Mitch and Tammy recently celebrated 5 years together. They had planned to wed in April in Ojai, much closer to their home in Southern California. They had to shift their plans due to the Pandemic. Tammy recalled a drive up north last year with her daughter. She had fallen for the Mendocino coastline, and wanted to share it with Mitch. Mitch and Tammy decided to elope now, ‘to bring some good.’
It’s often overcast here in Mendocino. Part of what makes this place so special is the mist weaving over the grass, amongst the Oaks and Redwoods. The uncertainty of the weather meant the possibility of a last minute relocation. We frantically eyed the forecast. Our luck and the weather held! Grey skies cleared just before we were ready to begin. As Tammy vowed, ‘I’ll stay for the exhale.’
Waves broke against the rock arches as Mitch and Vanna, their officiant, waited on the bluffs. It was an honor to capture Mitch turning, his face lighting up as Tammy strode out into the clearing. She was serene, clad in a lace halter dress and long veil. Her exquisite bouquet was grown locally. Winnie Pitrone of Flora of the Fields is a designer and small scale grower who has been cultivating a diverse and gorgeous array of flowers on the Mendocino coast for almost 30 years.
Watching them exchange vows kept away any chill on the sea cliffs. This couple is self assured and playful, which is evident in this interview. They kept the celebration going by sipping champagne over a live streaming reception with their family and loved ones.
I’m so glad they feel their wedding was ‘meant to be here,’ and that I could make it special, documenting these incredible vistas and their heartfelt ceremony. Tammy shared that she felt that I was ‘pure magic.’ I feel the same about the chance to help this delightful couple celebrate their love!
Officiant & Planner Vanna Kay Freeburg, elopemendocino.com
Photographer Tammie Gilchrist, tammiegilchrist.com
Hair Kali Jo Beauty, @kalijobeauty
Makeup Janette, @glam.by.janette
Flowers Winne Pitrone, floraofthefields.com