Weddings

If you know me pretty well, you know that I scaled back my weddings before the times of Covid for several reasons. One of those reasons is just the time involved to edit these bad boys! However, I will occasionally shoot weddings as long as my schedule allows…and sometimes you JUST HAVE TO for your very good friends! That was the case with this amazing Idle Hour wedding in Lake Tahoe.

My friends Alex and Devon were supposed to get married in 2020, but you know what I’m about to say. Due to the pandemic, their wedding was rescheduled for August of 2021.

What no one could predict, on top of a pandemic still raging on, was that there would be a horrific forest fire gobbling up parts of Lake Tahoe during their new wedding date.

Luckily, their wedding was set BEFORE the mass evactuations in Lake Tahoe began. So we squeezed their wedding in pretty much at the last minute! Can you beleive it?!

As much as the wildfire smoke was horrendous, I am glad that their wedding didn’t have to be rescheduled AGAIN.

I had the BEST TIME celebrating my two friends and capturing the special moments of their wedding day. Below are just my top favorites from their Idle Hour wedding in Lake Tahoe, which I had an impossible time narrowing down for a blog post!

Please join me in saying CHEERS, Alex & Devon! Congrats a million times!!!

Lake Tahoe Wedding Vendors:

Photographers: Jentry Dryden (Fifth and Chestnut Photo Co) & Talia Ybarra Neckels
Venue: The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe
Dj: Joe Metzgar Mobile DJ
Officiant: JP Harrison
Hair and makeup: RAH Hair Studio
Dress: David’s Bridal
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Enchanted Florist
Catering: Exquisite Grill Catering
Cake: Lake Tahoe Cakes
Rentals: Tahoe Elevated Events

Jessica & Jonathan’s romantic Disney wedding in at Serenity on the Rocks will have you smiling ear to ear!

Serenity on the Rocks

Their wedding was the first official wedding at Serenity on the Rocks in Glenshire, CA (as a new wedding venue available for bookings) and I feel so lucky to have been a part of that!

Serenity on the Rocks was the perfect mountain setting for Jessica and Jonathan’s end-of-summer Disney themed wedding day. This wedding site has it all – waterfalls, paths weaving throughout the property, a beautifully landscaped ceremony area and amazing views of the surrounding Sierra Mountains.

Romantic Disney Wedding

I absolutely adored the meticulously executed Disney details! When you walked into the reception area, it felt romantic – red roses and green garlands…gold mercury glass. But when you looked closer, you realize the very detailed, yet subtle, touches of Disney magic.

I was so blown away by the table naming & decor. And the signature drinks? Seriously…just SERIOUSLY.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

I love chatting wedding decor & details, but what makes every wedding special are the connections that the couple shares with the people who arrive to celebrate their special day. From the very moment I began capturing moments alongside my second photographer, I felt the love – bigtime!

This couple truly cares about their people. And it really shows. It was amazing to capture special moments between Jessica and Jonathan, and also with their friends and family.

Capturing Once-in-a-lifetime Moments

During dinner time, the sun was setting FAST and lighting up Mt. Rose in a LITERAL shade of Rose. We set up one light off-camera, brought J & J in and BOOM – I got the shot. Several, actually – but I got THE ONE. And that always makes my day as a wedding photographer.

The reception toasts were hilarious and heartwarming. One of the toasts especially had a TON of entertainment value as the MOH and the bride’s sisters serenaded the entire reception with Disney songs with the lyrics changed to tell J & J’s love story. It was amazing. AMAZING.

Oh, and did I mention the bounce house for the kids? SO FUN. Their day was filled with fun touches like that – that made it special for everyone.

I could honestly talk on and on about this incredible wedding, but I should really let the pictures do most of the talking – so enjoy just a few from J & J’s day…it was incredibly hard to narrow down my favorites for a blog post!

CONGRATS, Jessica & Jonathan, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your unforgettable wedding day!

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Serenity on the Rocks
Photographers: Fifth and Chestnut Photo Co. (Main: Jentry Dryden | 2nd: Kendall Price)
Day Of Coordination: A Beautiful Events Planning
Ceremony Arch: Manzanita Glow
Tent & Party Rentals: Eventmasters
Floral: Blake’s Floral Design
Catering: The Grille at Sawtooth Ridge
Hair: Aimee K Makeup
Makeup: Jennifer Ergut Kiss & Makeup, Makeup Studio Tahoe
Band: Bay Music – Wine Country
DJ: D. B. Weddings
Videography: BlackOpal Rose Photography
Dessert Bar: Unrefined Reno

I am SO excited to share Alexis and Tyler’s absolutely stunning fall Twenty Mile House wedding! It was especially lovely to end my 2018 wedding season with such a fantastic couple & such an awesome wedding.

