Anya Emerson and Jonah Staw, recently featured in the New York Times’ wedding section, selected Mendocino Weddings to help plan their celebration and help create an unforgettable day.

Jonah, founder of LittleMissMatched, a company that made its fame by selling socks in threes, and Anya, an attorney for good causes, decided to tie the knot at their beautiful Rancho Navarro home, built by hand with their friends.

Mexican flare was a perfect fit for Anderson Valley with its local wineries and outstanding Mexican culture and cuisine. Guests were greeted with a wine tasting of select vintages from the region’s wineries – Esterlina, Husch, Navarro and Greenwood Ridge. Then Jonah and Anya led guests up a mountainside trail to the ceremony site. In a lovely gesture, close friends of Anya each handed her a single flower, which grew into a bridal bouquet wrapped with a ribbon when she reached the destination. The procession of guests peeled off in a Virginia Reel to take their seats, which Jonah coined “The Inverted Sock.”

The bride and groom stood under a chuppah, (signifying their new home together), with a view of the golden hills of Anderson Valley behind them, as a covey of little flower girl sprites strew flower petals along the aisle. After the traditional Jewish ritual of the Bide and groom breaking a glass with their foot (symbolizing that the marriage will last forever) the wedding procession walked back downhill to the romantic wedding reception set in an illuminated tent amidst the forest.

A Mexican feast prepared by Alicia’s Restaurant in Boonville included tortillas made on site, stuffed with spicy taco fillings of carne asada, local fish, al Pastor, carnitas and vegetables, dashed with salsas made from garden ingredients. Margaritas, traditional Mexican sodas and homemade sangria livened up the guests for dancing to the exuberant music of local band “Pura Vida.” Instead of typical floral arrangements, the tables were decorated with grasses from my home and a bright orange Clementine that added a dash of color at each place setting.

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.