When Michelle and Eric first reached out to Elite Elegance Events in July, they had already spent over a year trying to plan their wedding.
Like many couples, they began planning with excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately, after losing not one, but two venues throughout the process, wedding planning had become more stressful than exciting. With their original goal of a September wedding quickly approaching and very little planning completed, they found themselves overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn next.
Fortunately, through a recommendation in a local women’s business group, they found Elite Elegance Events.
When they reached out, they were understandably frustrated. After spending over a year trying to make their wedding happen and losing two venues along the way, they simply wanted someone to help them move forward.
A Fresh Start with a New Plan
By the time we began working together, there were only a few short months remaining before the couple hoped to celebrate with family and friends.
Rather than rushing through decisions, we focused on creating a realistic plan and finding the right venue to support their vision. Together, we secured Tannenbaum Event Center in Reno for an October celebration surrounded by nature, something that was incredibly important to the couple.
The bride dreamed of walking barefoot down a grassy aisle beneath sunny skies, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors. Tannenbaum provided the perfect setting for exactly that experience.
With a new venue secured and a clear path forward, planning could finally begin.
A Wedding as Unique as Their Love Story
One of my favorite things about this wedding was how unapologetically personal it was.
Rather than following current wedding trends, every design choice reflected the couple’s personalities, values, and story.
The bride’s favorite color, purple, became the foundation of the design palette and was paired beautifully with rich gold accents and vibrant sunflowers—her favorite flower.
The design also incorporated meaningful swirl motifs inspired by the couple’s wedding rings. To them, the swirls represented growth, evolution, and the beautiful journey of life they were beginning together.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The result was a wedding that felt completely authentic to who they are.
Because of the short planning timeline, the couple placed an incredible amount of trust in the planning process and relied heavily on Elite Elegance Events and many of preferred vendor friends.
Working together, we quickly assembled an experienced group of professionals who helped bring every detail together seamlessly.
From custom stationery and plantable guest favors to the ceremony design, florals, centerpieces, and reception décor, every element was thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple’s vision.
One of my personal favorite design elements was the stationery suite. It beautifully tied together the wedding’s colors, symbolism, and personality while setting the tone for the celebration from the very beginning.
Meaningful Traditions and Cultural Elements
This wedding was filled with heartfelt moments and meaningful traditions that made the day truly unforgettable.
The couple chose to incorporate a spiritual ceremony led by a shaman, creating a deeply personal and intentional experience for both themselves and their guests.
Family also played an important role throughout the celebration. The bride’s father performed music on the flute, adding a beautiful and emotional touch to the ceremony.
Guests also participated in a traditional blanket dance, creating a powerful moment of connection, celebration, and community.
These personal touches transformed the wedding from simply an event into an experience that genuinely reflected the couple’s values and heritage.
A Celebration Filled with Joy
October weather in Northern Nevada can be unpredictable, but this wedding day couldn’t have been more beautiful.
Sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and one of the smoothest event setups to date allowed everyone to fully enjoy the celebration.
As the evening progressed, the reception quickly transformed into a lively celebration. With the groom being a dance instructor, guests were eager to hit the dance floor and celebrate alongside the newlyweds.
One of the most memorable moments of the reception was an impromptu limbo competition, which quickly became a guest favorite and brought laughter and energy to the evening.
It perfectly reflected the spirit of the day—joyful, welcoming, and full of fun.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
While there were countless beautiful moments throughout the day, one stands above the rest.
As the ceremony concluded and the newlyweds walked back down the aisle together as husband and wife, the bride jumped into the air and clicked her heels with pure excitement and happiness.
It was one of those genuine, unscripted moments that perfectly captures why I love what I do.
After more than a year of setbacks, venue changes, and uncertainty, they had finally made it.
And in that moment, all the planning, problem-solving, and hard work had been worth it.
Final Thoughts
This wedding serves as a beautiful reminder that even when planning doesn’t go according to plan, your dream wedding is still possible.
With the right support, trusted vendors, and a clear vision, even a wedding planned in just a few short months can become an unforgettable celebration.
Most importantly, this couple stayed true to themselves. Their wedding was unique, meaningful, joyful, and completely reflective of who they are—and that’s exactly what makes it so memorable.
After more than a year of setbacks, this couple’s wedding became a beautiful reminder that the right support can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a wedding from out of state, navigating a short timeline, or simply looking for guidance throughout the planning process, having an experienced planning team by your side can help turn stress into celebration.
If you’re planning a Reno or Lake Tahoe wedding, learn more about our Full planning services or contact us to schedule a consultation.
Planning & Design: Elite Elegance Events –Check out all the fun images in our gallery.
This celebration was brought to life by an incredible team of talented wedding professionals.
Venue: Tannenbaum Events Center https://tannenbaumevents.com/
Catering: Roundabout Catering https://roundaboutcatering.com/
Photography: Cynthia Smalley Photo https://www.smalleyphoto.com/
DJ & Photobooth: Justincredible DJ https://www.justincredibledj.com/
Videography: Ridpath Productions https://ridpathproductions.com/
Florist: Twist Flowers http://www.twistflowers.com/
Bridal Hair & Makeup: Wildflower Bridal https://www.artistrybysummer.com/
Bridal Party Hair & Makeup: Crystal Bell Beauty https://www.crystalbellbeauty.com/
Dance Instructor: Irene Robles, The Ballroom of Reno https://www.theballroomofreno.org/staff
