The wedding of Mike and Catie Gailey at Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle. Dress by Kinsely James Couture. Veil by Toni Federici Veils. Hair and makeup by Daymaker Brides. Florals by Sweet Roots Farm. Photo by Courtney Aaron

You’re getting married — congratulations!

written by Natasha Bourlin

Now visions of your dream wedding are constantly flitting through your mind: a day, perhaps longer, of laughter and joy, reveling with your most beloved friends and family, dining on decadent food, and dancing.

Reno-Tahoe is blanketed with extraordinary venues, exceptional vendors, and experienced planners to assist in making every couple’s biggest event flawless. From finding an idyllic setting and fantastic foods on which to feast to discovering enviable invitations, libations, and floral arrangements, this guide shares the resources you need to create the perfect wedding.

Lock Down a Location
Getting married isn’t just about the ceremony. Today, weddings can be multifaceted, day- or even week-long affairs filled with guest adventures and activities, and Carson Valley is inimitable in this regard.

Embraced by the skyscraping Sierra Nevada peaks, Carson Valley’s views are breathtaking. Steeped in history, the region showcases wedding locales ranging from rustic and romantic to jaw-droppingly elegant.

Guests will have no shortage of entertainment options here either, with an abundance of outdoor activities, dining locales, and places to peruse.

“With its views of the Eastern Sierra from every vantage point, couples looking for a beautiful setting for their wedding need look no further than Carson Valley. Our venues range from Old West and rustic, with our many authentic, historic barns, to luxurious and scenic at Genoa Lakes or David Walley’s Resort,” says Jan Vandermade, executive director of Visit Carson Valley.

“The agricultural foundation of the valley lends itself to fantastic farm-to-fork opportunities with well-regarded chefs,” she adds. “What’s really nice about saying ‘I do’ in Carson Valley is that wedding guests have an array of activities at their fingertips before or after the ceremony. Whether it’s hiking, biking, soaking in hot springs, or antiquing and shopping, guests have the opportunity to discover a new destination they might not have otherwise.”

Jordan and Nina Wingert’s wedding at Dancing Pines in Sierraville. Planning by Summit Soiree. Florals by Devonwood. Catering by Blend Catering Reno. Photo by Courtney Aaron

If casual, cozy, and completely delicious are what you’re seeking in a wedding, call Calafuria in Reno. Its small, nimble team plus charming, intimate setting are unparalleled; the staff can even pull together a wedding in 48 hours.

“It’s important for couples to know that this is a really friendly space,” says chef/owner Tim Magee. “We can take care of absolutely everything … this is where you go to not be stressed.”

With one call, Calafuria’s team can coordinate everything down to the cake. Envisioning a nontraditional wedding? No problem. Couples’ creativity is welcome, as are all types of weddings.

Behind the full bar, experienced sommelier Cristina De Nigris helms the wine selection. Magee works with couples to craft the menu, and while his decades in Tuscany honed his Italian cuisine prowess to a razor’s edge, he says they can do anything European, including decadent items such as cassoulet… and, once, even a giant crème brûlée. For different desserts, Magee shares that tiny tiramisus are hot right now.

Outside, Calafuria’s quaint, private garden setting is highlighted by a two-story cottage providing preparation space for the wedding party. From there, it’s a simple stroll up the aisle.

In West Reno, River School Farm provides a pastoral setting for taking vows. A riparian space along the Truckee River with an amphitheater, full audiovisual system so guests can dance the night away, and event setup makes it easy for couples who want a breathtaking botanical spot in which to wed.

If a country club wedding is what you seek, South Reno features another breathtaking venue option: The Club at ArrowCreek. Its team of professional planners can assist with every step in creating your fantasy wedding on its spectacular grounds, which offer different ceremony and reception locale options, all with exceptional vistas.

“The Club at ArrowCreek truly provides couples with an unparalleled wedding day experience! From the first tour to the last dance, we strive to make every moment unforgettable,” says Chloe Yates, public relations and member marketing manager for The Club at Arrowcreek. “With incredible views, delectable catering options, and exceptional service, couples and their loved ones are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime! We are seeing so many couples in search of a venue with indoor and outdoor spaces for different aspects of their special day, and The Club is the perfect setting, as we have various interior and exterior options that all include stunning golf course, city, and mountain views.”

Avoid Planning Panic
When wedding planning feels overwhelming, Martin Gunderson Events will happily take the reins.

Co-owner Dominic Martin explains that the team starts by getting to know the couple and delving into their dream-wedding desires. He asks them for three words to describe their perfect wedding, and, lately, two of those are usually “fun” and “easy.” Most couples just want a fantastic party to celebrate their union, surrounded by friends and family in a comfortable setting.

