Teaser Video
Liz and James were married on September 30, 2026, at The Inn at Newport Ranch on California’s Mendocino Coast. With around ten guests gathered on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, they celebrated their marriage exactly ten years after the day they first met face to face.
Ten Years After Their First Meeting
Liz and James met online while looking for friendship. Their first in-person meeting was on September 30, 2016 — a date that would eventually become their wedding anniversary.
They took their time getting to know each other, building a solid friendship before they began dating in February 2019. That foundation was evident throughout their wedding day in their easy humor, affection, and appreciation for one another.
An Unexpected Lighthouse Proposal
In May 2025, while exploring near Cabo San Lucas, Liz and James kept getting lost as they tried to reach a particular spot. Along the way, they came across an old building and decided to get out of the car for a closer look. They later learned it was a historic lighthouse.
As Liz looked out toward the ocean, James got down on one knee. An unexpected detour became the setting for their engagement.
An Oceanfront Wedding at The Inn at Newport Ranch
The ocean was part of their wedding story, too. Their ceremony took place on the edge of the headlands at The Inn at Newport Ranch, with the Pacific stretching to the horizon. The day began mild and sunny, and looking out to sea, we could spot whale spouts and even an occasional breach.
Later, fog drifted in and changed the atmosphere entirely. The clear coastal views gave way to a soft, misty setting that was beautiful in its own way.
The inn’s substantial wood architecture, golden grass-covered headlands, and redwood-covered hills offered a striking backdrop. With such a small gathering, the celebration also felt deeply personal — a chance to share the day with the people closest to them.
Laughter, Connection, and Gratitude
James has an infectious laugh, and he shared it generously throughout the day. Liz described herself as camera shy, but as she relaxed and trusted her instincts, her personality came through naturally.
When I interviewed them later, what stood out most was their gratitude: for one another, for the friends and family who came to celebrate, and for everyone who helped support their wedding. Those reflections brought another layer of meaning to a day already full of warmth and humor.
It was a pleasure to preserve their celebration through a wedding film centered on the people, voices, and candid moments that made it theirs.
Mendocino Coast Wedding Videography
Planning an intimate wedding at The Inn at Newport Ranch or elsewhere on the Mendocino Coast? Mendocino Photo & Video creates cinematic, documentary-style wedding films with a personal approach that helps you feel comfortable and stay present with the people you love.
Wedding Team
🎥📷 Photo and video: Mendocino Photo & Video — @nilesprague
🎥📷 Additional photo and video team: @katelynnetucker, @nik_z_photo, and Theresia Studio — @theresia.studio
📍 Venue: The Inn at Newport Ranch — @innatnewportranch
💍 Planning: Zoë Braga Events — @zoebragaevents
💍 Planning team: Sarah Sharaf — @ssharaf
🪑 Rentals: Matt Rowland Events — @mattrowlandevents
💐 Florals: Elk Native Floral — @elknativeflorals
💄 Hair and makeup: Ritual Salons — @ritual.salons
👗 Dress: Ivory Row — @ivoryrowbridal
🧵 Dress alterations: Iryna Couture Alterations — @alterations_tailornyc
🎂 Cake: Trillium Cafe — @trilliumcafeandinn
🎶 Music: Sonatina Music
💍 Officiant: David