Mendocino Wedding Photographer

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ALBION RIVER INN | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2011-12-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

Under The Bridge.

Collin and Laura shared a story book wedding under the last standing wooden bridge in California. Fog rolled by as they exchanged their vows and first kiss. The reception was casually elegant at the Albion River Inn's restaurant. All was perfectly sweet right down to the sweets table and Laura's berry jam reception gift.

"It was such a pleasure having you photograph our wedding!" ~Laura

Location - Albion River Inn

Flowers - LR Farms

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | PACIFIC STAR WINERY | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2011-07-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day! Sunshine, big rolling fields, dramatic coastline, seaside rocks, and a whole lot of family. Drea and Jay's wedding was full of family, friends, and fun.

"Oh Cassandra! These are just amazing!!!! Thank you for making everything so easy and natural for us on our wedding day!!! " ~Andrea

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | CONTENTO VINEYARD | HOPLAND, CALIFORNIA

2011-07-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

A wedding is about more than flowers, white gowns, giant cakes, and lots and lots of pictures. It is even more than the joining of two people. It is often about the merging of two families (sometimes more than two). It is also marriage of beliefs and cultures. Victor and Caitlin's wedding was very indicative of this as they danced among the grapevines of their Mendocino Vineyard Wedding.

"They are lovely!" ~Caitlin and Victor

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ELK COVE INN ELOPEMENT | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2011-06-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

A Rainy Morning.

It had rained on and off the last few days leading up to their big day. Agatha woke up to a heavy downpour that threatened to move her seaside elopement in-doors. Then the clouds parted and gave us this spectacular afternoon sunshine.

"Cassandra, we LOVE these! Thank you so much!"

Ryan + Agatha

Location - Elk Cove Inn

Officiant - James Sibbet

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | CASPAR ELOPEMENT | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2011-06-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ocean Kissed Wedding Dress.

It is a unique bride that longs to play in the waves of cool Northern California sea in her wedding dress. Lindsay is a unique bride. I had so much fun making these portraits with her and her handsome groom Jarod this past weekend. Love and happiness!

"The pictures are great!"

Jarod + Lindsay

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ELOPEMENTS | NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

2011-05-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

   The lovers, they come from near and from,
   Alone in the dewey mist of the coastal sunsets.
   I am so lucky to bear witness to the tender, whispered promises,
   So heartfelt and so true.
   From these memories in the making
   Images are created to solidify the moment.
   Just breathe,
   I'll remember for you.

Eddie and Stephanie

"The pictures are amazing. Thank you so much!" ~Stephanie

Location - Elk Cove Inn

Officiant - James Sibbet

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | THE FIRST OF 2011 | ELK, CALIFORNIA

2011-03-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

A beautiful beginning to a new year. David and Marissa had a beautiful ceremony next to the groves, cliffside at the Little River Inn's White Cottages. It was a foggy saturated morning that broke just a few short hours before the wedding, leaving the air streaked with golden mist. Just magical! This was a day that was truly indicative of just what makes Mendocino an amazing place to live, visit, or get married in.

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | 2010 COLLAGE | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-11-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

40 Weddings and a Photographer.

What an amazing year. Barefoot on the beach, sudden blooms of wildflowers, gluten-free cake, paper flower bouquet, ring "bear", home brew, rainbow weather, charcoal graffiti, vegan catering, handlebar ride, champagne on the rocks, cherry tree, Blushing Roulettes, belly dancers, vintage style, Cypress Grove, white, yellow, gold and red gowns, tuxedo shorts, fedora, kettle drum solo, butterflies, starfish tide pool, windswept, German love, amazing lace, driftwood, black sand, and so much joy.

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ART OPENING | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-10-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

SOULFUL ABUNDANCE

"SOULFUL ABUNDANCE is the theme for this eclectic exhibit set for October. It will draw on diverse traditions of Harvest, Day of the Dead, All-Souls Day and more into a lively celebration! Work by 15 local artists will be complimented by open installations of TREASURE BOX ALTARS & MASKS created by community members."

I have a piece in four parts that will be a part of this show. This is the first personal work I've shown in a very long time and I am super excited. The opening reception is a part of "Second Saturday Art Walk in Mendocino" October 9th, 4-8pm. Come on down to see a really fabulous mix of artists work and have a glass of wine with me!

October 2010 Exhibit at Odd Fellows, Mendocino

This is a FLOCKworks show, A Local Nonprofit aimed to support the creative spirit of Community

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | GLENDEVEN INN | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-09-23T23:19:00.000-07:00

Wildflowers of Mendocino.