For some, it’s about what they don’t want more than what they do.

“We have a very specific methodology to really understand what you want out of your wedding day,” Martin says. “We understand that every wedding is different, with different priorities, and we really want to uncover those and understand them so we can set it up as such.”

To help keep the preparation on track, Martin Gunderson Events supplies the betrothed with a 12-month checklist and helps them adhere to it.

The Martin Gunderson team has helped coordinate weddings from campy to classic in theme and has seen many trends. Lately, family members have officiants in many weddings, and couples are letting the locale’s beauty speak for itself, going light on décor. Color themes have been moodier, with rich tones or bright, bold wildflower hues sprucing up spaces.

A dog steals the show at the wedding of Taylor and Andrea Buckley at Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle. Florals by Magnolia Mums. Photo by Courtney Aaron

Get the Word Out
You’re immersed in planning but need to let your loved ones know to block time for your big day. Personalizing invitations plus creating custom place cards and signage for your event can be tedious if done yourself, yet they add both elegance and practicality to your event.

Thankfully, Thick and Thin Lines Calligraphy provides personalized services that add sophistication to any wedding messaging.

Owner Lauren Iida says she’s been creating extra-large welcome signs that include the couple’s names, wedding date, and location that doubles as a selfie backdrop for guests. Iida loves to create personalized luggage tags for destination weddings and does live calligraphy embossing or engraving during the reception to provide guests with custom gifts in lieu of more traditional favors. And guests get giddy when seeing Iida’s exquisite place cards and menus for dining service.

“I offer both custom and semi-custom calligraphy and engraving services, which can include invitations, menus, welcome signage, bar signage, and more,” Iida says. “Couples and event organizers often mention that the elements I provide elevate their events. It’s a great way to infuse personalities or let guests know what the vibe of the event is going to be. Some clients are looking for bespoke items that help tie in the story or theme of their event. For those who are looking for customization, I like to schedule a phone call or meet in person if they’re local to get to know them and understand their priorities.”

If you’d rather be more hands-on with your calligraphy, she also teaches the craft.

Getting There
You’ve booked your venue, now how will you and your guests get there?

Let Reno Tahoe Transportation (aka Reno Tahoe Limousine) figure it out with you. Co-owner of RTT Danell Wilson-Perlman says her team is savvy in the logistics of getting people to and from weddings in a timely fashion. And, occasionally, this is not an easy feat, given the trend she’s seeing toward more off-the-beaten-path venues.

When a couple coordinates transportation with RTT, Wilson-Perlman delves into details to make sure people arrive and depart on time given the location. Test runs with vehicles are performed to ensure seamless carriage, as safety is the staff’s top priority.

Therefore, RTT representatives ask clarifying questions to determine any potential challenges and develop plans with the client. For instance, wedding planners may have checked the distance from lodging to the wedding venue online, but the folks at RTT take into account other factors, such as the time it takes to load and unload guests safely, plus traffic or weather conditions.

“It’s about being 5,000 steps ahead of the storm, not in it,” Wilson-Perlman explains. She says given the wedding venue “wow factor” that’s being sought these days, venues can be tricky to reach. Chauffeurs must think quickly while transporting guests and the wedding party, especially during wintertime, so RTT only employs the best.

Also, the luxurious stretch limousines are no longer in; these days, it’s about comfort and moving more people, so there’s been a shift to spacious, comfortable transport vans to shuttle larger numbers of guests. Sometimes, more than one is needed to ensure the wedding starts on time. That’s why it’s great to employ the experts for your Big Day.

Setting the Space
Time isn’t just money; it’s irreplaceable, explains Ty Rogers, vice president of Quick Space in Sparks. It’s his team’s business to ensure you spend as much time as possible with your loved ones at your wedding.

Quick Space can transform almost any space into event central with its portable infrastructure facilities and restrooms. Some of the region’s extraordinary venues don’t come equipped with prep spaces suitable for your wedding day, or enough restroom facilities to accommodate your guests. For instance, Rogers has seen the playa play host to many weddings of late.

Enter Quick Space’s individual suite restrooms with upgraded finishes — which even include fireplaces —and multiple stalls so lines don’t put a damper on the day. For the wedding party, spacious changing and makeup stations are available. Some even are solar-powered, if leaving no trace is part of your mission.

“We can build you a small city for wherever your wedding is,” Rogers says.

Quick Space books out far in advance, so once you know your date and venue, call as soon as possible.

Now for Décor.
For decades, Sparks Florist has been the region’s go-to flower shop, and its designers have seen requests shift over the years in terms of wedding bouquets and arrangements.

