Jessica and Kevin's destination wedding was incredible, but what's more incredible is what they had to go through to get to that day. A tropical storm in Cabo threw off the flight plans of so many guests while Jessica and Kevin and several other guests had to hunker down in the resort and wait out the storm. It could have been a disaster (or Dyess-aster as they called it), but the storm cleared up in a couple days and everyone was able to make it down to Cabo in time for the wedding. Everyone was treated to perfect weather on wedding day, there was a game of beach volleyball before everyone got ready for the sunset ceremony. Kevin and Jessica exchanged vows that made pretty much everyone cry, but I think my favorite part was watching them dance together. They are such goofy, fun-loving people who have been together for so long and are still very much in love, and I think they showed all that off in the coordinated first dance and the awesome party that followed. The consensus at the end of the weekend was that if Kevin and Jessica could weather Tropical Storm Lidia, they can weather anything that comes their way!
Nancy & Zack /
Nancy and Zack's wedding was incredible! I've known Nancy since middle school, so it was so crazy to see her get married! With Nancy being the youngest of three sisters, I think all her family members also felt that is was crazy to see her get married. It was a day filled with happy tears from pretty much everyone involved, but especially from Nancy and Zack. Through their intimate first look, the words in their vows, and the way they were so happy to be near each other whether is was on the dance floor or posing for pictures, it was very obvious that this was the happiest day of their lives and they really are the loves of each others lives. I don't think we could have asked for a more beautiful day, a more colorful sunset, or a more fun dance party provided by the live wedding band, The Junebugs!
Sandra & Trevor /
I was so excited when Trevor and Sandra asked me to photograph their wedding in San Diego! We took some really cool engagement photos in the snow this past winter (like IN a snow storm!) so it was a nice contrast to take their wedding photos next to the ocean. They did so much coordinating with all the details and making sure all the out of towners got to where they needed to be. My favorite parts were Trevor's face when he first saw Sandra, their dog Thor as the ring bearer, and the traditional Mexican dance, La Vibora de la Mar, where all the men joined hands and ran around the reception hall, ducked under a "bridge" of Sandra's veil held up by her and Trevor, then ended the dance by tossing Trevor into the air! Sandra and Trevor are so different in height, but their personalities compliment each other so well and it was so great to see the beginning of their lives together.
Nikki & Alex /
Nikki and Alex pulled off their wedding with just a few months of planning and it was beautiful! The wedding was held at Alex's parents' home on Shasta Lake and family and friends came together to transform the yard into the perfect wedding site complete with an arbor overlooking the lake, yard games, market lights and a hand made bar and hand made cocktail tables. My favorite little detail was the cake topper on the wedding cake. It was a custom made clay figurine of Nikki and Alex with Nikki in a speedboat and Alex waterskiing. It was perfect for them since it was the waterskiing club at UNR that first brought them together. Nikki is one of the friendliest people I have ever met so it's no surprise that she was the one to, as Alex's parents put it, bring a quite guy like Alex out of his shell. These two are so adventurous and they really know how to maximize the free time get have in Alex's busy med school schedule. I think that's why they were able to pull off this wedding so flawlessly!
Sally & April /
I am so glad I was able to photograph Sally and April's wedding. Not only was it in an incredibly beautiful place, and not only were they super into nature and national parks like me, but they really knew what they wanted from their wedding. They focused on the meaningful and fun aspects of the wedding rather than worry about insignificant details that end up driving some couples crazy. They were willing to walk around in the dirt with me to take photos which always makes me happy and got us some really cool and unique shots. April and Sally planned this wedding from their home across the country and then moved to the other side of the country and dealt with a bunch of other things in the weeks leading up to the wedding. But it didn't dampen their spirits on their wedding day. That's probably a good indication that they found the right person; someone who doesn't just stand by you on the best day ever, but someone who will stand beside you no matter what happens.