I was also THRILLED to be back at the Twenty Mile House. I could probably shoot every future wedding there and be completely stoked each time. It’s just an incredible place, period.

Twenty Mile House Wedding

I love the brick, and old wood. The towering trees, the sound of the train rushing by. It’s so, so wonderful. But to photograph a couple there that is laid back, adorable and so completely in love? Well that is the BEST!!

Alexis and Tyler’s Twenty Mile House wedding was on a warm and sunny October day. As they prepared on the property, family could be seen walking back from their fishing trips, and the ring bearer and flower girl were running around being adorable (as kids are).

I was sooo happy that these two opted for a first look (my favorite!!) and seeing Tyler’s face as he saw Alexis for the first time that afternoon was a huge highlight of the day for me.

As the sun got lower in the sky, Alexis and Tyler exchanged vows, and walked across the train tracks for portraits by the river. It was the PERFECT time of day and I am in LOVE with their portraits during this time.

Soon it was time for dinner, toasts and dancing! Followed by cake cutting and the bouquet toss. Guests kept warm by visiting the hot chocolate bar (which is SUCH A GOOD IDEA). All you couples out there planning weddings – take note!

By  the time the evening came to an end, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much behind my camera. It was such a perfect day – and a perfect way to close my wedding season of 2018. Congratulations Alexis and Tyler – you two planned an AMAZING wedding day that your guests (and I!!) will always remember!

Below is just a snippet of my faves from their day <3

Graeagle Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Twenty Mile House
Hair & Makeup: Holly O’Brien
Floral: Gray’s Flower Garden
Dress: Blue Garter Bridal & Tux
Groomswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Catering: Southern Accent Catering
Dessert: Grandma Jane’s Place
DJ: Todd Reasor
Wedding Invites & Paperie: Shutterfly

Kirsten and Mark’s beautiful Zephyr Cove wedding in Lake Tahoe was AMAZING! They picked Zephyr Cove Resort for the beautiful views and beachfront setting. And their wedding date fell on a spectacularly sunny and warm spring day in Tahoe. It was truly one for the books!

Nevada Beach Engagement with Their Pup, Zoe

I photographed Kirsten and Mark’s engagement last year at Nevada Beach. There, I learned how important their newly adopted dog, Zoe, was to them and I was excited to hear that she would be in the wedding! You’ll see quite a bit of her in this post! It was there that I saw what a sweet and loving couple Kirsten and Mark are, too. They are great for and to each other – and are simply two of the most gracious and awesome people you could ever meet!

Preparations and First Look for Kirsten and Mark’s Zephyr Cove Wedding

We started the day at the cabins at Zephyr Cove Resort. While my second photographer, Kevin, was having a blast with Mark and his groomsmen, I was oohing and awwing over Kirsten’s amazing lace wedding dress and all of her other beautiful details of the day. My favorite part of the preparations was when I captured Kirsten opening gifts from her sister and her groom…I am SO glad I was there for those moments!

One of my favorite parts of any wedding day is the first look – and Kirsten and Mark’s first look was priceless – as you’ll see from the look on Mark’s face when he turned around and saw Kirsten in her beautiful dress. I loved capturing these first private moments for them.

After the first look, it was time for the wedding party to join us! Kirsten’s bridesmaids wore beautiful dusty/sky blue dresses, while the guys were dressed to impress in gray and white with custom embroidered belts. And of course, Zoe was adorned with the sweetest floral doggie collar. We also took care of all of their family formals before the ceremony so that Kirsten and Mark could enjoy their cocktail hour.

A Lake Tahoe Wedding Ceremony to Remember

Their ceremony was hands-down the most entertaining one I have witnessed as a wedding photographer. High five to their officiant, Bren Jimenez. I learned so much about Kirsten and Mark through their ceremony and the stories Bren told. It became even more apparent to me how perfect they are for each other. It was absolutely wonderful – especially with the gorgeous blue water of Lake Tahoe behind them the entire time.

Reception, Lake Tahoe Sunset and Familiar Faces

Their reception was filled with laughter and happy tears – from the entrances to the toasts – all the way to the cake cutting, dancing and epic lip sync performances. It was a lively and fun evening. A favorite moment was stepping down to the beach for some sunset photos where we got some cool shots of Kirsten and Mark with that vibrant Tahoe sky!

