The Couple: KayLeigh & Robert
Wedding Date: October 28, 2017
Photography by White Daisy Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: We met through mutual friends while I was living in Lodi, CA and Robert was in Reno. I moved to Incline Village and after a year of dating I agreed to move to Reno with Robert. It took Robert a good 9 years to finally pop the question!
For his 30th birthday, which also happened to be our dating anniversary, I planned a trip to South Lake Tahoe for a night of music, drinks and food. On the way home Robert kept insisting that we pull over for a panoramic picture. Me being my stubborn self, I didn’t understand why he wanted a picture. We live here, we can get a picture anytime! We pulled into the overlook for a picture, and immediately after the picture I headed for the car. Robert pulled my hand, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Since we had planned to go to Tahoe that night, I dropped Robert off at work and kept his car all day so I could just swing in to pick him up on the way to south shore.
Come to find out, I had been driving around with the ring under the driver’s seat all day! His family was all in on the plan and I had absolutely no inclination that he was going to propose. After spending our first year of dating long distance and meeting in Tahoe on weekends, it was a really special moment to have our story come full circle there for his birthday and our anniversary. We took our time planning a small wedding and enjoyed the little details together.
KayLeigh is someone who lives for the details so wedding planning was definitely her thing! Our wedding took place 2 months and 1 day after our 10 year anniversary. The person that married us is also the person that helped Robert to move KayLeigh’s things from Tahoe to Reno. Thanks Eldon!
What was the most amazing part of your day? We both agree that one of our favorite moments was our first look. After the rehearsal we were in separate buildings until the evening of the wedding. After living together for 9 years and spending very few nights apart, it felt like coming home when we got to be together again. Our photographer somehow made this moment so magical and provided space for us to talk while also capturing some really beautiful pictures. The onsite villas were just a stone’s throw away, and our friends and bridal party watched from a distance. We honestly felt like we were going on our first big date when we looked over and the party all made some cat calls. It is a really fun memory for both of us!
What else would you like to share about your big day? Our favors were snack and candy items since we wanted the favors to actually be used, and you can never have enough food at a party! During our photo time the appetizers were served to the head table and the Groom’s dad left a snicker’s bar with a note that said “since I ate your crab cakes I’m leaving you this snicker’s!” It was really hilarious to come in to the table and see the note.
Also, after dinner we went to take sunset pictures, and when we came back the reception was completely empty. All of our guests had hidden in the bathrooms and got the staff to hide with them so they could run out to scare us when we came back in. As two people that live for scare pranks at home, we appreciated the genuine weirdness and collaboration of our friends/family.
Ceremony and Reception Site; and Caterer: Redhawk Golf & Resort
Officiant: Eldon Louhela, Robert’s Childhood Friend
Photographer: White Daisy Photography
Wedding Planner: DIY. Redhawk provided an event coordinator for day of assistance, and they were a huge help! Thanks Chardonnay!
Cake/Desserts: Atlantis Casino
Flowers: DIY from Fifty Flowers
Favors: Amazon
Bridal Attire: Swoon Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Nomad Boutique
Hair: Sierra Mullen, Salon Platinum
Make-up: Gina Tarantino, Gorgeous by Gina
Invitations: Elli
Signage: DIY
DJ/Entertainment/Band: Southworth Entertainment Group
Décor, Furniture and Linen Rentals: Redhawk Golf & Resort
Honeymoon Location: Nursing School! The bride went straight into nursing school, so Robert is now waiting on her to finish so they can honeymoon! Only fair after making her wait 9 years 🙂
First Dance Song: “Grow Old with You” by Adam Sandler
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Let things happen as they will when the day arrives. I forgot to put on my veil after the first look, the strap of my dress broke during family pictures, BEFORE I even walked down the aisle, and my groom lost his prescription glasses during some of the pictures. All of those things are just little memories of what made an amazing day with our loved ones. They are good things to look back on and smile about. Don’t let the details get to you otherwise you’ll miss the magic of the planning and the happiness on the day of.
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? Eat more cake and drink more champagne! It’s not nearly as good after the fact, and man that was some good cake!
Photos by White Daisy Photography.
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
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