When Jessica and Jacob first reached out, they were mostly thinking about photography. But somewhere along the way - after talking through what video could add - they realized they wanted more than still memories. They wanted to hear the vows again. To catch the way their parents smiled. To relive the way it all felt. One team handling both photo and video just made sense.


seven years in the making

Their story began in a Genetics class in Flagstaff, Arizona, where they found a quiet spark sitting next to each other on the very first day. Years later, that spark led to a joyful, color-filled celebration at Tannenbaum Alpine Event Center in Reno. And yes, they had both stunning portraits and a wedding film to remember it all.


Despite busy schedules, moves, and months apart, they always found their way back to each other. Jake began working in an immunology lab on campus, and Jess continued her studies. The proposal came on Christmas Eve 2023. Classic, heartfelt, and absolutely them.

Wedding vows and ring box displayed with colorful spring flowers including yellow daffodils and coral alstroemeria on blue background.
A figure in a flowing white lace wedding gown holds a vibrant bouquet of flowers in an outdoor garden setting.
A wedding party in blue dresses and white gowns poses joyfully together outdoors on a sunny day in the garden.
A group in black tuxedos relaxes together on an emerald green couch while holding drinks at a formal event.
A groom in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie stands outdoors near an aspen tree on his wedding day.
Colorful floral wedding stationery and decorative elements arranged on a grey surface with pink and orange blooms.
A group of friends laugh and share a joyful moment together while sitting on a couch in a bridal room.
A bridal portrait showing a person in a white lace wedding dress holding a vibrant bouquet of mixed flowers against patterned curtains.

Wedding at Tannenbaum Alpine Event Center

Tannenbaum is a Reno wedding venue that feels worlds away from the city - tucked into the trees high above town, where the quiet of the mountains sets a different tone for the day. Inside, it’s warm and celebratory: rustic beams, tall windows and just the right amount of space for everyone to gather.


Jessica and Jacob’s day started with that excited hum in the air. Their florals from Awesome Blossom Floral Design brought so much life to the space - colorful, cheerful, a perfect contrast to the pines.


The day moved quickly. Faster than anyone expected! Like many weddings, the timeline shifted. We had originally planned for portraits before the ceremony, but the morning filled up fast. So we pivoted. We photographed Jess after the ceremony instead, and grabbed the flat lays and detail shots while guests were enjoying dinner. It worked. It always works when everyone stays grounded. We just kept moving.


Jess looked effortlessly elegant in her gown from Maiden White Bride, with soft, natural makeup by Edin Carpenter. Jake had that calm presence all day that made everyone feel steady. They exchanged rings from BVW Jewelers, surrounded by people who knew their story.


The emotion during the ceremony held a little bit of everything—gentle humor, a touch of nostalgia, and the kind of sincere love that doesn’t need to be performed. It was honest and present, and everyone felt it.

A collage of wedding venue photos showing elegant decor, floral arrangements and warm interior lighting.
Bridesmaids in blue dresses hold vibrant floral bouquets while laughing together outdoors at a wedding celebration.
A bride in a white lace off-shoulder gown holds a vibrant bouquet of orange and pink flowers against a backdrop of birch trees.
A group of formally dressed groomsmen in black suits stand outdoors for wedding party photos.
An outdoor wedding ceremony under a wooden arch adorned with pink and white floral arrangements in a pine forest setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their outdoor wedding ceremony under a wooden arbor in a natural setting.
Wedding bridal party in light blue and white dresses pose together in a sunny garden setting.
A person in a white dress holds a vibrant wedding bouquet with orange, pink and white flowers against a natural backdrop.
Four sequential images show joyful wedding moments with flowers and emotional interactions in a bright interior setting.
A person in a long-sleeve lace wedding gown holds a colorful bouquet while standing among birch trees on a sunny day.
Vibrant bridal bouquets with orange, pink and blue flowers arranged with greenery against flowing white wedding dress fabric.

The Role of Family


One thing that stood out throughout the entire planning process: family is everything to Jess and Jake. From the way they prioritized meaningful group portraits to the laughter-filled toasts and packed dance floor, their joy came from the people around them.

During the reception, McClain's Mobile DJ kept the energy flowing and the dance floor full. It was one of those parties where no one really wanted to leave. From first dances to spontaneous group numbers, every moment felt like a celebration not just of a couple, but of two families coming together.

A series of formal group portraits featuring bridesmaids and groomsmen posed together outdoors at a wedding celebration.
Happy couple poses with wedding party member in sage green dress on grassy outdoor venue with stone wall backdrop.
Wedding guests in formal attire pose together outdoors, with a woman in sage green dress and man in black tuxedo.
A person in a sage green dress shares a lighthearted moment with someone in a black suit outdoors.
Three people in formal attire share a joyful moment outdoors as they laugh together.
A group celebrates joyfully outdoors at a wedding ceremony surrounded by sunlit pine trees and nature.
A line of formally dressed figures stand in a row on grass with trees in the background.
A group in coordinated blue and purple floral outfits poses together outdoors in natural lighting for a special occasion.
A group stands together outdoors at a wedding celebration, with the bride in white holding a vibrant floral bouquet.
A couple in formal wedding attire stand close together with colorful floral bouquet outdoors at sunset.
A group of six people in formal attire pose together at an outdoor wedding with a beautiful green backdrop.
Newlyweds show off their rings while holding a vibrant wildflower bouquet outdoors among aspen trees in natural lighting.
Group of wedding guests on a sunny lawn creating a celebratory party atmosphere in formal attire.

