The Road to the Lost Coast | A Stormy California Wedding at Castle Inn of the Lost Coast

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The Road to the Lost Coast

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to fly out solo to Northern California to film my friends Jesse and Purple’s wedding overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the breathtaking Castle Inn of the Lost Coast.

Nestled along one of the most remote stretches of California’s coastline, the Lost Coast is known for its rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and endless ocean views — and ironically, it almost never rains there. But on this day, nature had other plans.

A completely random, once-in-a-decade storm rolled through, turning the sky into a cinematic canvas of fog, mist, and rain. 🌧️ Instead of dampening the mood, it made everything feel even more intimate and electric. Friends and family gathered under umbrellas and tents, laughing through the downpour, fully present for every second of Jesse and Purple’s love story.

The next day, we returned to Black Sands Beach, where the sun finally broke through. The contrast between the stormy skies and the glowing coast made the footage absolutely breathtaking — a perfect reflection of their strength, connection, and calm through the chaos.

A Song Written for Love

One of the most special parts of this film was the soundtrack. Jesse — who also happens to be the lead singer of a heavy metal band — had written a song years ago for Purple titled “Rescue.”

He sent me a custom version of the song before the wedding, and I decided to build the entire edit around it. I also reworked some of his live performance vocals into the film, syncing every beat and lyric to their story. It was one of the most challenging but rewarding edits of my career — an emotional fusion of love, music, and memory.

To make it even more powerful, violinist Earl Maneein (@dethviolin) created a stunning custom violin version for me in just one day. His interpretation added a haunting, beautiful tone that tied the entire film together.

A Friendship Behind the Lens

Another huge part of what made this wedding so special was working alongside photographer Kevin Wilson (@kevinwilsonnyc). Every once in a while, you meet someone you instantly click with — someone you know will be in your life for years. Kevin was that person. His artistry, professionalism, and calm presence made the long, stormy day flow effortlessly.

A Love Worth Weathering the Storm

There are weddings that you film and weddings that stay with you. This one — Jesse and Purple’s — will stay with me forever. From torrential rain to glowing sunsets, from live music to laughter echoing down the coast, it was everything I love about filmmaking and storytelling rolled into one unforgettable experience.

To Jesse and Purple — thank you for letting me be part of your story. I can’t wait to share even more from this incredible weekend later this year. ❤️

Vendor Team

Venue: @thecastleinnofthelostcoast
Officiant: @leroy.leach
Planner: @porphyraphilia
Photographer: @kevinwilsonnyc
Musicians: @dethviolin, Ryan Sunagawa & Jesse Leach
Music: “Rescue”
DJ/Host: @mattstocksdj
DJ: @jay_rogers_iv
Fire Performer: @lola.strange
Bridal Shop: @sophiasierrastudio
Decor: @stsrentals
Bar: @palomacelebrations
Florist: @jessicastroetzel
Bride Makeup: @makeupasalbypratixa [@linhartistry]
Bride Hair: Leeza Koirala
Bridesmaids HMU: @personifybridal
Best Man: @jefflucky13
Groomsmen: Adam Dutkiewicz, Joel Stroetzel, @mattstocksdj, @mikecellemme, @aaron_leach76, @bensawyerrealtor
Maid of Honor: @_aworldofmyown
Bridesmaids: @dyannemueller, @lola.strange, @gigggless, @chasingthewhiterabbit12, @julessmariee3, @lady_p_enney
Mother of the Groom: @sharhisgoodnes

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