Amanda and José's August wedding at las cascadas
Special Day at las cascadas
Nestled in the scenic hills of Reno, Nevada, Las Cascadas stands out as one of the most picturesque outdoor wedding venues. With its stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil gardens, it’s a favorite among couples looking for a natural and serene setting—and it’s also one of my favorite spots to capture wedding photos. Amanda and José selected this beautiful venue for its ability to comfortably host their 150 guests while offering a unique blend of natural beauty and well-designed spaces. Despite a few unexpected weather challenges, their day was nothing short of unforgettable.
Morning Preparations and brewing storm
The day began with an eerie stillness, as overcast skies loomed above Las Cascadas. It felt like the calm before the storm. Personally, I was quite pleased with the overcast weather—it provided a soft, flattering light that made for beautifully even photos. Amanda was getting ready in one of the venue’s elegant suites, surrounded by her bridesmaids. The bridal suite itself added to the beauty of the morning. A gorgeous couch, with intricate ornaments and elegant detailing, served as a stunning backdrop for many of the getting-ready shots. Its timeless design perfectly complemented Amanda’s classic bridal look, and it became a focal point in the room. Despite the serene setting, Amanda couldn’t shake the growing worry that her special day might be ruined by rain. Her bridesmaids, however, were determined to lift her spirits, playfully reminding her that Reno rarely sees rain in August. Even though the forecast predicted rain with near certainty, they reassured Amanda that weather predictions were often wrong. Their laughter and encouragement helped ease some of her nerves, keeping the mood light as Amanda prepared for her walk down the aisle.
Meanwhile, José was feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. Surrounded by his groomsmen, he spent the morning sharing stories and preparing for the ceremony. While the threat of rain lingered in everyone’s minds, both sides remained focused on the joy of the day ahead.
A Rainy Ceremony
Amanda had thoughtfully purchased umbrellas to provide shade from the sun, but on this day, they served an entirely different purpose. As the ceremony time approached, the light drizzle quickly transformed into a steady downpour. Amanda and José made the bold decision to proceed with their outdoor ceremony despite the heavy rain. What could have easily been seen as a setback became a defining moment of their day. This wasn’t just a light sprinkle—it was a full downpour, drenching every guest and soaking all of our equipment. We had set up three cameras to document the ceremony, and despite the challenging conditions, we continued filming. In moments like this, the show must go on, and we were committed to capturing every second of this unforgettable event, rain or shine.
Guests huddled together under the umbrellas, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The atmosphere shifted into something more intimate, as the rain brought everyone closer together—both physically and emotionally. Despite the downpour, there was a collective sense of warmth and unity as everyone came together to witness Amanda and José’s union. The rain, instead of dampening spirits, seemed to enhance the feeling of togetherness, making the moment even more special.
As Amanda and José exchanged their vows, the rain became a symbol of their commitment to weather life’s storms together. Undeterred by the wet conditions, the guests cheered and celebrated every moment, fully aware that they were witnessing something truly special and unforgettable.
Guests huddled together under the umbrellas, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The atmosphere shifted into something more intimate, as the rain brought everyone closer together—both physically and emotionally. Despite the downpour, there was a collective sense of warmth and unity as everyone came together to witness Amanda and José’s union. The rain, instead of dampening spirits, seemed to enhance the feeling of togetherness, making the moment even more special.
As Amanda and José exchanged their vows, the rain became a symbol of their commitment to weather life’s storms together. Undeterred by the wet conditions, the guests cheered and celebrated every moment, fully aware that they were witnessing something truly special and unforgettable.
Guests huddled together under the umbrellas, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The atmosphere shifted into something more intimate, as the rain brought everyone closer together—both physically and emotionally. Despite the downpour, there was a collective sense of warmth and unity as everyone came together to witness Amanda and José’s union. The rain, instead of dampening spirits, seemed to enhance the feeling of togetherness, making the moment even more special.
As Amanda and José exchanged their vows, the rain became a symbol of their commitment to weather life’s storms together. Undeterred by the wet conditions, the guests cheered and celebrated every moment, fully aware that they were witnessing something truly special and unforgettable.
