Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

The <a href="https://www.gardenbythesea.org/about/news/%3C?php%20echo%20Paths-%3Eroot;%20?%3E" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens</a> is in Fort Bragg, California and overlooks the sea. Fort Bragg is about 3.5 hours away from the San Francisco Bay Area. We encourage you to make this a weekend trip to take advantage of everything this area has to offer. The botanical gardens themselves are expansive. When we first visited, we didn't believe the guides when they said we might not be able to see the entire garden in the hour left before closing. Many of the plant collections will be in full bloom in August. Each guest will receive a ticket to the gardens for the day and can arrive early before the ceremony to explore. All of the events will take place outdoors. We're constantly monitoring COVID guidelines and will take them into account when seating and placing guests.

The Venue

A mere 5 minutes away from the venue. In a convenient location close to lots of restaurants.

Noyo Harbor Inn Restaurant and Tavern

Only minutes away from the venue. We have set aside a small block of rooms here. Please call (707) 964-1100 and ask for "Cathy Shyong Wedding." The number on the website will just take you to Holiday Inn central booking so you will not be offered the special rate so be sure to call directly.

Holiday Inn Express Ft Bragg

About 10 minutes away from the venue in charming downtown Mendocino by the water.

MacCallum House Inn

A fun option for (slightly) more adventurous guests, this glamping campground is cozy and comfy.

Mendocino Grove Campground

A charming luxury spa resort, about 15 minutes away from the venue. A good option for those looking for a more luxe accommodation.

Heritage House Resort & Spa

A gorgeous, luxury option ~30 minutes away from the venue. Even if you don't stay here, you can try the Michelin starred restaurant.

Harbor House Inn

There are a number of stay options on AirBnB and VRBO that may be suited for larger groups or families.

AirBnB/VRBO

Accommodations

Every time we're in the area, we always stop by Princess Seafood for the Dungeness crab sandwich. They also have a large variety of fresh seafood that they can store on ice for a lengthy trip back.

Princess Seafood Market & Deli

Russian Gulch is just one of many state parks along the coastline that are worth stopping by for a hike and the view. There are beaches and bluffs all along Highway 1 to explore!

Russian Gulch State Park

For the more adventurous with more time, there this company has sea kayak tours along the coastline to explore caves and spot sea lions.

Kayak Mendocino

Trek through the redwoods or Mendocino bluffs with llamas and enjoy a fancy picnic with them.

Lodging & Llamas

Fortunate Farm is an inter-generational family farm that grows heirloom vegetables and flowers in the small town of Caspar in Mendocino County. Shop for produce and flowers, visit with the farm animals, or check out the yoga classes on the farm.

Fortunate Farm

The only winery on the beautiful Mendocino Coast bluffs. Drop in, taste their wines, and learn about their way of making wines in this unique seaside location.

Pacific Star Winery

Mendocino is a smaller hamlet compared to Fort Bragg. This coastal town has several tourist amenities, including a chocolate shop and other shops. Nearby is also Mendocino Headlands State Park, which is good for a nice walk.

Downtown Mendocino

The Park's 2.5-mile Ecological Staircase Trail traverses one of the most interesting geologic areas in the area. Our favorite part is the dramatic beach with a sweepign view of the coastal bluffs and rickety wooden bridge built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Check out the Parks page for hike suggestions depending on how long you have to explore the area.

Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Things to Do

Bridesmaids


Monica is one of Cathy's closest friends from high school. Monica lives in Manhattan, New York. Her hobbies include enjoying chocolate, globe-trotting, and selling clothes online (keeping it eco-friendly!). In 2018, Cathy and Monica trekked to Colombia on an adventure together. When Cathy needs to talk through a big life decision, Monica is always there.

Monica Shih


Diane is another of Cathy's close friends from high school.  Diane is a connoisseur of designer bags (and designer pastries). Diane and Cathy often go on food adventures in the city to try the latest pop-up restaurant. Cathy often goes to Diane when she needs an enabler for a big shopping purchase! But Diane is more than that--she's also a sympathetic listener and supportive friend. 

Diane Vu

Eve and Cathy met in college in Economics and Chinese class (that's how Cathy knows Eve's Chinese name) and held potlucks together. They have a tradition of traveling every Halloween to a new locale. You can sing karaoke with her virtually on Smule or watch her viral cat videos on TikTok.

Eve Lei

Peggy and Cathy were roommates at UCLA. In their last year of college, while Cathy studied for the LSAT, Peggy made it her mission to party at least four days a week. Cathy and Peggy found common ground in cooking Asian food, going on annual girls' trips, and being extra for photos. Peggy's always there to plan a fabulous event or trip to make Cathy feel special!

Peggy Sin

Groomsmen

Corey is Aaron's younger brother, which meant that he spent many formative years as Aaron's punching bag. Nonetheless, he grew up to be the coolest person Aaron knows. After departing for colder climates for college, Corey has been living in Seattle most of the last decade. Although they only see each other a few times a year, Corey and Aaron are excellent travel partners and co-adventurers. One day, Aaron will figure out what Corey's job is--something with computers, maybe? 

Corey Chan

As incredulous as it sounds, Brian met Aaron playing football during recesses after he moved to California in fourth grade. Their friendship was cemented when Brian caught a pass from Aaron for the winning touchdown. Since then, they've had their ups and downs, including (mild) acts of domestic vandalism, two shared jobs involving minors, and two years as roommates at UCLA. Brian's adventures in parenting his two young kids in LA inspire Aaron for the future, when he hopes to be as good a dad as Brian is. Their relationship these days mostly consists of late night co-op video games and complaining about comic book adaptations. 

Brian Kim

There was no better friend to make in New York City than Nicholai. He was so instrumental to Aaron's life in NYC that there's hardly a memory he has of those years that don't involve Nicholai. You can always count on Nicholai to have the appropriate hot take for pop and high culture. His multi-faceted counsel in every aspect of life has guided Aaron through countless triumphs and setbacks. Nicholai knows Aaron better than almost anyone, which makes him ideal for steering Aaron back to solid ground. 

Nicholai Joaquin

Tony is the self-described "enforcer." Although when he brought this up, Aaron thought this really was a great description for their relationship. Aaron could always count on Tony's support, even when Aaron made some questionable decisions. Fiercely loyal to his friends, Tony will always put them first, including the countless times he has graciously hosted Aaron at his restaurants. 

Cathy & Aaron

Cathy & Aaron

The Venue

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens