Nicole and Brendon were about ready to give up on an online dating site when they found each other. This virtual connection proved strong, because the couple soon became an item. Fast forward to October 2014, when Brendon proposed during a visit to the Point Cabrillo Light Station on the Mendocino Coast. “While taking photos by the cliffs, he asked a stranger to take our photo,” shares Nicole. ”He then popped the question from one knee.”
When it came time to plan their wedding, the pair knew they wanted guests to enjoy a stay at Dodasa Ranch for the weekend. Adds Nicole: “We also wanted to be sure we took time to ourselves to take in each moment.”
Though they only had six months to plan the event, the bride says the short window actually helped make the experience breezy. “It was easy to make decisions and not obsess over every detail,” she says. “Our favorite time was the last week before the wedding. It was fun seeing everything coming together just as we had imagined.”
Nicole and Brendon exchanged vows in a short and sweet ceremony under one of Dodasa Ranch’s old oak trees. “We had our close friend officiate, and we wrote our own vows to one another,” she says.
Guests moved on to the reception at the ranch’s beautiful pole barn. “It was the perfect setting,” recalls the bride. “A fire going in the huge fireplace, long farm tables, rustic chandeliers and the cutest sweetheart table.” There were many memorable moments at the reception, including the best man’s speech, but the cake ceremony seemed to, well, take the cake. “Brendon surprised me with a face full of it!” she says. “Although, I’ll admit it made for great photos.”
But if you ask the couple what really mattered most? “Our vows to one another,” they say. “Along with dancing with our guests.”
—Darren Elms