Editorial & Fine Art Photography
Celebrating Through the Storm
After the ceremony, the rain continued, but it didn’t dampen the festivities. Las Cascadas staff quickly adapted, covering key areas with tarps to ensure the reception could continue as planned. The rain brought everyone closer together, literally and figuratively, as guests gathered under the shelters. Despite the weather, the venue’s natural beauty still shone through, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Love is not afraid of rain—it finds warmth in the storm, strength in the downpour, and beauty in every drop.
By the time Amanda and José made their grand entrance, the rain had stopped, leaving behind a fresh, glistening landscape. Their first dance was a sight to behold, a moment of pure joy and love. The dance floor became a space where nothing could touch them—rain or shine. Their smiles lit up the area as they moved together, embodying the spirit of the day. Guests joined in the fun, dancing and celebrating with the newlyweds.
The Sun Breaks Through
As the evening approached, something incredible happened. The rain stopped, and the clouds began to part. Just as the sun was setting, it peeked through the clouds, casting a beautiful golden light over the venue. This break in the weather felt like nature’s gift to Amanda and José after a day of rain. The late-afternoon sunlight was warm and inviting, creating stunning photo opportunities.
Amanda and José took advantage of this brief respite from the rain to enjoy a quiet moment together. They walked hand-in-hand through the gardens, taking in the beauty of Las Cascadas and reflecting on their day. The sunlight filtering through the trees provided the perfect backdrop for their photos, highlighting the natural beauty of the venue and the joy on their faces.
The sun’s appearance seemed to breathe new energy into the reception. Guests were enjoying the now-clear evening air. The celebration continued with more dancing, laughter, and plenty of fun as everyone soaked in the magic of the day.
A Wedding to Remember
Amanda and José’s wedding at Las Cascadas was memorable for many reasons, but perhaps most of all for the way the couple and their guests embraced the unexpected. The rain, which could have been seen as a disruption, became a key part of the day’s story, adding to the intimacy and uniqueness of the event. The persistence of the couple and their loved ones, who chose to continue the celebration despite the downpour, made the day one that no one will soon forget.
Las Cascadas proved to be the perfect venue, offering both natural beauty and the flexibility to adapt to changing weather. Even in the rain, the gardens and waterfalls provided a stunning backdrop for Amanda and José’s wedding, and when the sun finally broke through, it was nothing short of magical.
Capturing the Day
For me, as a Reno photographer, this wedding was a reminder of the beauty in the unexpected. The rain added depth and emotion to the photos, creating an almost cinematic quality that wouldn’t have been possible on a perfectly sunny day. The sun breaking through at the end was the cherry on top, providing those golden-hour shots that every couple dreams of.
Amanda and José’s wedding was a perfect example of how even when things don’t go exactly as planned, the day can still be beautiful and unforgettable. It’s a testament to their love, their resilience, and the support of their family and friends.
Planning Your Own Wedding at Las Cascadas
If you’re planning a wedding at Las Cascadas or another outdoor venue in Reno, it’s important to remember that nature can be unpredictable. Having a plan in place for rain or other weather changes is important, but having no plan B makes it exciting as well. It's like making a statement - we'll stick together, for better or for worse. Amanda and José’s wedding is proof that even with rain, your wedding can still be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Las Cascadas is a venue that offers natural beauty. Whether you have sun, rain, or a bit of both, this venue provides the perfect setting for a memorable wedding day. If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture your special day, rain or shine, Amber Shore Pictures is here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can work together to create beautiful, lasting memories of your wedding day.
Our Team
Ruta Swanson
Photographer/ hybrid shooter
Ruta Swanson is a photographer and hybrid shooter known for her refined, timeless imagery. While she embraces natural light, she also skillfully incorporates supplemental lighting to ensure beautifully balanced and polished photos in any setting. This approach allows her to create consistent, high-quality images—whether in soft daylight or challenging low-light conditions—giving clients the best possible results every time.
Our Team
Kris Swanson
videographer
Kris Swanson is the filmmaker behind Amber Shore Pictures, bringing years of experience in video production to every wedding he captures. With a background in creating TV content and commercials, Kris has a keen eye for storytelling, seamlessly weaving together the candid moments and quiet elegance that define each couple’s day. His approach is unobtrusive yet intentional, ensuring that every film feels natural, refined, and timeless. As part of a husband-and-wife team, Kris works alongside Ruta to provide a cohesive experience, blending fine portraiture with cinematic storytelling.
