Whittney and Dan celebrated their big day up in Mendocino, CA last week, and we were thrilled to shoot it! We had so much fun with our college friend during their engagement session down in South Park, and we were very excited for their wedding!
They chose a charming location along the Mendocino Coast known as The Old Albion Schoolhouse which, as you may have guessed, is a renovated historic school building that was used up until the seventies.
It has so many great details that have been left over the years, including signs for the Principal’s Office, Cafeteria, Auditorium, etc. Even the bathrooms were awesome!
Beautiful hardwood floors, pretty doors… you name it! It’s awesome because it feels like a big early century home which is so welcoming for the guests.
Here’s Dan, finishing up his homework before he is sent to detention. Better finish before the bell rings! By the way, the school bell actually does work, and it startled us a few times during the day. Too cool.
All the guys were hanging out for some quality pre-wedding hangout time in the Auditorium/Awesome Library for awhile before Whittney and Dan’s First Look.
And, as expected, Whittney looked absolutely stunning in her gown! You may recognize two of her bridesmaids, Meera and Jessica. Meera came to us for some maternity and newborn sessions a while back, and we just love her! Jessica is a dear friend of ours from college, and we had the opportunity to photograph her amazing family as well this past year!
Awww! Big hugs!
Time for the First Look! Betsy and I loved the library for their First Look… it was private and naturally lit with huge single pane windows along one side.
Laughing, smiling and generally having some fun!
Timeless and stunning, Whittney! These are the final “single” moments Whittney had with her gals before heading down the aisle.
We love Whittney and Jessica. They are such a fun pair. Poor Jess was trying to hold it together while Whittney put on her veil. She almost made it
Lots of smiling faces greeting the beautiful bride as she came down the aisle.
But the biggest smile was awaiting her at the other end…
Could Whittney be more thrilled to marry her man? I think not. <3
Whittney’s brother Aaron, who absolutely kept us in stitches the entire time during our stay, was kind enough to perform their ceremony. He did an outstanding job of defining their relationship, helping them with their vows, and making everyone laugh. His opening line, which EVERYONE thought was scripted, was: “When families gather for a funural…ERR I MEAN WEDDING!!!” Apparently, he was to perform a funeral service later that week. Everyone totally thought he was just making a funny joke. It was classic! Every one of Whittney and Dan’s friends and family members has a great sense of humor, so it was too perfect.
Very pretty florals, wreaths, and centerpieces were created by Whittney’s Family friend Teri. She did a great job! The dinner was prepared in the old cafeteria (fitting!), while the dance floor was in the auditorium. Pretty cool setup and so homey!
VERY meaningful (and occasionally hilarious) toasts.
Whittney and Dan… thank you so much for inviting us up to Mendocino to capture and share in your wedding celebration! We have had so much fun reconnecting with you, and getting to know Dan. You two are quite a duo and we wish you both nothing but the best life has to offer!
Whittney and Dan’s fantastic vendors:
Photographers: La Vida Creations Photography
Ceremony Venue: The Old Albion Schoolhouse
Reception Venue: The Old Albion Schoolhouse
Catering: Jennifer Lunch
Video: Nile Sprague
Cake: S Squared Art Productions
Whittney’s Gown: Brides by Demetrios
Florist: Teri Fraser
Hair & Makeup: Flor Sanchez
DJ: Tony de la Torre
by Jeff
3 comments