This wedding was incredibly special for me because I had previously photographed Mark’s brother’s wedding at the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe – you can check out Matt and Claire’s wedding here  (I am so grateful that they recommended me…that’s the absolute highest compliment)! There were so many friendly familiar faces to catch up with – and it was the BEST to see them again. It was especially fun to see all the babies that have been born in the last three years between family and friends.

Kirsten and Mark’s wedding day was simply the greatest way to start off my wedding season. I’m excited to show you just some of my favorites from their gorgeous Tahoe blue wedding in Zephyr Cove. Congratulations, Kirsten and Mark – I wish you the happiest of moments from now until forever!

Lake Tahoe Wedding Vendors:
Venue / Caterer: Zephyr Cove Resort
Coordinators: Lesley Goldwater and Juraj Sojka
Officiant: Bren Jimenez
Hair & Makeup: Greco Rose
DJ: Lake Tahoe DJ
Florist: Twine and Dandy
Desserts: Crazy Good Doughnuts and Pies
Second Photographer: Kevin Sawyer

Keri and Hunter’s country Galena Creek Fish Hatchery wedding was such an amazing family-centered celebration. So many details of their day were handled with the help of wonderful friends and gracious family members.

Keri & Hunter Join Lives Together at Country Galena Creek Fish Hatchery Wedding

You’ll see in the photos below that Keri & Hunter have a beautiful family already, but it was so heartwarming watching their daughter and Keri’s son come down the aisle as part of their wedding ceremony.

So many parts of their day were touching and special. I LOVED working with these two and the amazing  tribe surrounding them. A wedding is no small feat to pull together, but Keri & Hunter did it and made it feel like a real down-home gathering.

Their wedding was bittersweet for me, as it was the last of my 2017 season. But I am so thrilled that I could close my season out with such a loving and laid back couple!

Cheers to always & forever, Keri & Hunter! I’m excited to see your family again soon and capture the moments of your kids getting older!

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Galena Creek Fish Hatchery
Officiant: Suzy Whipple Sheldon
DJ: Erik & Courtney Swendseid
Desserts: Barb Newbrough
Rentals: All Occasion Party Rentals
Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo
Groomswear: Stafford & JC Penney
Second Photographer: Talia Ybarra Neckels
Photo Assistant: Isaac Hoops

This beautiful and bright fall wedding at The Grove in Reno was one of my last weddings of the 2017 season. It was also one of the most gorgeous fall days, ever.

Holly and Mike truly had a spectacular day full of so much love and laughter. And the thought they poured into their wedding definitely shows. There were so many sweet unique aspects to this wedding. You’ll see in the photos below how their wedding was so beautifully orchestrated!

Perfection during a bright fall wedding at The Grove

The Grove in the fall is absolutely amazing. I don’t think Holly and Mike could have chosen a more perfect day to say “I do.”

It was so special with the lovely fall foliage surrounding them, along with the crispness in the fall air.

I LOVED shooting this wedding and working with Holly and Mike from our original conversations, through their engagement and now their wedding.

Enjoy my favorites from their incredible day below!

Reno Wedding Vendors for this Bright Fall Wedding at The Grove:

Venue & Caterer: The Grove
Officiant: Carol Criddle
Hair & Makeup: La Di Da Beauty
DJ: Thunder and Lightning Mobile DJ
Florist: Serendipity Floral and Garden
Cake: Dee’s Bakery
Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo
Groomswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Basic Invite
Second Photographer: Kevin Sawyer
Photo Assistant: Colin Nicolai

Angie and Kyle chose to get married on the beautiful shore of South Lake Tahoe at Edgewood Tahoe this summer. And their Edgewood wedding was such an amazing day full of love, laughter and happy tears!

Their day started at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino where they prepped with their wedding parties, anticipating the celebration ahead! It was then that I found out from her mom that Angie and her twin sister’s original due date was February 14th. Same as my twin babies! It was a fun little way to start the day for me personally 🙂

At Edgewood, the guys did fun portraits on the beach and pier. The gals were photographed in front of the clubhouse and in a pretty little garden on the side of the golf course. My team and I had so much fun getting to know this wedding party and taking all the fun portraits before the gorgeous ceremony on the beach.

Edgewood Wedding on the Beach at Sunset

As the sun started to set, Angie and Kyle said their “I Do’s” in front of their very best friends and families. It was such a sweet and emotional ceremony. And I loved how the sun created a warm glow surrounding them.

After their beautiful ceremony, Angie and Kyle had a chance to bask in that late afternoon sun as we walked the beach for post-ceremony portraits. And not to toot my own horn, but I got my most epic sunset photo EVER during this time with Angie and Kyle.