I love being a wedding photographer in Mendocino! Everyday, every wedding is as unpredictable as the sudden bloom of a field of wildflowers along the side of a hill.

Beauty by Amy Wall of Mendocino Beauty

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | OZ FARM | POINT ARENA, CALIFORNIA

2010-09-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Timeless Love.

Life begins when you're in love
You have the whole world before you

When you've found the one

The only one to love and adore you

And when you learn the sigh of it

The long of it, the cry of it

Life begins when Cupid wins

And you're in love

~Billie Holiday

Beauty by Amy Wall of Mendocino Beauty

Hair by Kali DenBeste

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ELOPEMENT | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-08-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Good Day Sunshine

Good day sunshine, good day sunshine, good day sunshine

I need to laugh and when the sun is out

I've got something I can laugh about

I feel good in a special way

I'm in love and it's a sunny day.

We take a walk, the sun is shining down

Burns my feet as they touch the ground

Good day sunshine, good day sunshine, good day sunshine

Then we'd lie beneath the shady tree

I love her and she's loving me

She feels good, she knows she's looking fine

I'm so proud to know she is mine.

~Lennon-McCartney

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-08-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

MORNING HARVEST

Little red jewels hidden amongst the tall grass. Sunken treasure with leafy tops. Sweet scented blossoms, the gusts of honor for tomorrows tea parties. And the little fairies the share in the bounty.

A beautiful morning at home in the backyard...

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ELOPEMENT | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-07-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

A really beautiful elopement. Here is just a taste. There is much more to come...

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | STANFORD INN BY THE SEA | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

VEGAN LOVE

A small intimate affair in the edible gardens of Stanford Inn by the Sea just south of the Village of Mendocino. Everything was so tasteful and so very lovingly humane.

The pictures are beautiful - thank you! ~ Bryanna

MENDOCINO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

2010-07-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Whoo Hoo!

I love my job.

Engagement Portrait | Mendocino, CA

2010-06-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Soul Train

I had such a crazy good time making these pictures with the amazingly adorable Wendy and Jason. Such a stylish couple! I am so looking forward to their wedding. And the creative force that is Sonya (and her fabulous daughter) of Mendocino Weddings.

WOW!!! AMAZING!! SO stoked!! Really great. Thanks!! You rock!
[huge grin] ~ Jason

Holy cow! I'm not sure how to start - we loooooooove the preview pics!!!! Jason kept exclaiming how much he loves them and "boy, did we find the best photographer or what?!!". Thanks so much, Cassandra! Makes me giddy just looking at them! :D ~ Wendy

Picnic Styling by Sonya, Mendocino Weddings
Flowers by Mendocino Floral Design
Transportation by The Skunk Train

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Mendocino, California

2010-04-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Just You, Me and This Old Barn

Liz and Randy had their wedding at Liz's parents house which has just been newly built and the gardens lovingly detailed specifically for their Big Day. The couple seemed like old friends and very much in love. Everything about the day was easy. The bride was beautiful the ceremony spiritual, the four children that made up the wedding party, so well behaved, the champagne flowed and lots and lots of kisses. But photographically, my favorite part of the day was this great old barn next door. It made for such a fabulous backdrop for the couples first portrait.

Incredible, fall inspired floral arrangements created by the wonderful Rosa of L&R Farm

"Thanks for the pictures! They look amazing... We really enjoyed having you there. Thanks again! Liz"

Details

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Cypress Grove | Mendocino, California

2010-04-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our Love Will Change The World

Lisa and Philip are extraordinary people with enormous hearts, and it showed through all day long at their wedding. Their friends and family, the simple spirituality of their ceremony, the ease of their laughter and the creative spirit that pervaded their celebration.

Amazing event planning and coordination by the ever so talented Sonya of Mendocino Weddings. Beautiful flower arrangements created by the warm hearted Rosa of L&R Farm

"These pictures are absolutely magnificent... We are so thrilled and overjoyed by how beautiful they are... Thank you so much... Philip and I are so grateful that you were the wedding photographer... You are so talented, and have such a calming, beautiful presence about you!

With much love and gratitude, Lisa"

Getting Ready

The Wedding

Reception Details

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Mendocino, California

2010-03-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

It takes a Village
Evan and Brian are truly Mendocino locals. Their families go back three generations! So this really was a Village Wedding. Everyone pitched in, including a close friend of the family, and extremely talented florist, Khamoor of Mendocino Floral Design. The couple proudly drove Brian's restored hotrod that he'd worked on since they had met in high school, to their reception at Crowne Hall. What a fantastic machine, it parked beautifully beside the stunning Evan in her vintage box veil (love it!).

