Cora and Grant had the most magical forest wedding, pretty much ever. Filled to the brim with intricate details, whimsical decor, and boho vibes for DAYS. Nestled away in the Mendocino Forest, Yokayo Ranch is an absolute hidden gem. While I want my followers to know about it (y’all are special), try to keep it a little hush hush so it maintains its quaint and fairytale vibes. But most certainly book it like yesterday and hire me because I’d love a reason to go back.
From solar panels on the roofs of the buildings, to its multiple cabanas on site it’s a perfect way for your guests to glamp. Upscale hotels near venues are overrated, ammirite!? Wayward Glamping provided some awesome tents so guests could spend entirety of the week leading up to the wedding onsite. Vacation AND a wedding in one? Sign me uppp.
They try to live authentically and both have a profound sense of self and their place in the world. Unrestricted by norms and traditions, they embrace what the human experience is supposed to be about in the truest sense.
Also note on the right – the ambulance. You’re probably thinking …. what is that? Is everyone okay? And the answer is YES. That gorgeous ambulance is actually an ambulance-converted-RV that Cora and Grant travel across the United States in. Cool, huh?
They had their closest 175 friends and family in attendance of their big day and it was everything they had dreamt of. They opted for a first look before the ceremony to provide pause in preparation the hectic day ahead. Grant relished in the gorgeousness that was Cora, and she admired him for his existential adoration of life.
They originally met on Tinder and it was history from there. (You can now say that Tinder can lead to epic love stories. Also, my fiancé Perry and I also met on Tinder so there’s that)
Almost immediately, Grant told his friends he found someone special. And I mean look at her, so obviously. Smart man.
Cora wore a beautiful, and I mean BEAUTIFUL dress. She admitted she was obsessed with her bedazzler so bedazzled her shoes and picked the sparkliest dress she could find. Every piece is rich with sparkles and intricate detail. When you look closely it seems to glow like a mermaids tail.
The centerpieces you see were actually designed by Grant’s mother. For someone with no official background in table design I think she did an incredible job. Rich contrasts of colors, from navy blues to light green succulents complementing the textured wooden tables.
Honestly, it’s really really hard for me to pick just a few photos to share. Because there’s like 50 amazing ones that I’m delivering but okay okay, one more.
Cool, now that all the romantic cheesy stuff from the day here we go. If you haven’t gathered from the post yet and don’t have the pleasure of knowing C + G – they love music and love to dance. Remember how they danced at the alter together? Awesome. Their mission for the reception part of the wedding was that everyone just have a really good time. And man, did they. Cora told me it was going to be a very interesting mix of people. That’s what weddings are though it’s bringing people from all your walks of life together and hoping they aren’t completely weirded out by the wide variety of friends you have. Or maybe that’s just me wondering how my family will react to some of my friends I’m inviting to my own wedding.
Next, they had the super talented Lucid Dream Flow who spun fire for everyone. Not only was it gorgeous, artistic, anxiety inducing (couldn’t help but thinking I was gonna accidentally capture someone bursting into flames, haha) But of course, they were super professional and put on an amazing show. And no one burst into flames. However, they DID eat some. 🙂
And lastly, at 11:30PM Cora had not run out of surprises yet. She had one more up her sleeve. Cora and Grant have seen a lot of musicians live. But not Vijay & Sofia Latko. Cora secretly messaged them and flew them out all the way from Belgium to surprise Grant. Needless to say, he was absolutely surprised. THAT FACE.
Their ceremony was far from traditional – which is exactly what they wanted. No wedding party. Just these two lovebirds. They danced down the aisle to one another with golden sunlight washing over them. Both of them were absolutely glowing completely in their element and over the moon with happiness and joy. What better way to transition to your next stage of life than dancing into it? Perfection.
I saw that kind of deep love in Cora and Grant and am so happy they found each other. Wishing these two nothing but the best of lives together and may they always lean on each other in the brightest and also the darkest of days. Keep dancing into every stage of life, you beautiful free spirits.
Vendors:
Photography: Fig + Willow Studios
Venue: Yokayo Ranch
Bridal Dress Designer: Calla Blanche
MUA: Beauty by Ashley C
Florals: DIY by Brides Mother
Event Planner: Yokayo Ranch
Catering: Park Avenue Catering
Cake: Schat’s Bakery
Pies: Kenny’s Pies
DJ/Lighting Groundloop Events
Glamp Tents: Wayward Glamping
Fire Performers: Lucid Dream Flow
Videographer: GM Films
Surprise Musicians: Vijay & Sofia Latko
Table Rentals: Encore Events
I can tell they had absolutely amazing time!
Don’t see fun with fire at every wedding!! Awesome shots!
I absolutely adore the light and airy feel to your pictures. And this wedding looks like it was a ton of fun.
This looks like it was such a fun wedding!
The details are completely everything here. I especially love the converted ambulance and the decorated Vespa!
What a beautiful and fun wedding! I adore the style! I love all the details, especially the canvas tents!
Looks like this was an absolutely fun wedding!
I love that their ambulance is included! My partner and I live in our van and of course she was at the wedding. We used Gertie to hang up all the string lights haha
Ok that looks like the best time! Fire eaters mandatory at weddings from now on!
Mendocino is one of the most beautiful places in the world! So lucky to
Shoot there! Amazing job capturing the love and energy that day 🙂
Looks like a fun and beautiful wedding!! Currently drooling over the food!
These are so fun it looks like such a great party, they have so much style
I love all of the personal touches the added to make their wedding unique to them.
What a beautiful and fun wedding they had! I love all the colors they used in their details and her dress is beautiful!
This looks like an epic day!!
Such a beautiful California Wedding! It looks like this whole crew along with the bride and groom were really fun!