Leading up to Nicole and Curtis’s Mount Rose Intimate Wedding, they were actually referred to me by another photographer (Casey Simon Photography). This is one of many examples of just how fucking incredible the Reno photo community is. It is full of rapport and collaboration.

Get to Know the Couple: Nicole + Curtis

These two’s story seriously cracks me up! They met at a bar while day drinking, and there is no shame in their game! They just happened to strike up a conversation and the rest is history.

Nicole is a serious traveler and has been all over the world. So it is very fitting that later in their relationship, while traveling in Nepal, Curtis proposed and Nicole said yes!

A random tidbit of information is that I captured their engagement photos as well!

I met up with them in February, and we were going to snowshoe through the forest to an overlook of Donner Lake. Similarly to their wedding, forces out of our control changed their plans. There was a car accident (luckily, not involving them), and they ended up being late.

With it being winter, we had to cut our session short due to the sun setting on us!

Curtis and Nicole don’t let anything stop them though! We met up again in the Summer and went the same route through the forest (without snow this time) and had some amazing pictures with the view we wanted.

Afterward, we hung out, drank beers, and ate burgers. These types of experiences are why I love doing what I do and meeting the most amazing people in the world.

Going with the Flow for Their Reno Nevada Intimate Wedding

Nicole and Curtis originally inquired with me to capture their September 8, 2021, wedding! Everything was going according to plan until the infamous Caldor fire tore through Lake Tahoe.

Their venue, Tahoe Blue Estate ended up being placed under a mandatory evacuation. To this day, I am still freaking bummed because I have been DYING to shoot at it! It is basically like a souped-up Airbnb! You are able to rent the main house that sleeps about 15 people. But you can hold your wedding there as well. Plus, it overlooks the lake, and it is just beautiful.

Due to the fire, they opted for an October wedding at Tannenbaum, right off Mt. Rose Highway. Being that it was the first time that I had even shot there, I loved it! It is a super versatile, indoor/outdoor venue. It is budget friendly (for the Tahoe area) with the yummiest catering.

Here, you can even head up the meadows for sunset for some dreamy bridals. Trust me when I say that those photos turn out DREAMY.

Mount Rose Intimate Wedding Details

Even though the fire forced some changes, Nicole and Curtis just rolled with the punches! Because they didn’t let the craziness get them down, they still had the most perfect wedding day.

We started with a first look session and let me tell you, I’m obsessed. Nicole’s hair was gorgeous and her dress fit like a glove. 

After that, we went across the street to the forest and took some bridal pictures.

The forest was giving MAJOR fall vibes, and we were thriving! The changing colors made for the most unforgettable pictures. Although we weren’t able to this time, you can also head up to the meadows in the area for some dreamy bridals during sunset.

I think that the vibes were the highest that they will ever be for a Monday. I mean, everyone had killer energy the whole time!

We all ate amazing food, had delicious drinks, and danced the day away. DJ Logan was great at keeping the party going. I am so thankful to Nicole and Curtis for allowing me to be a part of their Mount Rose intimate wedding.

DREAM TEAM:

Photography: Dani Rawson Photo

HMUA: Rah Beauty

DJ: Logan Steel of DJ Brock and Steel Weddings

Venue: Tannenbaum

Florals: A Floral Affair 

Dress: A & Be Bridal

Officiant: Meghan Ruiz