"The pictures are beautiful! Thank you."

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Benmore Valley Ranch | Lake County, California

2010-03-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

The Westival
Lauren and John had such a cool wedding. They blended their love of music with their love for each other, creating an all weekend long experience called the Westival (wedding+festival). It was so much fun! And wow is Benmore a neat place. They rented the entire property including a couple of small lakes, several houses, a great big barn for the reception and some vineyards to explore. Really amazing!

"These are fabulous! I love how you captured all of our friends, the events. It's a nice mix of candids and action shots. :)
Thanks again! --Lauren"

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Harbor House Inn | Elk, California

2010-03-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Mendocino Elopement

George and Kelie had a very personal ceremony performed by James Sibbet, out in the gardens at the Harbor House Inn in Elk. I luv this location! Elk is like the edge of the world and the gardens frame and display this site perfectly.

This elopement was perfect, of course, because it was created specifically for them by the very talented Sonya of Mendocino Weddings, complete with gorgeous bouquet and the too cute, wedding cake made for two.

"The pictures are beautiful!! We are so very pleased with them. --Kelie"

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Oz Farm | Point Arena, California

2010-03-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

A Match Made in OZ

John and Cheryl had a really natural and heartfelt wedding next to the Garcia River on the Oz Farm property in Point Arena. Really an amazing location for anyone looking for an earthy and personal affair. The cabins are rustic but really beautiful, the barn and orchard are so sweet and the grounds offer it all- river, forest, gardens, etc. I am really looking forward to my next wedding at OZ.

"We LOVE the photographs! They are so beautiful and you really captured the feel of the day and place. Thank you so much! John shed a few tears while we were looking at them.
Thanks! Cheryl"

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Mendocino Wedding Photographer | Elopement | Mendocino, California

2009-08-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Come Away with me

Christina and Ron had such beautiful and heartfelt elopment at the Cypress Grove. High key and full of love it was hard not to get caught up in the moment with them. Candace Moore performed the ceremony at the edge of the cliff overlooking the rough and rocky coastline surrounding the Mendocino Village.

"Cassandra,

We will cherish our wedding day forever not only because of how we feel about each other, but also because of how you captured and documented those moments so intelligently through your art and craft. That's why we chose you. Your photos show realism and spontaneity, yet are rich with romanticism and emotion. Perfect.

Thanks again.
Sincerely,

Ron and Christina Linzy"

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

The Dahlia's in Full Bloom

2009-08-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Erika and Jesse were gifted a beautiful sun-shiney Mendocino Coast day for their ceremony in the Dahlia Garden at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden's . A picture perfect wedding coordinated by Sonya of Mendocino Weddings everything was seamless and detailed to the nines. The bright dahlia's offered an awesome backdrop to the multicolored theme. Everyone looked like flowers as they sipped champagne after the ceremony.

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

I Get Misty

2009-08-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Felicia and Nien had an intimate wedding in Little River. Set on the dramatic cliffs at the Mallory House, the vibe was easy but the emotions high. It was a very Mendocino day, thick with fog and mist that dappled the brides sweet face as she and Nien took their vows.

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Down Home Mendocino Wedding

2009-08-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Kristin and Jack had a real home wedding Mendocino style. Set on Jack's family property just a few miles up from the Village. The bride was vintage elegant dawning a box veil and the groom dressy casual decked out in slacks and a tie with cons on his feet. Local folksy band Blushin' Roulettes crooned at the reception as everyone enjoyed a potluck buffet on picnic benches, under paper lanterns.. All around very homey and very cool!

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Beauty by Amy, Mendocino Beauty

Event Rentals by Matt, Matt Rowlands Events

Flowers by Rosa, LR Farms

Cake by Sharon, Mendo Cakes

Mendocino Love

2009-07-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Some people fall in love with Mendocino others find love in Mendocino. Erin and Simeon are two Mendocinians that have been so lucky. Their wedding was very much a local affair. The ceremony was set aloft the cliffs overlooking the entire village and the reception was held on the Fensalden Inn property on Navarro Ridge.

"These are great, Cassandra! We love them! I love them! How marvellous."

~Erin

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

A European Elopement in Little River

2009-07-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Mendocino is where European's dream of eloping. At least for these two Scots. I just love elopements. They are so singularly intimate.

Rebecca and Brian coordinated their elopement through Little River Inn and chose to do the ceremony at Van Damme State Beach.

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Converts

2009-07-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Tam and Matthew were such a fun couple to work with. Tam is so naturally elegant and Matthew so straight forward and real. The camera loved them! And of course I love shooting at the spectacular Sea Ranch Lodge.