“Our clients are gravitating toward bouquets that break the mold, opting for hand-tied styles in various shapes, such as oval or oblong, adding a personal touch to their special day,” says Sparks Florist marketing professional Sara Fiannaca. “We’re embracing a beautiful variety in bloom selections, from the elegant ranunculus to the vibrant dahlias. Our team loves creating bouquets that reflect the uniqueness of each couple, whether it’s for a cozy elopement or a grand celebration.”

Couples also are seeking smaller, more personalized weddings and economical choices while still making a statement. Sparks Florist specializes in creating versatile and impactful floral designs. Floral lapels and pocket squares are trends Fiannaca is excited about.

Color palettes continue to be classic — blush pinks, slate blues, and beiges — and timeless monochromatics seem to be hot for 2024.

“We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail, understanding that it’s these fine touches that truly transform a wedding. Our expertise lies in weaving personal elements, be it hobbies, family traditions, or meaningful symbols, into each floral arrangement,” Fiannaca says. “This approach ensures that no matter where your wedding takes place, be it by the serene lakeside or in a lush, distant vineyard, your floral backdrop will reflect your unique journey as a couple, with beauty and elegance.”

For grand affairs or a more economical approach, check out Reno Wholesale Flowers, a division of Sparks Florist. Fiannaca explains that RWF offers a “blend of professional support, affordability, and DIY-friendly services” plus stunning floral options.

Newlyweds Mike and Catie Gailey. Dress by Kinsely James Couture. Veil by Toni Federici Veils. Photo by Courtney Aaron

Feeding Frenzy
Weddings are blissful, multisensory experiences. Your food can be too.

Before the gourmet delight touches your tongue, Batch Cupcakery’s natural aromatics make the edges of your mouth quiver in anticipation. Oh, but then your taste buds get involved, much to their delight.

Batch’s owner Anne Archer says her dreamsicle orange cream cupcake has just this effect. Ceremonies lately are shorter, she mentions, so it’s all about the food and drinks. Her team has been going big on little desserts for weddings recently, such as bite-sized mini cupcakes, cookies, lemon bars, and brownies.

Archer says couples also are trying to eliminate waste during their weddings, so Batch provides earth-friendly packaging. As well, she sees couples incorporating scent and flavor themes, such as having lavender cupcakes along with lavender oils or candles provided to complement them.

If you’re hosting organic, paleo, or vegan guests, Batch can accommodate them. Archer offers abundant treats from custom wedding cakes to snack-sized nibbles for your Big Day, made with superior ingredients to achieve unparalleled, distinctive flavors.

Nothing Bundt Cakes owner Shele Faretto says couples often order large Bundt cakes for display along with different flavors of the smaller Bundtini version that don’t require cutting, for simplicity. These flavorfully divine little cakes come in diverse flavors such as churro dulce de leche and Bundtlet full o’ Reese’s Pieces, along with classics such as red velvet, vanilla, and decadent white chocolate raspberry.

Reno’s Mix Bakeshop makes from-scratch cupcakes, handmade pies with crusts you’ll remember forever, plus decorated sugar cookies that will delight. Mouthwatering cupcake flavors, such as peanut butter chocolate blast, salted caramel, and cherry bomb, can be as eclectic and wonderful as the wedding itself.

Libation Time
Dusty Bottle Mobile Bar instantly adds a cool factor to weddings. Owners Alissa and Collin Brennan pull up in their 23-foot, vintage 1972 Safari Airstream trailer, replete with a 10-foot serving hatch, to serve guests an array of beverages.

Couples can choose from a specialty cocktail list or work with the Brennans to create something one-of-a-kind for the wedding day. Say you’re a fan of margaritas. They can serve their signature fresh strawberry, blood orange, or spicy margaritas at the reception, then play with garnishes such as hibiscus, smoked salt, chili peppers, and Tajín.

Not only do the drinks taste incredible, but their vibrant colors have plenty of eye appeal too.

For the beer, wine, and Champagne lovers in attendance, the Brennans will stock their Airstream with whatever the couple wants as well. Added fun in the form of a photo booth also can be arranged.

Now that your resources are handy, it’s time to relax and let the best day of your life proceed!

RESOURCES

Batch Cupcakery
Batchcupcakery.com

Calafuria
Calafuriareno.com

Carson Valley Visitors Authority
Visitcarsonvalley.org

Dusty Bottle Mobile Bar
Dustybottlebar.com

Graeagle Corner Barn
Graeaglebarn.com

Martin Gunderson Events
Martingunderson.com

Mix Bakeshop
Mixreno.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothingbundtcakes.com

Quick Space
Quickspacenevada.com

Reno Tahoe Transportation
Renotahoelimo.com