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.
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.
Peter & Katie | Fort Bragg, California Couple Session | Adventurous Destination Northern California Photographer
Paula contacted me a few weeks ago about photographing her in-laws. Here is what she said about this very special gift:
"This will be a birthday present for my mother-in-law and father-in-law from me, my husband, and brother-in-law. They love each other and their dogs more than anything and we would love them to have a gorgeous memory of all of them together in the place they love the most. "
When I received this inquiry, I was overjoyed that they thought of me, but also that they were doing something so special and timeless for their parents. It is so special and I was honored to be a part of it.
I met Peter and Katie at Jug Handle State Reserve in Fort Bragg, CA early in the morning. They brought their adorable pooches with them for a walk. I was enamored with their love for each other. I really enjoyed photographing these two because they couldn't keep their hands off of each other and kept laughing like it was their first date. It is refreshing and inspiring to see a couple their age still so in love. It gives me hope that we can continue to fall in love with our spouses time and time again, year after year. Marriage is hard work ya'll. These two make it look so effortless. I hope that my marriage looks this good in a few years.
Anyway, I hope as you look through these photos that you see the joy that can be and hope for the future. These two are really living their lives with joy and it shows!
Chelsi is a destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Fort Bragg, California but 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, joyful, and hope evoking. She believes in laughing too much, singing too loud, and most importantly: authentically capturing every single moment to evoke emotion over perfectly posing for photographs.
A Proposal at Navarro Point Preserve in Albion, CA
"Thank you so, so much! We're completely in love with the photos you took, they're so amazing!"
Kyle proposed to Sebastian on July 24th at Navarro Point Preserve in Albion, California. He hired me to capture the moment and I couldn't have been more honored! Thank you Kyle for trusting me with this very intimate time in your relationship, I am so happy that you both love your photos!
After Sebastian said "Yes!", we took a little adventure and explored the preserve. I had never been there myself, so it was fun for all of us.
If you haven't been out to the preserve, you're missing out. Thank you again Kyle and Sebastian for exploring with me!
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.
