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.
Mendocino Coast California Backyard Boho Wedding | Abigail + Chantz
After 5 1/2 years of a long distance relationship, a 2 years long engagement and a pandemic in between, Abigail + Chantz just couldn't wait to get married.
Their June 2021 wedding day started with Abigail getting ready in a suite at The Inn at Newport Ranch. { Located a roughly 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco on the Mendocino Coast of California, The Inn at Newport Ranch is part of a 2,000-acre coastal cattle ranch surrounded by miles of ridge top coastal views and 20 miles of trails winding through giant redwoods. Guest rooms are decorated in various coastal-craftsman styled themes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a cow or two out your window because this is a working ranch! } Chantz left Abigail a beautifully written love note in her suite. Of course she read it and her sisters gushed. Her mom and grandmas came over to help her get dressed. Then it was time to head to Chantz’s family home where Abigail would have a first-look with her dad and then Chatz would get to see his beautiful bride for the first time too!
Then, Surrounded by just 16 of their closest family and friends in Chantz’s family home, nestled between Fort Bragg and Westport California on the rugged and wild Mendocino Coast, Abigail + Chantz exchange vows underneath a handmaid teepee, hosted an authentic Italian dinner catered by Luna Trattoria, kissed beneath the most gorgeous sunset I think I have ever seen here on the coast, and hung around the bonfire with their friends and family.
My boho-loving heart nearly exploded when I saw Abigail’s lace dress and the teepee beneath which they would say “I do”.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I often say that best weddings are the ones where the couple makes their day completely about their love story. If eloping without guests is your thing, do it. Wanna be surrounded by the people you love most dearly and still have a small wedding celebration? Do that. Love the idea of having a "big fat greek wedding" style affair, go for it. Just make sure you do what makes the two of you happy!
If Abigail + Chantz’s wedding day isn’t enough proof, I don’t know what is. My words could never do their beautiful day justice, so please scroll down and see for yourself!
Photographer: Chelsi McFadden | Bridal Suite: The Inn at Newport Ranch | Ceremony + Reception: Private Residence | Florals: Mendocino Floral Design
Intimate Wedding | Mara + Devin | Forest Fairytale Wedding | Mendocino
Nothing beats the view of the bay from Cypress Grove in Mendocino. Except of course Mara + Devin exchanging vows overlooking that bay. These two lovers had to postpone their wedding due to the pandemic, holding out for a year and a half because they wanted to be surrounded by their family on their wedding day.
This whole day was pure MAGIC. I am still swooning over the beautiful florals, Mara’s and the way that Devin was so emotional when he saw her during their first look.
These two said “I do” at Cypress Grove and then met their family back at Crown Hall in Mendocino for a big ‘ol dance party. The hall was decorated with 162 bud vases full of gorgeous flowers. Each guest received their own vintage goblet to take home as a party favor. It was a magical Mid Summer’s Eve wedding!
Scroll down to see what I’m gushing about and if you get A Midsummer’s Night Dream vibes!
Ceremony Venue: Cypress Grove, Mendocino Headlands State Park
Reception Venue: Crown Hall
Florist: Winnie Pitrone
Coordinator: Autumn Faber - Wedding Witch
Rentals: Matt Rowland
Photographer: Chelsi McFadden Photography
Jess + Brian | MacCallum House Wedding | Mendocino, California
On the first phone call with Jess I knew that we were meant to be. She was STOKED about her dress because it had pockets. She was thrilled to be planning an intimate wedding on the Mendocino Coast with help from Vanna. My favorite part of our first conversation was that photography was their main priority for their day. Jess wanted to make sure that we would have time for photos of her and Brian that reflected their love story completely. I knew instantly that we were a perfect match!
Jess + Brian found me through Elope Mendocino . On the first phone call with Jess I knew that we were meant to be. She was STOKED about her dress because it had pockets. She was thrilled to be planning an intimate wedding on the Mendocino Coast with help from Vanna. My favorite part of our first conversation was that photography was their main priority for their day. Jess wanted to make sure that we would have time for photos of her and Brian that reflected their love story completely. I knew instantly that we were a perfect match!
