Switzer Farm Wedding | Caitlyn + Lana

Gorgeous Switzer Farm Wedding on the Mendocino Coast

Found on the gorgeous North California coast, Switzer Farm is by far one of my favorite wedding venues I have ever photographed.

The location is a restored 1884 Victorian farmhouse, sitting pretty atop 22 private oceanfront acres directly above the wild pacific. And if you’re hoping for a backdrop that’ll take your breath away, the unobstructed ocean views are simply stunning.

The couple opted for my Wedding Weekend package, which is becoming my favorite to shoot. This included time for a pre-wedding session, rehearsal dinner, and day-of wedding coverage. Being with guests for the entire weekend gives them more of a chance to spend time and get comfortable with me. One of the main benefits of getting married at Switzer Farm is being able to book the location for the entire weekend, with up to 25 guests staying on site, allowing for multiple days to be spent with friends and family.

WEDDING TIP: Consider hiring a cover band! This couple hired a cover band for their wedding and the dance floor was packed the entire night. I’ve photographed several weddings with cover bands and they really get the party going. I mean who doesn’t want to scream sing Mr. Brightside with 100 of their closest friends??

From the couple…

“One of the biggest reasons for our decision to book Switzer Farm is that we view our wedding as a day to celebrate with our community, and Switzer Farm would allow our families and friends to join in one location over an entire weekend, not just one night. We very much would like our wedding to have that communal feel. Caitlyn's family is from the South and while Lana was raised in California, her extended family lives in Europe. As such, we will have people coming from all over the world, literally, for our wedding. We were very interested in finding creative ways to put a unique spin on our wedding. While we will be having a Christian ceremony, as a queer couple we aren't tied to any part of a "traditional" wedding as a mandatory if it doesn't feel authentic to us and our relationship. And to be honest, we feel a sense of responsibility as a queer couple, and perhaps the only queer wedding that some of our guests may attend, to shine a light on the beauty and depth of our commitment to each other. Basically, like most couples we wanted our wedding to be a reflection of us.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hi, I’m Catalina Jean - a destination wedding photographer servicing Oregon, California, Mexico and beyond. Nature, minimalism, dark shadows, real emotion all make my heart skip a beat.

Getting hitched? Check out my work and reach out to learn more.

Venue: Switzer Farm // Coordinator: Sonya Houston // Event Designer: Matt Rowland // Videographer: Danny Klimetz // Paper Goods: Danielle Bleuse // Florist: Khamoor // Cover Band: Lucky Devils Band // Catering: Feast Mendocino // Bakery: A Sweet Affair // Suit: Spoon Tailor in SF // Dress: Oscar de la Renta // Hair: Jennifer Alfaro // Make-Up: Teresa Graves