Some love stories are so beautifully intertwined with nature and adventure that their wedding day feels like stepping into an enchanted forest. Stephanie and Michael’s wedding at the Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California, was exactly that—an intimate, fairytale celebration framed by towering Redwoods, heartfelt moments, and personal touches that radiated so much love and joy.

Stephanie & Michael’s Love Story

Stephanie and Michael’s story began where many epic tales do—at college in the Boston area. Well, at least this one does. And while Boston became their home, Stephanie always knew her heart would pull her back to Northern California, at least for one day. When it came time to celebrate their wedding, there was no question: they would promise forever to each other in the Redwood Forest, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

As self-proclaimed (but lovingly denied) nerds, Stephanie and Michael share a deep appreciation for nature, fantasy, and adventure. They’re the kind of couple who thrive in any environment, whether exploring a hidden corner of the world, diving into a competitive board game at home or binge-watching movies with their senior cat, Maja. Their bond is built on unwavering friendship, communication, and the shared belief that no one could ever be prouder of them than each other—and isn’t that what love is all about?

An Unforgettable Proposal

Early in their relationship, Stephanie jokingly declared a rule: “You can’t propose until we’ve been dating for at least five years.” True to her words, the pair took their time, savoring each stage of their relationship—and when the five-year mark finally came, Michael began crafting a proposal as unique as their love.

Under strict “Stephanie-approved” guidelines (no public displays, nails done, and warm weather), Michael planned to recreate their first date at a Boston café and bookstore. But life had other plans, and after catching Covid, his perfectly laid-out timeline needed a last-minute pivot. Instead, he proposed in the lush garden of a friend’s Victorian home in New Hampshire, catching Stephanie completely off guard. Stephanie’s joy and excitement were so overwhelming that Michael had to repeat the proposal question—talk about a memorable “yes”!

Like their love story, the proposal was beautifully personal and perfectly imperfect. Months later, they hosted their engagement celebration at Trident Bookstore, the site of their first date—a full-circle moment that brought their journey together back to where it all started.

The Benbow Historic Inn: A Sanctuary in the California Redwoods

If you’ve never been to the Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California, let me paint you a picture. Nestled in the heart of the Redwoods, this stunning Tudor-style inn feels like stepping into another world. Its charm lies not only in its architecture but in its tranquil surroundings. The inn sits cozily beside the Eel River, providing breathtaking views and the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding.

For Stephanie and Michael, this venue was a sanctuary. Flying in from San Francisco, stepping onto the inn’s grounds felt like a deep exhale—a chance to pause, soak in the magic, and get lost in the serenity of the towering Redwoods. The Benbow Historic Inn offered a perfect blend of comfort, beauty, and ease, from the cozy welcome dinner with tacos and margaritas to the luxurious accommodations that housed their closest loved ones.

One of the many perks of getting married here is the seamless ability to host your ceremony and reception on-site. The outdoor spaces, framed by ancient trees, lend themselves to breathtaking ceremonies, while the inn’s interiors offer a warm, inviting atmosphere for receptions. Add in the charm of the inn’s history, its attentive staff, and the peaceful hum of nature all around, and it’s no wonder Stephanie and Michael chose this haven for their wedding day.

A Northern California Wedding Day Full of Heart

From the moment I arrived at the Benbow Historic Inn, Stephanie and Michael made me feel like family. That warmth and intentionality set the tone for their entire wedding weekend. The day before, they hosted a welcome dinner where their loved ones mingled over tacos and margaritas, sharing stories and laughter that hinted at the joyful celebration to come.

The morning of the wedding was calm and intentional, just as Stephanie and Michael had envisioned. They got ready separately, surrounded by their closest friends and family, but the excitement in the air was palpable. 

When Stephanie stepped into her gown, she looked like something out of a fantasy novel—a woodland fairy with an effortless glow. Their first look by the river was one of the day’s sweetest moments, filled with laughter and happy tears. And as the Lord of the Rings soundtrack played in the background (a nod to their favorite trilogy). We wandered through the forest, capturing moments that felt both cinematic and deeply personal. The redwoods’ ancient presence added a sense of timelessness to the day. Despite the threatening rain, the skies held off, allowing the greenery to shine in the photos.

Then to the vows! Stephanie and Michael’s wedding ceremony was as heart-tugging as it was unique. They chose to walk down the aisle together—a beautiful tribute to their partnership and equality. Surrounded by the surreal scenery and their dearest friends and family, they exchanged vows that had everyone wiping away tears. It was a moment that felt sacred, like it was meant to happen exactly there, under those towering trees.

Celebrate Your Own Way

If the ceremony was emotional, the reception was pure joy. Stephanie and Michael pulled out all the stops to ensure their guests felt included and appreciated. Cocktail hour featured delicious wine from Stephanie’s dad’s Napa Valley winery and a special Norwegian liquor that quickly became a guest favorite. Dinner engaged all the senses, with whimsical florals by Tranquility Lane adorning the tables and a songbook for guests to sing along, paired with shots of “Snaps.”

The evening reflected their vibrant, fun, and loving personalities. After their beautiful first dance, Steph changed into a sparkly dress, and a live band kicked off the party. The night ended with “Crazy Hour,” with hats, wigs, confetti cannons, and nonstop joy. It truly felt like a fairytale celebration.

If you want a unique wedding experience without going full elopement mode, Benbow Historic Inn is the best of both worlds: you can host a traditional wedding celebration and embrace the beauty of nature and the spontaneous adventure it inspires.

Redwoods California Wedding Vendor Team

Wedding Coordinator | Morgan Soderberg @SavantGardeEvents
Venue | @BenbowHistoricInn
Swedish Chef & Desserts | Marcus Randevik @strandhotellet1927
Florist | Donna Lovatto @TranquilityLaneFlowers
Band | @MercyAndTheHeartbeats
Photography | @IasisKennedyPhotography