Location: Nevada, USA
Setting: Old nursery and showcase for water fountains and floral landscaping
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 18 months
Wedding theme/style: Rustic with a little bit of boho.
Travis, a skilled electrician, and Jennifer, a compassionate nurse, crossed paths on a sunny day at Pyramid Lake on July 2, 2017. Trav was a young 20-year-old, while Jen was 24. They often playfully mention the age gap, with Jen humorously dubbing herself a “puma” rather than a “cougar.” Their connection deepened over the years, leading them to tie the knot exactly five years later on July 2, 2022. Their wedding day held special significance, as it marked the 5th anniversary of the day they met.
The day began with the bride and groom getting ready at separate locations, surrounded by their closest loved ones. Jennie had ensured her girls had some cinnamon rolls and Bloody Marys to start the day.
Jen’s wedding dress, a Martina Liana creation, was obtained from Swoon Bridal. Her cathedral-length veil, a true treasure, was handcrafted in Barcelona, Spain. She wore boots from Corral, adding a rustic touch to her ensemble. Her necklace was a precious heirloom—her grandmother’s pearls—while her earrings were sourced from Etsy.
Jen’s hair was artfully styled by her best friend, Ali Lostra, who incorporated bridal clips from Amazon. Her makeup was skillfully done by Jen herself.
The first look with the bridesmaids was an incredibly touching moment. Jen’s friends were excited when the beautiful bride appeared before them. Their emotions were entirely understandable because the beautiful bride looked highly stunning in her wedding attire.
And when Jen’s father saw her, it’s impossible to describe how amazed he was by his daughter’s beauty. She placed a small bouquet on his lapel, matching the bridal bouquet. This lovely gesture highlighted their strong bond and love.
Travis looked handsome in his impeccably tailored vest, owing much of his dapperness to his groomsmen. An exchange of gifts and handwritten letters between the couple added a personal touch to the morning.
Rather than opting for a traditional first look, Travis and Jennifer decided to have a “first touch,” accompanied by a celebratory shot together. This unique and heartwarming moment captured on film remains one of their favorite memories from that day.
Their photographer Mattie Rose Jensen skillfully captured the couple, taking in the beauty and emotion of the day and providing them with precious keepsakes.
One of the most memorable moments was the first look with the groomsmen. Radiant in her attire, Jen appeared before them, and their emotions were genuinely delighted.
The backdrop of their love story and wedding celebration was the enchanting Las Cascadas in Reno, Nevada. Once a nursery and showcase for water fountains and floral landscaping, this hidden gem offered a picturesque setting with beautiful pergolas, water fountains, and floral landscaping throughout the venue.
The ceremony occurred in a charming floral nursery with a canopy of trees, beautiful flowers, and fountains. A Tuscany-style villa lay as the backdrop to their tradition. A tunnel of delicate vine trestles was woven above the entryway the wedding party would soon walk down. The nursery was like an oasis, adorning the high desert with otherworldly greenery. Guests soon were seated amongst ample pampas, grass, and ribbon. The decor included the ethereal pampas weed, creating a serene atmosphere with a gentle breeze during the ceremony.
As the ceremony began, Travis waited anxiously. The groom’s heart raced as tears grew while he watched the love of his life walk down the aisle. Jennie looked impeccable, and her smile radiated pure, infectious happiness. Personal vows were exchanged with promises of love, support, and a lifetime of adventures. The couple sealed their commitment as they placed their rings on each other’s fingers. With a kiss that would make Marlon Brando blush, they marked the beginning of their journey as husband and wife.
Throughout the wedding day, the talented photographer, Mattie Rose Jensen, was by the newlyweds’ side. She captured timeless portraits that reflected the tender love and individuality of the newlyweds and documented all the significant moments and emotions during the ceremony, the joy, and the merriment during the wedding dinner. She didn’t miss a single important detail, and thanks to her, Jen and Trav can revisit this happy daytime and time by viewing these beautiful photos.
