A Toiyabe Golf Course wedding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

If we had choose one more love language to add to the list, Chuck and my love language would absolutely be traveling for our couples. I am constantly amazed by just how lucky we are to have gotten so many opportunities to travel near and far to document the most beautiful love stories. Anthony and McKenna’s love story is absolutely no exception! How their Reno, Nevada Spring wedding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains came to be stretches back over a decade and 1,800 miles.

Reno, Nevada Spring Wedding

I first met Anthony when we were both students at Winona State University. We instantly bonded over our mutual love of radio, TV, and filming. He relocated to the University of Nevada, Reno where he worked in multimedia. Anthony and I kept in touch over the years, and I will never forget the day he told me about a lovely gal he had met. Anthony met McKenna while she played softball at UNR, and they fell head over heels in love. All the way from Minnesota to Nevada, their love story was written in the stars.

Last summer, Chuck and I documented a gorgeous intimate wedding in Lake Tahoe. Because we were going to be in the area for a few days, we were able to capture Anthony and McKenna’s engagement photos in South Lake Tahoe. It had already been a bucket list location for us to photograph a wedding in Lake Tahoe, so it felt like a huge bonus to get to photograph an engagement session in one of the most breathtaking locations. Witnessing the chemistry and pure love between Anthony and McKenna filled my heart; there’s just something about seeing your friends find the love of their life. While these cuties were walking barefoot through the sand on Lake Tahoe, they asked if we would travel to Reno for their April wedding. I don’t think I’ve ever said, “YES” so fast in my life.

A couple jumps off a piece of drift wood at South Lake Tahoe during their engagement session photographed by Chuck & Shiloh.

Toiyabe Golf Course Wedding

Anthony and McKenna’s early Spring wedding at Toiyabe Golf Course, tucked in the Sierra Nevadas, was every bit as romantic as you could imagine. Their day began with an abundance of joy and celebration, surrounded by their loved ones. While McKenna got ready in the bridal suite with her girls, Anthony spent some quality time in the groom’s den chatting with all his loved ones that traveled from the Midwest. The energy on their wedding day was unlike any I’ve experienced; witnessing a couple so deeply in-love start their lives together is just the best feeling imaginable.

The couple shared a romantic first look and private vows overlooking snowcapped mountains and sprawling forests of towering pines. After McKenna shared a first look with her dad, we snagged the bride and groom for bridal portraits. We felt like we had the entire valley to ourselves as we wandered through the grounds, capturing the love between Anthony and McKenna. Once we hopped back in our golf carts to zip back to the venue space, we knocked out bridal party portraits.

The bridesmaids wore different shades of green, while the groomsmen wore charcoal gray suits. Everyone looked so beautiful, but McKenna looked like a boho goddess! Her tulle wedding gown was adorned in 3D floral appliqués, and featured detachable peasant-style sleeves. The cathedral-length veil trailed effortlessly behind her, catching the soft breeze as she walked. You could just tell how smitten Anthony was as he lovingly gazed at his beautiful bride. His classic black tux was such a timeless choice and complimented the rest of the bridal party perfectly.

Sierra Nevada Mountains Weddings and Elopements

Before we knew it, it was time for Anthony and McKenna’s wedding ceremony to begin. The snowcapped mountains reflected off the lake just beyond the alter, which couldn’t have been more picturesque as Anthony and McKenna said, “I do!” Guests wiped away happy tears and cheered their hearts out as the newlyweds walked down the aisle hand-in-hand. Back in the banquet hall, tables were set with greenery, taper candles, and forest green accents. Guests mingled on the deck and sipped cocktails before moseying inside to await the grand entrance. The bridal party absolutely brought the energy with each entrance! When the new Mr. and Mrs. made their entrance, they went right into their first dance before dinner began. The ambience inside the banquet hall felt so cozy and warm; between the twinkle lights overhead and warm glow of candlelight, it made me feel all fuzzy inside!

Once speeches wrapped up, Anthony and McKenna cut their cake before the party got started. Their custom Nike’s put in some work on the dance floor! Guests piled onto the dance floor and spent the rest of the night dancing alongside the newlyweds. Anthony and McKenna decided to have a private final dance at the end of the night while their guests gathered outside with sparklers for a grand exit. I snapped a few photos as the couple swayed in the empty banquet hall, before letting them enjoy the last few moments of their reception. Outside on the sidewalk, guests waved sparklers as the newlyweds made their way through the warm glow. It was the perfect send off for Anthony and McKenna’s Reno, Nevada spring wedding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Guests toast their wine glasses during a wedding reception at Toiyabe Golf Course.

Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film | Nevada Wedding Photography

If you’re in the market for a photo and video team to travel to you, look no further. Chuck and Shiloh is a Colorado-based wedding and elopement photo and video team, dedicated to documenting couples who have a contagious love for life. You can check out some of our recent work down below. And be sure to keep up with us over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh) for more love stories, adventures, and sneak peeks. ’Til next time, thanks for being here.