Shelby & Charles /
Shelby had told me a little bit about the things she had planned for her wedding, but I had not expected how incredible everything looked once it came together! When I got to the Tannenbaum, there were a bunch of family and friends busy setting things up and getting all the details in place. There were hand made signs, lanterns, flowers and rose petals everywhere. There were three dessert tables topped with a cake, cupcakes and mini apple and peach pies. We had beautiful blue skies during the ceremony and colorful clouds and a rainbow at sunset. Shelby and Charles are high school sweethearts and they exchanged tearful vows during the ceremony, happy to finally be married after all these years together.
Lisa & Elliott /
Lisa and Elliott's was such a blast for me to photograph! Not only was the location amazing and the decorations beautiful, but I knew a lot of the wedding party and guests and it was so fun to capture their happiness. Lisa and Elliott have been together for 10 years and, as many people mentioned in their toasts, their wedding day has been a long time coming and everyone was happy to be finally be celebrating their marriage. The toasts were actually my favorite part of this day. Lisa and Elliott had so many long-time friends attend their wedding, several of whom gave toasts. It was a real testament to Elliott and Lisa as people and as friends to hear everyone sharing stories from their years of friendship, even the story of when Elliott and Lisa first started dating.
Location: Granlibakken Lake Tahoe Planning: Liane McCombs Flowers: Petal to the Metal
Hair & Makeup: La Di Da Beauty DJ: Last Resort DJs Photobooth: Pic Box
Videography: Tony Castaneda Films
Karen & Kevin /
I've been looking forward to Karen and Kevin's wedding since I first talked to Karen on the phone. Karen and Kevin planned a wedding in Janesville, California all the way from their home in Hawaii. I could tell Karen had such a special vision for their wedding and so many family and friends in Janesville came together to make that vision a reality. They helped with hair, makeup, flowers, decorations, set up, everything! The wedding was held at Karen's parents' house. Leading up to the wedding Karen's dad carefully tended to a beautiful garden full of flowers. They had all the children at the wedding line the aisle and blow bubbles as Karen and her dad walked down to the alter and then again as Karen and Kevin walked back up. But my favorite part of this wedding was when Karen did the father-daughter dance wither her dad. As the song started to play and they started to dance, a recording of Karen's voice came on over the song and she was talking about her dad and how happy he makes her and how grateful she is for him.
Amanda & Stephen /
I've known Mandy since elementary school so it was crazy to see her get married! She and Stephen fit so well together, they were constantly making each other smile the whole party. Between Mandy's family and friends and Stephens family (who I met last year when I photographed his brother's wedding) I got to photograph so many familiar faces which always makes my job more fun. My favorite part was that Mandy actually choreographed a dance for her and Stephen to do for their first dance! I always knew Mandy was a good dancer, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Stephen too is a great dancer! I assume most of it is natural talent, and a little bit of Mandy's teaching ;)
Location: Red Hawk Golf and Resort Flowers: Sparks FloristHair: Jane Mariluch, Studio Bloom
Makeup: Elise Brodsky, Smoke & Blush Dress: Swoon BridalDJ: Do Well Events
Kristen & TJ /
Kristen and TJ's wedding is the first I have been able to photograph at the Nevada Museum of Art and it was amazing! Their decorations made the Sky Room look like a rooftop garden party. The views were amazing and we were treated with a gorgeous sunset. Every part of this building, from the walls outside, to the stairs, to the sculptures were all so picture perfect. My favorite part was after the ceremony, we got to go into the galleries to take some photos. It was so sophisticated and unique. I've known Kristen for a long time and it was so cool to see her get married, especially because it was to a guy as sweet and kind as TJ.
Location: Nevada Museum of Art Flowers: Asher & Ash Floral Design DJ: Moonlight Mobile DJ
Hair: Linda Wright Makeup: Sarah Tate-Crowder Dress: Alfred Angelo
Ana & Derek /
Ana and Derek are a very special couple. As Ana said during their vows, they are very different in many ways, but also so similar. It's something I first noticed while taking their engagement photos. Their heights for one are quite different, but they are the kind of couple who can talk to each other in jokes and looks and single words. The cinderella reception theme was simply stunning with silver pumpkin carriage centerpieces, pumpkin place cards, a Lego Cinderella castle and an elegant cake fit for a king and queen. The glow of the mountains in our photos and the glowing photos we got with sparklers added to the magical feel of the day. But nothing was quite as special as Derek's expression when he saw Ana walking down the aisle. It was hands down the sweetest reaction I have every seen from a groom looking at his bride. It's just a small example of how much these two truly love each other.
