My daughter Taylea got married to the love of her life…Jordan this past October. It was such a beautiful day filled with love, a gorgeous venue and lots of special details. Helping her plan the wedding and create moments that we would remember forever was such a gift.

Credits: Photos- Trenna Moody, Florist- High Desert Florist, Catering- Bleu Bite Catering

The Engagement

On a super cold and snowy day in January of 2024, Jordan got down on one knee and the two got engaged.

Taylea was sure that she wanted to wait until 2025 to get married. So I drove up {they live about 3 hours from me} a few weeks later to start looking at venues because it can be so competitive.

The first venue we went to felt absolutely perfect…which got her excited and so she decided that a fall wedding in 2024 sounded better. That decision led to adding wedding dress shopping to the weekend agenda. And before the weekend was over she had decided on both a location and dress.

With 9 months to plan, we jumped into the details and here are some of my favorite parts of the day.

Getting Ready

The bridal party got ready upstairs at the venue and the groom’s party spent the day at a home that they had rented.

Having all of the girls together and watching them get ready while supporting Taylea was one of the highlights of my day. Each of the girls are not only absolutely beautiful but also have hearts of gold. The matron’s of honor, Abbie and Quinci have been friends of Taylea’s since birth.

The personalized pajamas that they wore getting ready were given to each of them when Taylea asked them to be in the wedding and were purchased from Etsy.

To make sure everyone had food throughout the day I made a charcuterie board for the girls and got take and bake pizzas for the boys.

Family Touches

It was so important to Taylea that she had elements that reminded her of family who couldn’t be with us.

She wore a set of pearls that were my grandmothers and my dad put them on which was an emotional part of the day.

The florist attached a broach that was her grandma Pearl’s {and who she was named after-Taylea Pearl} to her bouquet. And we used a crocheted tablecloth under her guest book that was made by her Grandma Mary.

She also made sure to do a first look with her dad before the ceremony began. Such a sweet moment.

The Ceremony

Like I said before, the venue was stunning and getting married out on the deck that overlooked the gorge set the stage beautifully.

Her florist did such a great job with the altar flowers and we added boho touches with vases full of pampas.

There were so many things that made it super special. First of all, Taylea’s uncle Steve married them and while he was a bit nervous, he did a fabulous job. He added just enough fun. I laughed and cried, and so did everyone else.

I was so thankful that she had asked both her father and I to walk her down the aisle. I will never forget that moment.

Jordan’s mom and dad were also there to share the special day which was such a blessing. His sweet mom had been ill and so having her there to witness the special day meant the world to every single person who was there.

Wedding Party

Both of the kids chose long time friends and family to be in their wedding party. Each person had contributed to their lives in a way that was important and so having them stand up to support them was such a gift.

Two of the groomsmen were Jordan’s boys, Wyatt and Weston…what a handsome trio.

Taylea’s sister Louise and brother Jack were the flower girl and ring bearer and their mom, Lauren made sure they got down the aisle.

Cocktail Hour and Private Vows

Once the ceremony was over, guests wandered up to the next level of deck for the cocktail hour. The kids continued to take photos while everyone enjoyed a charcuterie table {I wish we had a photo of it} and drinks with napkins that we custom made with their baby {dog} Millie, it may have been my favorite touch.

Once the photos were finished the bride and groom did a private exchange of vows overlooking the river.

The weather was a bit cool but a few outdoor heaters made the deck a perfect space for everyone to enjoy a bite and also listen to music. Our friend Travis played guitar and sang while everyone enjoyed themselves.

The Reception

Once photos were finished it was time for the reception.

Tables were set on the main floor and in the loft area with ivory tablecloths, table runners, wood rounds, gorgeous flower arrangements, gold votive candle holders and gold framed table names. Each place setting had a gold charger, burnt orange napkin and a thank you card that welcomed them, told everyone about details and thanked people who had helped make the day possible.

Instead of doing the traditional table numbers, she opted for a more personal touch. They were named for places that they had either hunted at {they are avid hunters}, visited or meant something special to them or guests. We used gold frames to display the name on each table.

There was also a sweetheart table in the middle of the reception area where Taylea and Jordan sat. We had reused the macrame backdrop {similar option} and gold frame from her wedding shower and added some elk antler sheds that they had found together. Later the flowers from the altar were moved to this area which was a great way to get some extra use from them.

On behalf of the parents, I welcomed everyone and dinner started. A delicious meal of tri-tip, garlic mashed potatoes, maple glazed brussel sprouts, salad and rolls was served. The happy couple were the first people to eat at their sweetheart table.

Other Details

The guests knew what table they would be sitting at by looking at a gold framed mirror that Taylea had personalized. It sat inside the reception area by the doors that everyone used to go out to the ceremony.

Fall colored mums were purchased at local stores and added around the venue for color, along with burnt orange velvet ribbon and rustic boxes.

Vendors came in and added string lights and marquee letters that said, The Neffs.

We also had a 360 photo booth set up in the loft area that was so much fun for everyone. Guests had such a great time. It was a fun way to keep special memories.

A QR code was added to the back of each guest’s table card and allowed everyone to share photos. We ended up with some fun pictures that we would not have gotten otherwise. I highly suggest doing this if you are planning a wedding.

The cake was made by a family friend and placed on top of a wood cake plate with flowers provided by the florist. Pistachio and vanilla cupcakes were arranged around them and guests enjoyed every last one.

Dancing was the activity that they were looking forward to the most. After all of the traditional dances, we encouraged everyone to join us and we literally danced the perfect night away.

Favors

When guests left they took a homemade sandwich cookie for a sweet midnight snack.

I pre-made the cream cheese sugar cookies and froze them, then assembled them with jam after the rehearsal dinner. All they needed was a dusting of powdered sugar and packaged in their gold boxes with personalized stickers.

More Fun Photos and details

I couldn’t resist adding this photo of my son, Tate and the groom. This photo shows how well Jordan and his boys fit into our family and how much we love them.

Their first kiss and the beginning of their lives together.

A detailed shot of the rings, the broach used on the bouquet, grandma’s Anna Mae’s necklace, an invitation and the earrings Taylea wore.

A close up of the wedding dress in the trees. I love how it highlights the tulle and lace. Once Taylea tried this dress on, that was it…she knew it was hers instantly.

One of my favorite decorations were the large engagement photos we added in different areas. To make them we ordered gold garment racks and added foam board photos with the velvet ribbon.

Taylea also made this mirror from Hobby Lobby that was placed at the door to greet everyone which turned out great.

A close up of the bride’s bouquet with the rings that were exchanged.

Me and my sweet girl after the wedding.

Families that were there to celebrate the happy couple.

Another shot of the sweet couple showing the gorgeous location.

The new family!! I love all of them so much.

There is nothing like a mom and her son. This photo is a treasure.

It was definitely a night to remember.

IN MEMORY OF Valerie Neff.

Special Thanks to: Diane Hamilton {day of coordinator and friend}, Jenn Stephens {D.J and friend, Steve Lightle {wedding officiant and uncle of the bride}, Travis Riddle {live music and friend}, Cheryl Dahl Walton {cake maker and friend}, family & friends who drove near and far to share the special day.