Brian found out that one of Jess’ dream proposal was that a penguin would bring her an engagement ring. Of course, Brian called Monterey Bay Aquarium who immediately told him this wasn’t possible because it wouldn’t be safe for the penguins. So of course, he planned the next best thing, a proposal at the Penguin Exhibit. He took Jess to see the feeding show. When it was over and Jess was about to move on to the next exhibit, she turned around and Brian was on one knee holding her engagement ring.
After this amazing proposal, they contacted Vanna of Elope Mendocino and began to plan their dream wedding in Mendocino with a ceremony on the bluff above Big River Beach with a reception to follow at Maccallum House. Jess was so excited to be marrying Brian and so thankful for each vendor that helped make her day possible. She infused little details into her day, like having each of her girlfriends who couldn’t be at the wedding give her a brooch to put in her bouquet so that she could feel like they were there with her on her big day. Rosa of LR Farm helped with florals and Jess’ vision came to life. Jess’ mom also gave her a handkerchief that had been passed down through generations of brides in her family. I absolutely love it when families share traditions such as these on wedding days. It makes it so special.
When I asked Jess about her favorite part of her wedding day this is what she said:
My favorite part of my wedding day was how much love and happiness was all around us, we had so much fun, everything went pretty perfectly and it was lovely to be able to share this special moment with all our favorite people. Getting to take photos with Chelsi and Brian alone after the ceremony was pretty special too, all of my first and most happy moments were caught in the beautiful pictures she took. And now every time I look at them I'm reliving that feeling and those moments and it makes me so happy.
When I read this, my heart exploded. It is such a privilege to be welcomed into a wedding day and when I can make my couples feel this special, it makes me so happy. This is how I want every single one of my couples to feel after their wedding day is over. If you are here considering me for your wedding day, please make sure to take a look at my entire portfolio and about me section. If there is something that you are drawn to, get in my inbox and let’s make some magic together in 2020!
There are is nothing I could say that would accurately depict the love and joy that surrounded Jess + Brian on their wedding day. So, grab your favorite snack and spend some time looking at their photographs, I promise it will give you all the warm and fuzzies! Ok, let’s go!
Vedors- Photography: Chelsi McFadden // Event Planning + Officiant: Elope Mendocino // Ceremony Venue: Big River Beach Overlook at Mendocino Headlands State Park Reception Venue + Food: Maccallum House // Florals: LR Farm // Dress: David’s Bridal // Tux Rentals: Men’s Wearhouse
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?
Crystal + Dominic | Fort Bragg, California Adventurous Bridal Session | adventurous destination California wedding photographer
Crystal + Dominic met in high school chemistry. The first thing she told him was "to move his fathead" so she could see the board. It was so romantic, wasn’t it? Well, apparently Dominic forgave or forgot because they started dating a couple of years later, right before she left for college. Despite the fact that she lived several hours away, he visited her every week on his days off.
He said "I love you" on her 18th birthday and then waited 6 years to propose. He says it was worth the wait because he wanted to do it after they climbed the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu together. The trail took 4 days living outside, sweat, and even some tears. He (romantically?) hid the ring in a sock in his backpack the whole way up. It was the most physically demanding and emotional thing Crystal had done up to that point but Dominica cheered her on the whole way.
When they got to the tippy top overlooking Machu Picchu, he got down on one knee. Then on June 1st, surrounded by family and friends at Yokayo Ranch in Ukiah, California. Like most wedding days, things seemed rushed and Crystal didn’t feel that we had enough time for photos of them during their bridal session. She had been craving some beach time and wanted epic photos of she and Dominic frolicking on the beach. So, several months later we made her dream a reality. Enjoy Crystal + Dominic’s Bridal Session at Ten Mile Beach in Fort Bragg, California!