Shelby & Will /
Shelby and Will's wedding all came together so beautifully. Shelby planned every little detail all while living out of state. So many things turned out picture-perfect: the sword arch at the end of the ceremony, the reception hall with it's gold and ribbon accents, the hand made cookies, the sparkler exit, and Shelby and Will themselves both looked so elegant. But my favorite parts of this wedding were, firstly, the speech Will made during the reception about the night he first met Shelby. He recalled what she was wearing, what they talked about and how taken he was with right away. And my second favorite part was when Will's fellow Navy men serenaded Shelby with the Righteous Brothers "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." It was like something out of a movie ;)
MacKenzie & Carlos /
When an American girl falls in love with a Costa Rican man, the best thing to do is throw an awesome beach wedding in Costa Rica! I was so grateful to accompany MacKenzie and Carlos to Tamarindo, Costa Rica for their beautiful wedding. Partly because it was such a gorgeous and exotic place, but mostly because MacKenzie and Carlos are two of the most generous, thoughtful people I've had the pleasure of working for. The love between them is so obvious and tangible. MacKenzie and Carlos met while MacKenzie was working in Costa Rica, where Carlos is from, and they currently live in America. Despite the distance, for the American family as well as the Costa Rican family, so many friends and family made it down for this wonderful celebration. Which was a good thing because family members and friends played huge roles in the wedding. MacKenzie's aunt and cousin decorated the cake with hand crafted sugar flowers and succulents. MacKenzie's friend did her hair, makeup and was the English speaking officiant, and Carlos' cousin was the Spanish speaking officiant. I think MacKenzie said it best in her vows. That a life split between two families in two different countries speaking two different languages is bound to be messy, but it's absolutely worth it.
Lyndsi & Ryan /
It was such a beautiful day to be at Lavender Ridge Reno. Every year this venue does big projects and adds little touches that make my job of capturing the beauty so easy. And the flowers provided by Sparks Florist matched the lavender decor perfectly. Lynsdi and Ryan made my job so easy too because they were just so chill, so happy, so willing to get close and kiss for intimate photos and so ready to party! Their first dance was to 'Don't Stop Believing' by Journey, and as the DJ put it, you know it's going to be a good party when that is the first song! Secret Sevice Catering provided the perfect party food (pizza!) and Lyndsi's grandmother actually made and decorated the cake herself (photo below!). My favorite party of this day was when the best man was giving his speech and he mentioned how acrobatic Ryan. Then, he said he thought he might be able to convince Ryan to do a standing back flip, and Ryan stood up where he was and he actually did it! Dress clothes and all!
Venue: Lavender Ridge Reno Flowers: Sparks Florist Dress: Alfred Angelo
Caterer: Secret Service Catering
Katherine & Thomas /
I hope I can find words to do Tom and Katie's wedding justice since it's was almost too good for words (luckily there are plenty of photos if I can't find the words)! Red Carpet Events did a spectacular job setting up a glamorous event with clear tents, billowing drapery, and chandeliers at Tom's parent's house which has an unbeatable view of the Reno skyline. Derby Supply Co. came to the house and gave the groom and all the groomsmen haircuts and straight razor shaves, a nice way for the guys to feel relaxed and looking good the same way the bride and bridesmaid do with with hair and makeup. Ladida Beauty did a great job hair and makeup, as always, and Katie looked so stunning, her father cried when he saw her. During the reception, the videographer Jessi Lemay and I noted how the father daughter dance between Katie and her father was one of the sweetest things we'd ever seen. The only thing that might have been sweeter was seeing Tom with his and Katie's daughter and the way she always reaches for him, snuggles up to him and smiles at him. One of my favorite parts of the whole night was when Tom's grandfather got our his accordion and played a few songs as Tom and Katie danced along. It's a family tradition for him to play at all the family weddings and it was so much fun to see and to photograph.