Following the ceremony, guests retired to the beautifully decorated reception area. Trav, a passionate hunter, and the couple’s love for barn-style weddings inspired their rustic boho theme. Pinterest played a crucial role in shaping their vision, offering endless inspiration for their unique day. To embrace the rustic theme they both cherished, one of their guests gifted them elk sheds to decorate the tables, creating a unique and personal touch. Tables were tastefully decorated with adornments representative of each of the newlyweds: elk horns for Travis and floral arrangements for Jennie. The theme of their wedding can be best described as “rustic with a touch of boho,” with a summer afternoon ambiance. The colors—sage, cream, and navy blue—captured the essence of their special day and looked stunning alongside the floral landscaping.
The cake and flowers were equally exquisite, perfectly complementing the rustic ambiance of the day. The cake design and floral arrangements aligned flawlessly with the couple’s vision.
A delicious feast awaited those attending the wedding, with a menu of slow-smoked meats and sides.
The first dance as a married couple left no dry eyes in the room. Lovebirds swayed to a gentle melody, and their love was evident. This dance was special because they were dancing for the first time as husband and wife.
Heartfelt toasts and speeches were given and received with love. At one point, Travis couldn’t even hold back tears. Every word was spoken to express the love of their family for this beautiful couple.
Jennie and Travis then cut into their beautiful red velvet cake, while guests dug into a variety of gourmet cupcakes.
One of the time-honored traditions that added a touch of fun and excitement to the celebration was when the groom decided to embark on a daring mission – the retrieval of the bride’s garter. Why, you might ask? Well, to toss it to his unmarried friends, of course! This moment, both heartwarming and amusing, took on a life of its own. As Travis took center stage, he didn’t just remove the garter; he put on a show that had everyone in stitches. Jen, the good sport she is, couldn’t contain her laughter as her husband-to-be broke out some playful dance moves right before her. And then, with a flourish, he whisked away the garter and sent it soaring into the eager hands of his single pals. It was a moment that added a lightheartedness to the festivities, leaving everyone in stitches and creating yet another cherished memory for the newlyweds.
As the festivities continued, it was time for another delightful tradition – the bouquet tossing. Jen took center stage with her radiant smile and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Surrounded by her eager bridesmaids, she held her bouquet high.
With a playful toss, Jen sent the bouquet, an elegant arc of colors and fragrant blooms, sailing through the air. Her bridesmaids leaped with infectious excitement, reaching for the bouquet, their laughter and anticipation adding to the joyous atmosphere. It was a moment of lighthearted fun, symbolizing the shared hopes and dreams of friends who had gathered to celebrate love and unity.
As food began to settle and drinks took hold, the dance floor came alive as friends and family from both sides of the couple started to revel. The DJ played classic and contemporary songs, from “Living on a Prayer” to “Sand In My Boots.” The joy was palpable as the couple led the floor, twirling and swaying to their favorite songs, creating memories that would last a lifetime. All slowed as lights dimmed and couples closed in for a slow song’s thoughtful, memorable moments.
As the night ended, the couple exited surrounded by all their guests, lighting their way with celebratory sparklers, feeling overwhelmed with love and gratitude.
Advice from the couple:
• There was a bridal and groom’s suite at the venue, which was so convenient.
• A good photographer goes a long way.
• Make sure to sit back and enjoy all the hard work that you have planned.
• But my most extensive advice is not to accommodate your guests. It’s your day, not theirs.
• The venue was very cost-friendly as it was an old nursery, so we didn’t have to pay as much for flowers and decor. We got more bang for our buck.
PHOTOGRAPHER Mattie Rose Jensen | FLORIST Box of Love Reno | BRIDAL DRESS Martina Liana, Swoon Bridal | BRIDAL BOOTS Corral | VENUE Las Cascadas | CAKE & CUPCAKES Char’s Bake Shop | HAIR Ali Lostra
