Nina & Shea’s Intimate Mendocino Wedding at the Stanford Inn

A Mendocino Setting That Truly Shines

The Stanford Inn is a favorite Mendocino wedding venue for a reason. Tucked just above the coast, it offers sweeping views, peaceful grounds, and a sense of calm that carries through the entire day. Nina and Shea held their ceremony on-site, surrounded by the natural beauty of the property and the quiet magic of the Mendocino coastline.

The officiant for the ceremony was Jeff Stanford, the owner of the venue — someone I’ve known and worked with for decades. It had been a while since I’d filmed a wedding at the Stanford Inn, so it was especially nice to reconnect and work together again in a place that holds so much history.

Golden Hour at the Mendocino Bay Overlook

One of the highlights of the day came later in the afternoon at the Mendocino Bay Overlook — a beloved spot just across Highway 1 from the Stanford Inn. With Mendocino village and the bay stretching out behind it, the overlook is especially stunning at sunset and is often used for ceremonies and portraits.

Earlier in the day, while flying my drone over the Stanford Inn property, I noticed that another wedding ceremony was taking place at the overlook. When golden hour approached, I checked again and saw that the ceremony had wrapped up, though all of the chairs were still set.

I brought it up with Nina and Shea — letting them know the situation, but also encouraging them. I knew the light was going to be beautiful, and the view would be worth it. They were up for it.

At first, I framed shots carefully to hide the chairs. Then I checked in with them to see how they felt about it. They didn’t mind at all, which made things much easier — and honestly, more authentic. We captured some stunning drone shots and handheld footage as the light softened and the coastline glowed behind them.

Nina and Shea had been practicing their dip ahead of time, and it looked fantastic on camera. We had them repeat it a few times, laughing the whole way through. They were an absolute joy to work with — relaxed, playful, and fully present.

A Small Wedding with Deep Family Meaning

Despite the small guest count, the day was rich with meaning. Two of Nina and Shea’s grandmothers were in attendance, and honoring them was especially important to the couple.

During the celebration, Nina presented her bouquet to one grandmother, and Shea presented his boutonniere to the other — a small gesture that carried enormous emotional weight. The boutonniere presentation was something I suggested, and it became one of those quiet, unforgettable moments that says everything without needing words.

Stepping In When It Mattered Most

Nina and Shea chose not to have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, and their photographer was a family friend. In situations like this, having someone experienced who understands the flow of a wedding day can make a huge difference.

In the months leading up to the wedding, I spent extra time during our consults offering guidance — from timeline considerations to small details that help create space for meaningful moments and strong storytelling on film. On the wedding day itself, I naturally stepped into a supportive role, helping keep things on track while staying calm and unobtrusive.

The goal was never control — it was support. And in the end, everything came together beautifully.

From Teaser to Highlight Film

Nina and Shea’s wedding film coverage included a teaser, a short trailer announcing their highlight film, and a full highlight film — all infused with a documentary approach and supported by drone footage that showcased Mendocino’s incredible coastal setting.

Words from the Bride

“Nile was a dream come true. When I first got engaged, one of the things I knew I had to have was a wedding videographer. In life, moments are fleeting, even the most special ones, and it’s difficult to remember everything without photographic or video documentation.

What made Nile unique was his documentary approach to weddings. The interviews and focus on special moments made it much more engaging than a standard, long-form wedding video. My husband and I instantly connected with Nile. He has a sense of calm that is contagious with just the right amount of gentle assertiveness and straightforwardness I needed.

Nile went over and beyond his role of a videographer and provided us with much advice and information pertaining to our wedding day. I don’t think I would have been as prepared for the day without him. Since my wedding, I have received nothing but compliments about the moments Nile captured, and my husband and I feel so blessed to have crossed paths with him.”

– Nina S.

An Intimate Mendocino Wedding, Thoughtfully Told

Nina and Shea’s wedding was a reminder of how powerful small weddings can be — especially in a place like Mendocino. With the right support, a relaxed approach, and room to be yourselves, intimate celebrations often leave the deepest impression.

As a Mendocino wedding videographer, these are the days I love most: honest, unrushed, and grounded in real connection.