Event Planners/Coordinators: Red Carpet Event and Design Barbers: Derby Supply Co.
Hair & Makeup: Ladida Beauty Dress: Swoon Bridal Party Rentals: Camelot Party Rentals
Flowers: St Ives Florist Signage and DJs: Do Well Events Catering: Roundabout Catering
Cake: Isabel's Bakery Live Band: Kyle Rea Music Videography: Jessi Lemay
Stephanie & Aaron /
Stephanie and Aaron were the perfect couple to get married in one on my favorite spots in town, Galena Creek Park. One of their wedding colors was forest green which LOVE, especially in forest venue! Stephanie and Aaron love the outdoors and they love to fish (their ring box was a little wooden boat!) and they love teaching their adorable son to appreciate nature too. My favorite part was during when they did a sand ceremony (two sands of different colors are poured by the bride and groom into a vessel), but what was so special about this one was that their son had his own color of sand that he was able to add to the vessel too!
Venue: Galena Creek Fish Hatchery Hair: Amy Asteriadis Food: Roundabout Catering
Lauren & Kyle /
So many people and businesses came together to make Lauren and Kyle's wedding an absolutely beautiful event, but I don't anything was as beautiful as Lauren and Kyle themselves. They are two of the most genuinely sweet and kind people I've had the pleasure of working with. They are high school sweethearts and have been together for nine years. Everyone's speeches included praise for Lauren and Kyle as individuals and confidence in their strength as a couple. Though it's hard to choose a favorite part of this day, I it would be the sparker send off. At the end of the evening, Lauren changed into her mother's wedding dress and for the grand exit and it couldn't have been more magical!
Venue: Edgewood Tahoe Event Planners: Blue Sky Events Flowers: Thran's Flowers DJ: Lake DJ
Hair: Carly Gurinskas, Courtney Elcano, Lokal Salon Make Up: Jennifer Ergut, Kiss & Make Up
Officiant: Jackie Phillips
Shelby & Travis /
Last year I went with Shelby and Travis to David Wally's Hot Springs Resort to take engagement photos. It was really neat for them to be able to display those engagement photos at their wedding and to take photos in the same places on their wedding day. Shelby and Travis were so fun to photograph. They are so fun and funny with each other, they were constantly making jokes and cuddling up to each other which made it very easy for me to capture genuine smiles from them. I don't know if I've ever photographed two people with such big smiles on their faces the entire time! These two have been together for a long time, and it was very evident how happy everyone was that they were finally able to tie the knot. Congrats Shelby and Travis!
Alison & Scott /
I am so grateful that I was able to photograph Alison and Scott's wedding. It was a beautiful day and the event took place at The Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley, California. Formed in 1902, The Outdoor Art Club's mission is to preserve the natural scenery of Mill Valley and the surrounding country. You can imagine how beautiful the grounds of a clubhouse dedicated to preserving the beauty of nature were. We had no shortage of perfect photo spots. Alison's and Scott's dads officiated the wedding together. Alison and Scott had no idea what their dads were going to say during the ceremony, but they certainly did not disappoint. After a friendly competition where each dad talked about why his kid was the better of the two, they each talked about what marriage has meant to them in each of their lives. In honor of all their guests, Alison and Scott made donations UNICEF and The National Park Foundation. It was such a cool idea and a truly meaningful party favor.
Nicole & Kiel /
As the bridesmaids and groomsmen said in their speeches, Nicole and Kiel are two of the sweetest, most pure of heart people you could meet. My favorite part of their story is involves a bench on the UNR quad. This bench is where they met up to go on their first date, it's where they'd meet in between classes. It's where Kiel told Nicole to meet him right before her proposed to her at the Mackay statue. We took engagement photos at that bench and at the end of the wedding night, we went to the bench and took photos in their wedding attire. I hope they are able to go back to that bench for years to come and remember how it all started.
location: The Grove videography: Barrel 9 Media cake: Dee's Bakery dj: Sierra Pro Events