"These preview photos are AMAZING! Matthew, my husband was against a professional photographer, but now you have completely turned him around. He is so impressed and keeps saying how he can't wait to see the rest." --Tam

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

An Architects Dream Wedding

2009-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and Gerry chose to have a simple wedding with only their immediate family and their best friends, but there was nothing simple about the locations in Sea Ranch they selected for their ceremony and reception. The ceremony took place in the ultra organically designed Sea Ranch Chapel. It looks like something out of Antoni Gaudi's portfolio. The luncheon reception was held at St. Orres Inn and Restaurant. Two very dramatic backdrops!

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Origins Pregnancy Boutique in Mendocino

2009-07-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

The amazing Amy Davis has opened Origins Pregnancy Boutique in Mendocino. Besides the fabulous birth and newborn essentials, Amy is offering 3D and 4D ultrasounds and local resources for all pregnancy and new born services in Mendocino County.

Not to mention, she has exceptional artistic taste as she is featuring my photography and portrait services in her store. Here are the current images I have hanging.

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

This is Amy and her undeniably beautiful children.

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Unbearable Lightness Of Being

2009-06-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Caitlin and Jeff are such very cool people. Their wedding was something straight out of a Hollywood set. The pictures I made naturally lent themselves to my creative darkroom and movie poster design background. I am having a whole lot of fun with the post production.

I must say, Caitlin's dress was absolutely amazing and let me tell you the girl wore that dress! The attention to detail was awesome and the love overwhelming from both the couple and all their nearest and dearest. The ceremony and reception were held in the meadow behind the fabulously retro Jughandle Farm.

"These photos are AMAZING!! We are so eager to view more!"
~Caitlin, the bride

"These look incredible!"
~Jeff, the groom

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

"He suddenly recalled the famous myth from Plato's Symposium: People were hermaphrodites until God split them in two, and now all the halves wander the world over seeking one another. Love is the longing for the half of ourselves we have lost." --Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera

Love Mendocino Style

2009-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Summer and Ben are such a fabulous couple! They chose a private and intimate weekend getaway to Mendocino for their elopement. Thanks to the kind people at the Harbor House Inn in Elk for sharing their beautiful gardens and beach with us, we were able to create some very sweet portraits.

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Meet Me By the River

2009-06-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Rebekah and Jason had a true country wedding as can only be had in Mendocino County. At the Wellness Center in Philo there are cabins and everyone stays there to share in a full weekend of fun and celebrating. Surrounded by beautiful grounds with meadows and hikes and even a private river beach, it was such a fun wedding!

"There are so many beautiful pictures in here! Thank you for doing such an amazing job -- you really captured the day perfectly! I really love the pictures and think that we really lucked out by finding you."

~Rebekah

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

An Intimate Cafe Beaujolais Wedding

2009-06-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Treva and Chris are a delightful couple, full of natural and genuine warmth. They chose to share a small and incredibly intimate wedding at Mendocino's local favorite country french restaurant, Cafe Beaujolais, attended only by their parents, siblings and Chris's adorable niece. After the ceremony in the lush gardens, we explored the headlands and played in the wild flowers.

I love Spring in Mendocino!

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Beauty Styling by Mendocino Beauty

Flowers by Mendocino Floral Design

Jana and Paul's Mendocino Vow Renewal

2009-05-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

There is something so inspired about re-marrying your beloved spouse. After ten years of real life with your partner, when you speak the vows to one another again, they take on a new depth defined by truly understanding what they mean and who you are saying them to. I loved being witness to this couples renewal. There was so much honesty and joy between Jana and Paul. They are a couple happily in love. Is there anything more beautiful?

love, love, love...

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Mendocino Wedding Published as Feature Vegan Affair

2009-05-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Katie and Dan's Mendocino wedding has been published in this May/June edition of VegNews. They had a spectacular vegan wedding at Harbor House Inn in Elk, California. The article features several of my photographs, but just for fun I'll share a few more favs from the day.

(Katie and Dan's, second column/second down, and both on right-side of page)

Photography by Cassandra, CYoungPhotography.com

Beth and Ron's Elk Wedding

2009-05-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

Beth and Ron were married at the oh-so-quaint Greenwood Community Church and the reception followed across the street at the Elk Cove Inn among the lush gardens perched on the cliffside.

It was a gorgeous day and definitely a family affair; Beth's daughter stood as maid of honor, while Ron's three son's were his groomsmen. I really enjoyed creating photographs documenting the coming together of this new family!

