When Francisco came to me and asked me to capture his surprise proposal, I was so excited. Not only do I love capturing proposals but this was for two people who I knew well from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). When I say he planned everything down to the last detail, I MEAN IT. I have never worked with someone so prepared for this moment. He made sure that everything was PERFECT including the location.
Mendocino Coast Proposal
Since Sara and Francisco don’t live on the Mendocino Coast, he had to plan a romantic get away for the two of them. They traveled all the way from Florida as a couple and headed home engaged!
Francisco chose a stunning gazebo that overlooked Mendocino coast’s iconic coastline. He decorated it with candles, rose petals, and I helped him find someone to create the sign. I drove the sign up with me from Southern California so that he didn’t ruin the surprise before hand. He truly went all out and I am so grateful that I got to apart of helping him plan it.
Before the proposal, they spent the day exploring wineries in Sonoma. Then came the proposal. It was everything I imagined it to be and more. Such a beautiful moment with so many tears of joy! Sara was not expecting it at all and again I am so grateful that Fransisco chose me to capture this special moment for them!
Celebrating the Newly Engaged Couple
The Mendocino Coast is such a beautiful location and I feel like it was perfect for this proposal. It was cloudy and moody which made it so much more romantic. Right after the proposal we headed down to Van Damme State beach to capture some engagement photos which I am obsessed with! We also enjoyed tide pooling and exploring hidden coves!
What I loved so much about this proposal was that he chose a location with so much to do afterwards. When you get engaged, you should be celebrating! The Mendocino Coast has endless options for food, wine tasting, and fun activities!
Where is the Mendocino Coast? What is it Known For?
The Mendocino Coast is located in Northern California just a couple of hours north of San Francisco. It is best known for its beautiful Redwood trees, epic coastlines, glass-bottom beaches, and of course the only Coastal botanical garden in the country. With so much natural beauty, the Mendocino Coast is definitely a must see and is perfect for special occasions. Whether you want to do a romantic getaway, a surprise proposal, or plan your wedding on the Mendocino Coast, you truly could not go wrong. Especially with all of the rain California has gotten this year, the area is greener and more lush than ever.
Things to do on the Mendocino Coast
Visit Forth Bragg
This is where I spent almost all of my time. Fort Bragg is a small city located 15 minutes from Mendocino, it was a once booming lumber and fishing town. It’s home to the famous Glass Beach which is definitely a must see if you are in the area!
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens have some of the most stunning displays of plants and flowers. And it’s also beautiful also for the superb setting that includes canyons and coastal bluffs, forests and wetlands.
Glass Beach
Glass Beach is probably what Fort Bragg is most known for! The sand is littered with tiny glass pieces from when glass was thrown into the ocean from the decades ago. The glass has since broken up and the small pieces have been smoothed out by the tide and the waves. It is truly one of the most unique things I have seen and a must see if you are ever in the Mendocino area!
Triangle Tattoo Museum
This was probably my favorite thing I did (I’m a huge fan of tattoos.) The Triangle Tattoo Museum was founded in 1986 by Mr. G and his wife Madame Chinchilla. They’ve not only worked out of the same shop for years but they also live there! They have spent decades documenting the history and culture of tattoos across the world. Their shop is lined with photos almost floor to ceiling with photos and information on tattoos and significant figures in tattoo history.
Madame Chinchilla and Mr. G still work there! You can actually walk in to see the museum and get a tattoo at the same time! The museum was created by Madame Chinchilla herself. She collected everything from the artifacts to the pictures. The Museum tours are led by Madame Chinchilla herself. I’ve never met anyone so knowledgeable and passionate about tattoos. She used to be an artist herself so she showed me her past work in addition to a private tour of the museum. Some of the sections of the museum cover the history of Thai tattoos, Japanese tattoos, Prison tattoos, military tattoos, tattoos without consent, and tattoos throughout the decades just to name a few.
Hike the Fort Bragg Trail
If you’re visiting glass beach, bring a pair of comfy shoes or a bike and enjoy a trail that runs alongside the coast with sweeping views of Mendocino’s iconic coastline!
Have a meal!
Fort Bragg is Full of great places to eat but my favorite was Eggheads. A breakfast and lunch restaurant that has a Wizard of OZ theme! If you decide to go be sure to get their signature house made whipped cream!
Ride the Skunk Train
This skunk train is a gas train that runs through the nearby redwoods and through Pudding Creek Estuary. It’s a 90 minute ride and you have time to hit a few of the redwoods trails.
See the Redwoods
Check out the Navarro redwoods or the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area to see redwoods. For more information on the Redwoods, you can visit my Redwoods Elopement Guide!
Wanting to Plan an Engagement Session, Elopement or Wedding on the Mendocino Coast?
Whether you are wanting to do an engagement photoshoot or plan en elopement, I would love to capture those special moments for you! From providing vendor recommendations to location ideas to just being someone you can rely on in stressful situations, I want to help. I not only consider myself an elopement and couples photographer, but also a wedding planner.
Hey, I’m Gabbi!
I’m a wedding & elopement photographer based in Northern California. I’m a lover of the outdoors and spend most of my time with my husband and our 4 dogs camping, rock climbing, hiking, and enjoying nature!
Elopements hold a special place in my heart. They throw out the rule book on tradition and allow you the complete freedom to do what you really want to do on the biggest day of your lives!
Whatever your elopement day looks like, I can’t wait to help create the most intentional and authentic day that is perfectly and uniquely you.
I’m here to help you through the entire process of planning your elopement from start to finish. I’ll help you with everything from choosing a perfect location to creating your Day Of schedule to officiating and of course, photography!
Additional Resources
- The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Brookings
- A & Z’s S Redwood National Park and Oregon Coast Elopement
- How to keep costs low without sacrificing your wedding experience.
- Best Redwood National Park Elopement Locations | Redwoods Elopement Photographer
- California Redwoods and Oregon Coast Elopement | M + B
