Today is such an exciting day for many couples to either take the time to enjoy a savory dinner together, go on a stroll through the meadows, or even propose to be married for a lifetime. Oh… so exciting for us all!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mendocino is such a beautiful back drop for a wedding!

Smells of wondrous cuisine, Scharffenberger Champagne, and  the essence of fragrant lilac’s,  topped off with one of the most stunning sunsets on the Mendocino coast. These were a few of the elements that set the mood for Brianna and Phil’s private dinner for two in the rustic cliff house this Saturday night.

This was the finale of their weekend Romantic getaway that the couple won during our March giveaway for choosing Mendocino as their wedding destination.

 We are so excited to offer this great package for small dinner parties, elopements, or just a great girl’s night out!

Congratulations to Brianna and Phil that will be married on July 10, 2010.

Cassandra Young Photography

Cassandra Young Photography

I often times receive wonderful words of gratitude from couples after being a part in creating their special day, I  reflect on the fact that I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to assist them in such a blissful time of their life.

I will share some testimonials from 2009 that I do hold dear to my heart.

Craig Evans Photography

 Sonya, There are not enough words to express the thanks I have for you! I never thought I would be the girl  that dreams of a big wedding or worries about the little details, but I became that girl when I got engaged. I started dreaming of this perfect wedding… 16 months later you made my dream wedding come true. I would have never been able to do this without you. You are this bride’s fairy godmother!        ~Kyle and Kelly

Dick Whetstone photography

Thank you for organizing such a beautiful celebration for us with our families and friends. I could not have dreamed of a better place than the overlook for our ceremony. Everything was perfect without much effort or worry on my part. Thank you again for the excellent work that you did ~ David and Lisa 

I just wanted to thank you so much for all of you hard work.  You were awesome…to say the least….couldn’t have done it without you.

                                                            ~Gordon and Christina May 2009

Cassandra Young photography

Thank you so much for the everything! You have been such a pleasure to work with, and have made this experience so beautiful,meaningful, and joyous. We are so grateful to have had your guideance during such a special time in our lives.

                                                                                    ~Philip & Lisa

Perlman Photography

Perlman Photography

Dear Sonya,

We are so grateful for your love and support in putting together a wonderful wedding over this past year. You have been so incredibly thoughtful through every moment and we both know we could have never pulled this off without you! Your tireless work and effort means so much. ~ Lincoln & Amy

Thank you so much for your help with our wedding. You were the backbone who brought all the pieces together. You are a beautiful generous friend.

                                                                                    Ling and Alise

Couples who elope often do so because they want a small wedding. They want to keep things simple, intimate and trés romantique.

Mendocino Weddings offers a Small Weddings and Elopements package for weddings up to 20 people. We take care of all the organizational details for small weddings. You choose and reserve the B&B or Hotel, bring the marriage license, and we will do the rest. We offer many locations to choose from for the perfect ceremony.

A small earth-friendly wedding was the goal of this bride and groom. David and Lisa stayed at the Stanford Inn for the fabulous vegan fare. They chose a vegan cake from Melinda Ellis Cakes and

selected flowers grown locally by Susy Kitahara. The bride went to Mendocino Beauty where they offer all non-animal products; Amy Wall at MB is well-known for her natural Mendocino look.

They held their ceremony at The Overlook so that they could walk, forsaking motorized transporta

tion.

Mendocino is a great location for elopements all year ’round. In the winter there are cozy indoor settings in front of a fire, spring is delightful with gardens coming to life, summer vows on the

headlands or beach are idyllic and autumn on the coast is known for its exquisite weather.

Another couple eloped to the charming, little town of Elk on the coast south of Mendocino.

The vendors for this simple yet elegant wedding were: Cake by Jennifer Arana, flowers by Rosa at L&R Farms and photos by Cassandra Young Photography. The couple lodged and dined at the delightful Harbor House in Elk.

Growing up here, I see the region as a jewelry box filled with sites that are pearls, emeralds and sapphires. The pearls are the wineries, historic churches and organic farmsteads tucked away in the forest or in the villages, opening to reveal their secret gardens, kitchens and private reception areas with all the professional amenities that make them long-time wedding and reception destinations for savvy couples. The emeralds are the lush gardens, redwood forests or lakes with tenting for a magical event that the sprites and fairies will grace. The sapphires are the private homes, inns, restaurants and outdoor locations with the blue Pacific in view. Champagne always seems bubblier when complimented by the sparkling ocean.

Here are the reasons I hear most often for why couples choose a destination wedding in Mendocino wine country.

1. Location: A destination wedding takes away all of the distractions of everyday life. This and a wedding planner who knows the region helps you focus on the important events of the day and enjoy the time being with your friends and family and each other.

2. Location: A destination wedding can save money. Yes, there are many ways to actually save money by having a destination wedding. You can get group rates for lodging, activities and even dining. Couples tell me “We can have our honeymoon in the same beautiful place as our wedding, finding our own little private hideaway for our time together alone.” Using natural surroundings as your backdrop also cuts costs and Mendocino has an abundance of natural beauty.

3. Location: A destination wedding is an opportunity to bring all your friends and family together. Another bride pointed out: “I love the idea of having my friends and family around me for a weekend or even a few days before or after the wedding day, making our celebration an opportunity for everyone to have a getaway together.” The North Coast offers a spectacular variety of activities where wedding parties can break out into groups and do together, depending on interest and physical prowess – horseback riding on the beach, kayaking in sea caves or up Big River, touring the botanical gardens, wine tasting, dining around, hiking, biking, and so much more.

Wherever couples fit on the eco spectrum, from eco-chic to card-carrying tree-huggers, our team presents a range of ideas that will respect and reflect their values.

From the invitation to the cake, Mendocino Weddings collaborates with vendors who are passionate about sustainable living—gourmet organic caterers, bakers who use free range eggs and organic flours and vendors who provide green wedding favors, elegant letterpress invitations on recycled materials, renowned locally grown flowers and more.