"The photos are nothing short of stunning. I cannot thank you enough for capturing these moments for us. You have a true gift and we are so very lucky you have shared it with us. You are amazing."
Beth

Photography by Cassandra, CYoung Photography

MAUREEN and MIKE, Cypress Grove, Mendocino

2009-04-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous Mendocino elopement atop the cliffs at the Cypress Grove. What an amazing day!

Photography by Cassandra of CYoung Photography

Congratulations Maureen and Mike!

The Season is Off to a Beautiful Start

2009-04-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Cassandra,

Thank you very much for the kind words. The pictures are fantastic! The black and whites in the cypress grove are amazing.

Best wishes for a great season this year!

Chris and Sandra

SANDRA and CHRIS at the Cypress Grove

2009-04-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Sandra and Chris eloped last week on the windy cliffs hanging over the rough coastline at the Cypress Grove. It was a really sweet ceremony performed by James Sibbett. Unbenowst to me I was crawling around in a beautiful patch of poison oak while photographing the ceremony! Thankfully, I didn't break out and the shots I created were well worth the risk

Photography by Cassandra of CYoung Photography

"Hi Cassandra,

Thank you very much for the kind words. The pictures are fantastic! The black and whites in the cypress grove are amazing.

Best wishes for a great season this year!

Chris and Sandra"

Keeping Busy Off-Season

2009-03-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

I found this little fairy in the enchanted forest in my backyard...

How lucky am I?!?

Photography by Cassandra of CYoung Photography

BE-YOU-TEA-FULL!

2009-03-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

It's pouring rain and I'm enjoying some local wine and cheese by the fire with really good old friends. I thought I'd pause to share a little piece of my paradise with you.

Just beautiful!

Photography by Cassandra of CYoung Photography

What makes a beautiful bride?

2009-02-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Every bride is beautiful, but what makes a bride breathtaking? Is it the dress? Is it the diamond? In the 50 or so weddings I've been to, here is what I have observed... Quite simply, Joy. Giving yourself over to the pure joy of the moment that your wedding day has to offer shines through in every way. Do what it takes to let go of all your stress and worry on your wedding day- hire a coordinator or appoint a trustworthy friend to carry the burden of trying to make your perfect day more perfect.

A truly happy and in love woman is never more beautiful.

Photography by Cassandra of CYoung Photography

Styling by Amy Wall of Mendocino Beauty

Andy and Vivian's Renewal

2009-01-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Andy and Vivian's vow renewal. We walked along the headland adjacent from Main Street and made our way down to Big River Beach. It started out as a bleak and drizzly stroll, but they didn't mind and were having a good time exploring the coastline. In a short time the sky opened up exposing a dazzling blue sky and shimmering sun. So beautiful!

Photography by Cassandra of CYoungPhotography

Who is Cassandra, Mendocino Wedding Photographer

2009-01-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

Choosing a photographer is such an important decision as he or she is right there with you, intimately capturing the memory of your beautiful wedding day. Your photographer should be someone who's work you love but also someone who's company you enjoy and get on with like a friend.

So this is me and what matter most to me in the world....

...and my loving, best friend and husband Milo, of course. Someone had to hold the camera.

It was a wild adventure that finally led me to Mendocino. After studying fine-art photography at Humboldt State University and San Francisco State University, I began my professional life in San Francisco working as a fine-art and commercial photographer. I assisted and did the custom darkroom printing for some of the biggest names in american photography. Images that I printed hang in museums and galleries around the world. This is how I developed my ability to create technically perfect images in both exposure and composition. After burning out on the darkroom (one can only spend so much time alone in a small dark space breathing caustic chemicals) I embarked on a career in graphic design. After working in presentation design with fortune 100 companies world wide I found my way into Hollywood designing movie posters for the top studios. Working in graphics required that I become a master with manipulating photographs on the computer. Retouching, airbrushing, stylizing, you name it- I can do it. From there I adventured on to high end advertising in New York working with various clients such as Jaguar, 7up, US Army, Burger King. After a couple of years working 70 hours a week, my first daughter was conceived. I knew I wanted to be a very involved parent and that advertising, although very glamorous, wasn't where my talents were best utilized. And so CYoung Photography was born.

I am now able to marry all my professional and artistic experience into digital photography. My final photographs are to the quality of magazine ready, so that they are as perfect as your memory of your wedding will be.

So why Mendocino? Quite honestly, of all the places I have traveled and lived, Mendocino is the most beautiful. I am so lucky to be able to raise my family in a place that allows nature to coexist, a village to escape commercialism, and children to be children for as long as possible. It is a place that fosters love, kindness, and individuality.