What We Loved Most


  • The colors. The florals popped against the dark forest and added so much visual life to the photo and video gallery.
  • The calm. Even as the timeline shifted, Jess and Jake stayed grounded. That energy set the tone for a relaxed, fun day.
  • The people. Their guests were kind, down-to-earth, and fully present. It made our work not only easier, but meaningful.


A couple walks hand in hand down a winding forest path, the bride's white dress and veil flowing behind her.
A couple in wedding attire stands together outdoors in a sunny forest setting with natural decor and beautiful lighting.
A couple in wedding attire dances playfully across a scenic outdoor trail surrounded by pine trees and rocky terrain.
Connected photos show the legs and feet of a couple pairing a black suit with a white dress while holding a bouquet.
A romantic wedding moment on a forest path with a lush peach and white floral bouquet hiding behind the couple.
A couple poses together in a wooded forest setting with green pine trees and natural scenery in the background.
A newlywed couple shares a joyful moment in a forest setting surrounded by pine trees.
A couple shares a romantic moment together against a backdrop of pine trees in an outdoor forest setting.
A romantic forest photo session with pine trees creating a natural outdoor backdrop.
Newlyweds stand together outdoors in a wooded setting with bride holding vibrant orange and white floral bouquet.
A couple shares playful moments on a forest path surrounded by tall pine trees and natural scenery.
A couple in formal wedding attire embraces while walking on a wooded path in a natural outdoor setting.
A wedding couple runs playfully along a mountain road surrounded by pine trees as the bride's dress flows in the wind.
A wedding couple stands outside a rustic building entrance with a vibrant autumn-colored bouquet.

A Note for Future Couples


Weddings rarely unfold exactly on schedule. But if you choose experienced vendors who are aligned and focused, you don’t need to stress when the timeline flexes. Your story will still be told in full - with heart, with clarity and with a visual style that feels timeless.


Choosing a wedding photographer is more than checking a box. It’s choosing someone who will offer guidance when needed, stay invisible when it counts and work in sync with the rest of your team.


With us, every wedding photography collection includes a touch of video. But the hybrid option is where visuals and sound come together - and that's how the story deepens.


You’ll still have portraits, candids and the details in your photos. But you’ll also hear your vows, your dad’s toast, the laughter in the background as someone spins on the dance floor. You’ll feel the rhythm of the day, not just see it. This isn’t about adding more. It’s about honoring what’s already there - with clarity, presence and intention.

A joyful couple dances together during their first dance at a wedding reception with stone walls and floral decor.
A joyous wedding celebration with dancing newlyweds under string lights in an elegant rustic-style indoor reception venue.
A couple shares a romantic first dance together at their wedding reception under warm bistro lights.
A wedding reception hall decorated with string lights and elegant floral arrangements features guests dining at round tables.
Well-dressed man in a tuxedo gives a toast or speech with a microphone at an elegant event venue.
Wedding couple celebrates their special moment in a rustic stone-walled venue with elegant lighting and decor.
A bride in a white strapless gown shares a dance with a companion in a black tuxedo under romantic string lighting.
A newlywed couple cuts their elegant white wedding cake together under decorative string lights at their reception.
A joyful moment at a wedding reception as newlyweds share a laugh while standing next to their white wedding cake.
People in formal attire enjoying candid group dance moments at an indoor wedding reception with wooden ceiling and lighting.
A wedding reception party celebrates on a dance floor under warm string lights and decorative ceiling beams at an indoor venue.
A group of people share a joyful moment together at an indoor gathering, laughing and smiling warmly.
Dancers move energetically on a dance floor under string lights and purple lighting at a festive indoor celebration.
Motion blurred photo of people dancing at a wedding reception with colorful lighting effects.
Blurred motion sequence of wedding reception guests dancing energetically on a dimly lit dance floor.
Motion-blurred photo of dancing at a reception shows golden lighting and people moving in a festive atmosphere.
Guests dancing together beneath a tent with twinkling string lights at an evening celebration.
Wedding guests enjoying themselves on the dance floor with festive string lights overhead in an indoor venue.
A person in a blue tie-dye dress dances joyfully at a party with string lights in the background.
Dancers in formal attire enjoying a lively celebration with string lights and glowing ambiance at an indoor venue.
A lively dance celebration at an indoor wedding reception with decorative string lights and wooden beams overhead.
A bride in a strapless lace wedding dress laughs joyfully during a reception under string lights.
Wedding guests dance joyfully together at an indoor reception with wooden beams and string lights visible in background.
Wedding guests dance in a line during a lively reception celebration.
A black car with cans tied to the back bumper at night with brake lights glowing red in the darkness.

Jessica & Jacob's wedding film

Tannenbaum Event Center Wedding

Interested in Hybrid Coverage for Your Reno or Lake Tahoe Wedding?


Jessica and Jacob’s day is a great example of what’s possible with intentional planning, flexible execution, and a visual team that works as one. If you’re planning a wedding at Tannenbaum Alpine Event Center or any other venue in Reno or Lake Tahoe, we’d love to hear your story.


Explore more wedding topics:

How to Keep Family Photos From Taking Over Your Wedding Day

Wedding Timelines: What Most Brides Overlook

What is Editorial Wedding Photography

First Look: A Photographer’s Perspective

Ways To Make Your First Look More Meaningful (Without Turning It Into a Performance)


For timeless photo and video coverage that feels effortless, reach out via our contact form to start the conversation.

Vendors We Loved:


Venue: Tannenbaum Alpine Event Center

Florals: Awesome Blossom Floral Design

Dress: Maiden White Bride

Makeup: Edin Carpenter

Rings: BVW Jewelers

DJ: McClain's Mobile DJ