Mendocino Coast Bridal Session Kenzie + Carter | Mendocino California Intimate Wedding Photographer
She describes it as “nothing fancy, just love” and I think that is perfect for the times we are in. The way you feel about your person doesn’t change just because you can’t have a big fancy wedding. The way you love each other is all that truly matters.
They met in highschool and it was love at first sight for Kenzie. Their friendship developed over several years and eventually they became a couple. When Kenzie became pregnant at 19, she and Carter decided that whatever life threw their way, they were going to get through it together. Their son was born in January 2019. They knew that their lives together were just beginning and that they were ready to make a forever commitment. In February they had an elopement ceremony with immediate family and a week put their wedding attire back on and took an adventure to the beach with me. There would have been a big party with family and friends sometime in the next month or so but COVID-19 forced them to postpone their plans. Here’s what Kenzie told me about how she feels right now:
”I am so incredibly lucky to not only call this man my husband, but the most amazing daddy to our son. We can’t wait to grow our family & fall further in love!”
She describes it as “nothing fancy, just love” and I think that is perfect for the times we are in. The way you feel about your person doesn’t change just because you can’t have a big fancy wedding. The way you love each other is all that truly matters.
I was blessed to be able to frolic on the beach with these two one last time before Shelter in Place orders went into effect. We had so much fun and I truly cherish our time together. Thank you for allowing me to document your love Kenzie and Carter. May your love grow stronger and your family flourish!
Ok, now seriously, don’t waste another minute reading, check out the gorgeous moments we were able to create during their bridal session! Whaddya think? I’d love to hear in the comments!
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
Mendocino Bay Overlook Wedding | Mendocino, California Wedding Photographer
When Amy inquired with me to photograph her wedding, she started her email by saying “ Jimmy + I met in prison”. Wait what?!? She followed up by saying that she was joking, but not really. Amy + Jimmy are both correction officers in Vacaville, California and they met while at work. I knew from our first interaction over email that we were a perfect match. I love sarcasm and Amy + Jimmy have THE BEST sense of humor. When Jimmy showed up for their engagement session, the first thing he said was “we’re not going to have to go through the ‘act naturally’ thing again are we?” I was like “woah buddy, the only awkwardness coming from this photo session will be me making a complete fool of myself.” He was satisfied with that and of course, I was the most awkward of all of us. Flashforward to their wedding day, they decided to tie the knot at the Mendocino By Overlook with a reception to follow at their family’s private residence in Mendocino.
When Amy inquired with me to photograph her wedding, she started her email by saying “ Jimmy + I met in prison”. Wait what?!? She followed up by saying that she was joking, but not really. Amy + Jimmy are both correction officers in Vacaville, California and they met while at work. I knew from our first interaction over email that we were a perfect match. I love sarcasm and Amy + Jimmy have THE BEST sense of humor. When Jimmy showed up for their engagement session, the first thing he said was “we’re not going to have to go through the ‘act naturally’ thing again are we?” I was like “woah buddy, the only awkwardness coming from this photo session will be me making a complete fool of myself.” He was satisified with that and of course, I was the most awkward of all of us. Flashfoward to their wedding day, they decided to tie the knot at the Mendocino By Overlook with a reception to follow at their family’s private residence in Mendocino. Amy’s Son Ryder taught everyone a line dance at the reception and it was the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. This wedding was beautiful and the reception was Poppin. There was a food truck with delicious fish tacos and the most amazing soup dumplings. In lieu of cake, they chose pastries from Mendocino Bakery. When I asked what moment they were both most looking forward to during their day, Amy + Jimmy both said dancing the night away with friends and family. Achievement unlocked you two. Thank you both for inviting me to be part of your beautiful and fun day! I could go on and on about the whole thing, but I’ll let you see for yourselves!
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.
Ten Mile Beach Engagement Session | Fort Bragg, California
Devin had never been to Mendocino. Mara loved it there. So she took him on a little road trip in August to celebrate their five year dating anniversary. She also graduated from college shortly before, so they had many things to celebrate. Little did Mara know, Devin had plans to celebrate something else too! On the third day of their trip, they went exploring in Greenwood State Park and hiked around for a while until they found a good spot, ignored some caution tape, and sat down together for a picnic on the bluff. They sat together enjoying the view when suddenly, Devin proposed! Mara describes it as private, serene, and sweet. A few minutes later, overlooking the ocean, they saw a whale. They will both remember that moment forever.
Shortly after he proposed, they started dreaming and planning and decided to hire me to photograph their wedding in July. Did you know that each of the wedding packages I offer includes an engagement session in Mendocino County? For theirs, we headed to a secret local spot on Ten Mile Beach (one of my favorites) where they enjoyed a tasty adult beverage together and frolicked on the beach, and snuggled together as the sunset. These two chose to switch gears part way through their session into a more comfy laid back look, and you guys, I’m smitten with them! They followed my style guide to the letter and came up with two completely different looks that complimented the location we chose. It was AMAZING! If you want to get your hands on my style guide after seeing their photos, sign up for my newsletter HERE or book a session with me and I’ll send it to ya!
Thank you Mara + Devin for being so sweet and allowing me the privilege of being your wedding photographer! I seriously can not wait for your wedding in July!
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!
The Inn At Newport Ranch Engagement Session | Leslie + Lejf | Part II
Remember Leslie & Lejf? They quite literally rocked their engagement session at The Inn At Newport Ranch. Since I didn’t really give you much information about the inn in Part I of their story, I thought I would share now. The Inn at Newport Ranch is a working cattle ranch, so if you are planning a trip, please leave your kiddos and furry friends at home. Located on the Mendocino Coast, the inn sprawls 2,000 acres of the coastline and forest. Most impressive is the three miles of redwood forest and a mile of ocean views. Not to worry, if you stay at the ranch, there is plenty to do. You can take a hike, bike or horseback ride down the coast or through the redwoods. Or, you could even book an ATV tour through the inn. Make sure to pack boots, because your high heels will have seen better days if you wear them on the ranch! The weather on the coast is unpredictable so bring a sweater because you won’t want to miss the BBQ cauldron at Council Bluff.
Speaking of Council Bluff, that’s where Leslie & Leif will say their I-dos in November. To say I am excited would be an understatement. Anywho, take a gander at their photos and prepare to be awestruck!
I mean gaaaaah, aren’t they the best? Can’t get enough of them? Head over to see part I of their session in which they dressed up like rockstars!
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.
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!