Stanford Inn & Resort on the Mendocino Coast

Wedding Day

Fall

Our Wedding

Nina and Shea officially met in 2012, though their paths first crossed online around 2010. They met by chance, in the virtual world of World of Warcraft. Nina had joined the game at a friend’s invitation, but was soon left to figure things out alone. Luckily, she found her way into the right guild at the right time, and that’s when she met Shea. Shea immediately noticed that Nina’s character was outfitted in all the wrong gear and, clearly realizing she had no idea what she was doing, kindly reached out to help. What began as a simple in-game gesture turned into a real-life friendship. Over time, that friendship deepened into something more; through late-night chats, long video calls, horror movie marathons, binge-watching TV shows together, and merrily trolling strangers online as a rogue duo. Shea often sent Nina care packages and roses while she was still living in Texas, sweet reminders of his growing affection. One of their first real-life adventures as a couple included visits to Disneyland and Catalina Island, creating memories they still treasure today. In November 2012, after visiting Shea in California twice, Nina made the big move from Texas to live with him. Since then, they’ve built a shared life filled with love, resilience, humor, and companionship. Together, with a shared love of horror movies, dark humor, nerdy mischief, and surprise rogue attacks, Nina and Shea forged something wonderfully real. Their bond grew not just from romance, but from friendship, kindness, and an ongoing commitment to show up for each other, in-game and in life. On October 4th, we invite you to witness the next step in their story, a celebration of their union, surrounded by a small group of cherished loved ones. (Fun fact: in World of Warcraft, a “guild” is a team of people who work together to complete quests and support one another, something Nina and Shea have been doing ever since.)

From Guildmates to Soulmates

Our Story

Photos

We’re not having a traditional wedding party—no bridesmaids, groomsmen, or formal roles. It’s just the two of us, surrounded by the people we love most, celebrating together in the way that feels most like us.

Wedding Party

We've gathered answers to some common questions to help you feel relaxed and prepared for our wedding day. We hope this guide makes it easy to enjoy the celebration, whether you're wondering what to wear or where to park. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Q + A

If you're having a difficult time finding hotel accommodations, I would suggest renting out an Airbnb.

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites offers a selection of 51 romantic guest rooms. Our Garden Suites rest on two acres surrounded by botanical gardens of the original Heeser House Farm Building dating circa 1878. In our Garden Suites they are fitted with fireplaces, Italian marble vanities or private porches with panoramic views of the gardens. The Garden Suites are configured with a king, queen or double bed options, and select rooms are fitted with sleeper sofas. Each of the guest rooms includes complimentary WiFi, blackout curtains, a telephone, and Garden Suites rooms have televisions, coffee pots and irons with boards. These rooms are larger and more suited for families. All pet friendly rooms are located in our Garden Suites.

Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites

Seagull Inn Bed &amp; Breakfast enjoys a location in Mendocino, 4.1 miles from Point Cabrillo Light Station and 6.9 miles from Sea Glass Museum. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is within 7.3 miles of the bed and breakfast. Featuring a private entrance, the bed and breakfast allows guests their privacy. At the bed and breakfast, units are fitted with a wardrobe. Free Wifi and a private bathroom are available to all guests, while selected rooms come with a DVD player. At the bed and breakfast, every unit includes bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the garden. Popular points of interest near the bed and breakfast include Mendocino Art Center, Temple of Kwan Tai, and Highlight Gallery. The nearest airport is Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, 92 miles from Seagull Inn Bed &amp; Breakfast.

Seagull Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Headlands Hideaway is a private vacation retreat that is a separate experience from the Inn and tucked away in Mendocino Village. You are welcome to come to the inn for afternoon tea and freshly baked cookies.&nbsp; The Headlands Hideaway includes a comfy king-size featherbed, full bath&nbsp;with jetted tub, gas fireplace, and a private sun deck with village views. A TV, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker are in the room for your convenience. Children and pets are allowed in this room (pets require a $50 cleaning fee). A continental breakfast is included in your stay and arrives a little after 9 AM. The Hideaway is also within walking distance to restaurants if you prefer a full hot breakfast.&nbsp; Rates starting at $225Please add 11% local Hotel tax.

Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Stanford Inn, Historic Farm &amp; Eco-Resort offers a holistic and enriching experience that combines luxury, sustainability, wellness, and natural beauty, creating a magical and memorable stay for its guests.

Welcome to the Surf Motel &amp; Gardens in Fort Bragg, CA. We invite you to stay in comfort in our updated rooms with cable TV, free wireless internet and a continental breakfast. Our property has extensive landscaping and you’ll find some color in the gardens year-round. Enjoy our gazebos in the middle of our gardens!

Surf Motel & Gardens

Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg by IHG

Baymont by Wyndham Fort Bragg

Travel

On Main Street in Mendocino, this historic home and museum is a popular tourist attraction that transports visitors back to the 1800s. The home once belonged to Jerome B. Ford, a lumber industry magnate credited with the early development of Mendocino. Today, the Ford House Museum is now on the National Historic Register. On display throughout the well-preserved home are artifacts and exhibits detailing what life was like in Mendocino a century ago, including a model replica of the city circa the 1890s. Other exhibits detail the lumber and logging industry that built Mendocino, and the original townsfolks that gave the village its initial charm. The Ford Museum is open seven days a week and doubles as the Mendocino Visitor Center. More information about the city, including local events and seasonal attractions, are available through exhibits and the friendly staff. The Ford House Museum also sits on the inland edge of Mendocino Headlands State Park, featuring a sprawling bluff trail buffering the city from the ocean. Hours: Open 365 days a year, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Ford House Visitor Center & Museum

Step back in time for a magical ride through the redwoods on the world-famous Skunk Train. Since 1885 the historic Skunk has made its way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through spectacular tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon. Today’s riders enjoy the same pristine views that have remained largely unchanged for well over a century.

The Skunk Train

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG) is a premier example of ornamental horticulture, nestled along Northern California’s rugged coastline. Located on the ancestral lands of the Northern Pomo peoples—past, present, and future— the Gardens span 47 breathtaking acres between historic Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its stunning plant collections, rich history, and commitment to conservation, MCBG is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.&nbsp;

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

This State Historic Park occupies a spectacular headland extending out into the Pacific. There is a parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse. Enjoy the half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings.&nbsp;Note: there is parking for disabled persons in front of and behind the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House (the first residence) at the bottom of the hill. There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. Please use established trails and keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. As you stroll down this road, the Point Cabrillo Light Station is arrayed before you. The Light Station includes: ... our Lighthouse, which is an active duty Aid to Navigation, containing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens ... three restored Lightkeeper homes; the first house is a period museum of a lightkeeper’s house in the 1930s; the other two houses are comfortable vacation rental homesthe restored Blacksmith &amp; Carpentry Shop, which houses the Marine Science Exhibit with its 240 gallon saltwater aquarium ... three restored storage buildings behind the residences; two of these have been converted to lovely vacation rental cottages, the other is a public restroom The main floor of the Lighthouse, the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House and the Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round. The State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The main floor of the Lighthouse is dog-friendly.

Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park

Access to Glass Beach is from a wide path starting from the parking area on Glass Beach Road a couple blocks west of Highway 1 on West Elm Street. The lot is signed Noyo Headlands Park and is managed by the city although most of this land is part of MacKerricher State Park. If you find glass on the beach, leave it there, so it can be there for years to come for others to enjoy.

Nina & Shea