Sidenote: It seems like most of my Tahoe weddings have lacked “good” cloudy sunsets that light up the sky. So thanks, Angie & Kyle for making all my sunset photography dreams come true on your wedding day 🙂

Rockin’ Edgewood Reception

When it was time to party…it was REALLY time to party! Angie and Kyle’s grand entrance included their first dance on a cloud (provided by Justincredible DJ), which was SO COOL. And after the toasts, dinner, dances, garter and bouquet tosses, the laughs continued on through the rest of the night as guests danced and enjoyed the photobooth.

It was SUCH a good time and I had an absolute blast photographing this amazing Edgewood wedding with my team. Congrats, Angie & Kyle – you two are an incredible couple and I wish you both and your families all the very best!

Wedding Vendors for this gorgeous Lake Tahoe Wedding:
Venue & Catering: Edgewood Tahoe
Officiant: Sue Carey
Hair & Makeup: Audrey Gravenstein
Dress: Lovely Bride
Groomswear: Michael Kors
DJ: Justincredible DJ
Photobooth: Incredible Party Booth by Justincredible DJ
Florist: Rose Petals
Cake: The Cork and More
2nd Photographer: Talia Neckels
Photo Assistant: Colin Nicolai

Paris and Andy’s beautiful Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch Wedding was SUCH a pleasure to photograph this September. It happened to be one of the hottest days of the summer, but that didn’t stop anyone from having the time of their lives!

I love finding out how people met – especially in the age of online dating. These two actually met on a ski lift in Salt Lake City…can you believe that? What are the odds that the love of your life might hop on a ski life beside you? Andy then proposed 7.5 years later at the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park. It must have been so romantic. If you’ve ever been there, you know how beautiful it is! The rest, as they say, is history 🙂

Paris and Andy’s Summer Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch Wedding

The day started as Paris and Andy prepared in their cabins at Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. After “icing” her bridesmaids (such a funny new tradition and I love it), Paris and Andy shared their first look. I’m always a fan of the first look, and theirs was held in a gorgeous corner of the ranch. I love their portraits from this part of the day.

Then, we brought their whole wedding party out for portraits and did family portraits before the ceremony as well. Speaking of their ceremony, you can see by the tears and smiles that Paris and Andy had amazing vows for each other. I have to admit I shed a tear or two during the ceremony.

The coolest part of their Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch wedding ceremony was how the horses were released to run behind the pond during the kiss. It sounded like thunder and it was more amazing than I could have imagined.

A gorgeous Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, it was time for dances, toasts and wild moments. I had a TON of fun capturing fun photos of the festivities. We also took a few moments to take some cool post-sunset portraits in the most beautiful soft light of the day.

This was a wedding day to remember and I am so excited to share just a snippet of my favorites from Paris and Andy’s amazing Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch wedding below! Enjoy – and cheers to Paris and Andy!

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
Wedding Coordinator: Cynthia Carreon at Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
Officiant: Russell Latham
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Christina Bowers at Sacred Salon
DJ and/or Live Musicians: Zeb Early
Florist: Ratanak Uch
Caterer: Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
Cake/Dessert Maker: Angela Sandlin at Angela’s Bakery
Wedding Rentals/Linens/Tablewear: Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
Wedding Gown Designer: Tara Keely
Bridal store: Bitsy Bridal
Groomswear Designer: J Crew
Bolo Ties: Rocky Mountain Western Bolo Ties
Wedding Paperie Designer: Aisha Steger
Thank you to my 2nd Photographer: Sara Bingham
And thank you to my Assistant: Colin Nicolai

Before Tom & Tony’s big day, they held an awesome and casual Truckee wedding welcome reception at the Alder Creek Adventure Center. I noticed a couple of things about their reception right off the bat: one, the food looks AMAZING and two, it looks like it was seriously fun!

My lovely and talented team photographer, Talia, photographed this for me while I was on bed rest during the early part of my pregnancy with twins – but it was so much fun to see and edit her images from the night. It looks like she had fun, too! And thank you, Talia – for being incredible!

Alder Creek Adventure Center Truckee Wedding Welcome Reception

The Alder Creek Adventure Center looks like it was the perfect place to Tom and Tony’s Truckee wedding welcome reception. Cool outdoor space? Check. Delicious yummy food? Check. Space for lawn games? Check. Yep, looks like an epic place to hold a wedding welcome reception in the Truckee area!

Some of my favorite shots are of guests taking pictures and selfies with their phones…you know it was a good time when everyone wants to document it! Below are just a few fun moments and details from the evening!