precious moments.
Sherre + Rich | Intimate Wedding Elk California| Northern California Destination Photographer
It is said that “age is nothing but a number” when it comes to love. For Sherre & Rich that couldn’t be truer. They were high school sweethearts before heading off to college. They drifted apart. After 27 years, they found each other once again on facebook. SEVEN Years of dating and they finally decided to take the plunge and tie the night. They chose to get married surrounded by their best friends and closest family members in a house they rented for their first trip away together in Elk, California.
After the ceremony, they enjoyed some appetizers & sparkling wine with their family and friends. Then, Sherre & Rich snuck away with me to the beach beneath The Elk Cove Inn for photos of the two of them. I won’t try to explain, you’ve gotta see for yourself.
After the celebration at the house, Sherre & Rich invited me to be part of their dinner party that was held at Elk Cove Inn. The food was amazing and the company was even more superb. Even though I was off the clock, I couldnt help but capture a few more photos.
T & C Elope at Agate Cove Inn in Mendocino, California
Being one of Elope Mendocino's Photographers is one of the most rewarding experiences and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to work with Vanna. I recently worked on an Elopement with her at Agate Cove Inn in Mendocino. The couple was awesome. The groom serenaded his bride with "Thank You" by Led Zeplin.
I haven't seen anything quite like this at any wedding or elopement that I have been a part of. It was so romantic and really gave us all a glimpse into their relationship. So "Thank YOU", Vanna for including me as one of your photographers and asking me to be part of this amazing ceremony.
