Weddings like Jisel & Abra’s are why I adore what I do. These two poured their whole hearts into every detail of their Holly’s Ocean Meadow wedding, creating a day that felt handcrafted, meaningful, and so full of joy. With the ocean breeze, a rainbow wedding party, and the most thoughtful rituals (like a warming of the rings!), it was a celebration that honored love, community, and connection in the most beautiful way.
If you’re dreaming about a Fort Bragg, CA wedding that blends coastal magic with personal touches, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
A Northern California Wedding Venue with Ocean Views and Heart
Holly’s Ocean Meadow is the kind of venue that makes you pause and breathe a little deeper. Nestled right along the Northern California coast, this gem of a space in Fort Bragg is a dream for couples who want an intimate, oceanfront wedding that’s still flexible enough for personal flair.
There are wide open meadows, towering trees, and that salty sea air you can feel in every photo. It’s truly one of the most special wedding venues in Fort Bragg, CA, and Jisel & Abra took full advantage of it, from seaside portraits to cozy getting-ready moments in the charming on-site house.
A Love Story Rooted in Environmental Sciences Class
Jisel and Abra met on the first day of Environmental Sciences Class at Mills College. It all started with Abra borrowing a pencil from the cute girl next to her, which of course was Jisel! A deep-seeded friendship grew and eleven years ago, they said their first ‘I love yous’ at the top of a very strenuous hike.
I was lucky enough to photograph their rehearsal/welcome dinner the night before, which was such a valuable experience to get to know them and the people they love most. The multi-generational warmth and love felt even just during this dinner was something I’ll never, ever forget.
Also, side note, I had a chance to eat food from Sons of Guam that was out of this world amazing!
Jisel and Abra’s Wedding Day at Holly’s Ocean Meadow
From the start, Jisel and Abra infused their wedding day with meaning and creativity. Every piece of décor, every floral element, every design choice felt like a love letter to who they are and what they value.
A few unique and personal moments that stood out to me:
- Their rings were passed around to their wedding guests as a part of a warming ritual ceremony. This way, their loved ones could wish all their love and good vibes on their wedding rings before the couple exchanged them with their vows.
- The bridefolks (wedding party) were dressed in a different color of the rainbow and were each lined up in rainbow order.
- The brides walked arm-in-arm with their mothers down the aisle, then split at the start of the aisle so their moms could walk down the aisle together, while they finished the walk down together as a couple.
Golden Hour Portraits, Colorful Joy, and the Best Kind of Reception Energy
As Jisel and Abra’s ceremony wrapped, the skies began to clear in the most magical way. It led us right into a beautifully sunny cocktail hour, dinner, speeches and reception. At that point, we were able to sneak away for golden hour portraits while the celebration continued on the dance floor.
Jisel and Abra poured countless hours into bringing their vision to life by creating giant five-foot flowers, an entire flock of paper cranes to hang above the dance floor, a delicate paper wisteria tree, and even a shadowbox welcome sign to greet guests with something truly personal.
Friends and family made the dance floor come alive and from setting tables, to stringing up decorations and cooking the wedding feast from scratch (we’re talking a whole roasted pig and rotisserie chickens!), the entire celebration was a heartfelt, hands-on labor of love from multiple generations.
From pulled pork for dinner from the roasted pig (which also served as late-night pork sliders during the bonfire), the food for this wedding reception was out of this world amazing.
Oh, and did I mention the impromptu runway walk on the dance floor to “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred? This wedding gave all the positive energy and more!
These wedding vendors went above + beyond for Jisel & Abra’s wedding day:
- Holly B. Rose Photography: Holly was my second photographer and captured this wedding with me so beautifully!
- Hair + Makeup: LeeCe Stylz
- Bartenders: Mendocino Outland
- DJ: DJ Shy
- Welcome Dinner: Sons of Guam BBQ
- Reception Dinner: Maddy Bills-Damron
- Desserts:
- Parfaits and Peaches by Maddy Bills-Damon
- Cupcakes and Cake: A Sweet Affair
Thinking of a Fort Bragg Wedding? Here’s Why Holly’s Ocean Meadow Is a Favorite Venue
If you’re looking at wedding venues in Fort Bragg, CA, I can’t recommend Holly’s Ocean Meadow enough. Here’s why it’s such a standout for couples like Jisel & Abra:
- Stunning coastal views
- Onsite accommodations and getting-ready space
- Perfect for intimate weddings or big DIY energy
- Great light all day and dreamy golden hour vibes
- Flexible for personal touches and inclusive celebrations
Whether you’re based nearby or planning a destination Fort Bragg CA wedding, this venue offers the kind of magic that sticks with you long after the dance floor closes.
Planning Your Own Wedding on the Northern California Coast?
As a Sonoma County wedding photographer who serves Fort Bragg, Mendocino, and all of Northern California’s wedding venues, I love helping couples tell their story in a way that feels personal, playful, and true to who they are.
Ready to chat about your day? Take a look at my wedding photography services here!
