Mendocino Garden Wedding at Yokayo Ranch

When COVID hit and ultimately postponed their wedding, Jenna and Ryan decided to make the most of it. They took their van, affectionately named Lucy, and hit the road for a four-month cross-country road trip. After their adventures, they returned to the Bay Area. When it was finally time to say their “I do’s”, they just knew they wanted to maximize their time celebrating with their loved ones by throwing a community-oriented wedding weekend.

Jenna and Ryan hosted their wedding weekend at Yokayo Ranch in Ukiah, CA. Yokayo Ranch has a rich and varied past, including being a fraternity at one point, meaning there is a ton of onsite lodging. With the capability to accommodate their closest family and friends for an entire weekend and its serene Mendocino garden vibe, Jenna and Ryan knew it was the perfect place for their long-awaited nuptials. Jenna, Ryan, and their bridal party all got ready on site. The bridesmaids wore gowns of varying hues of blush to dusty rose. Ryan and the groomsmen paired tan jackets with white button-downs, black ties, and black slacks. Jenna was stunning in a simple silhouetted gown with a detailed lace bodice. Once everyone was ready, it was time for Jenna and Ryan to do their first look before the ceremony.

As guests arrived on the warm summer evening, they were immediately greeted with artisanal sorbet to refresh them before the wedding ceremony began. Jenna and Ryan let Yokayo’s ceremony space speak primarily for itself. The site is among a lush garden full of California native plants. They adorned the existing archway with a spray of their wedding florals in hues of cream, blush, sage, and pops of pink. The ceremony was sweet and heartfelt—quite a few guests found themselves wiping tears away. With their vows exchanged, and the new union sealed with a kiss, it was time to celebrate!

We made sure to capture photos with Jenna and Ryan’s families, their bridal parties, and a few extra special guests. Cocktail hour was in full swing by the pool, where pizzas were being freshly wood-fired for guests to enjoy. Jenna and Ryan joined their guests and then danced their way into the reception as the new Mr. and Mrs. The entire evening was hosted outdoors from dinner to toasts, cake cutting, and dancing.

It was important to Jenna and Ryan that their wedding reflects the sense of community they want to carry into their new life together. Many of the vendors were friends, friends of the family, and Mendocino county locals. There were also so many special touches to mark the day as uniquely Jenna and Ryans. Instead of a traditional guest book, they requested their guests bring and sign a copy of their favorite record for the couple to enjoy. They also had their van Lucy onsite to serve as a photo booth for their guests.

Jenna and Ryan’s wedding had the intimate feel of being hosted in a backyard summer garden while benefiting from the fantastic accommodations Yokayo Rancho and their selected vendors had to offer. All their personal touches throughout their wedding made it an event that I am sure Jenna, Ryan, and their guests will remember fondly for years and years to come.