A colorful Reno celebration with hand-drawn portraits, modern design details, and larger-than-life meatballs
I met Maurice over a decade ago when my band was on tour and stopped in Nevada for a show. What started as a chance meeting quickly grew into a lasting friendship. Over the years, our bands even released a split 12″ vinyl record together, and despite living in different states we’ve stayed connected ever since. So when Maurice and Megan asked me to photograph their wedding, I didn’t hesitate to make the trip from Tacoma to celebrate alongside them.
The day began at their home as they put the finishing touches on their wedding attire and prepared to see friends and family who had gathered from near and far. Before heading to the venue, we stopped at a beloved local Italian restaurant that has been serving the community since 1937. With its vintage character, red gingham tablecloths, and unmistakable aroma of homemade pasta and sauce, it provided the perfect backdrop for a few relaxed portraits that reflected a place meaningful to them.
Their industrial warehouse wedding took place inside a historic brewery warehouse currently undergoing renovation. Owned by close friends of the couple, the space served as a blank canvas that allowed Megan’s creativity to shine. With a background in graphic design, she designed and produced every invitation, sign, and decorative detail through the couple’s print shop; Pitch Black Printing. A playful pear motif appeared throughout the celebration—from the invitations to the seating chart, tablescapes, and even the cake. The seating chart, which featured actual pears assigned to guests, was one of the most original wedding details I’ve seen.
As guests gathered, warm afternoon light streamed through the warehouse windows and filled the ceremony space. Megan and Maurice were married by Megan’s sister and their close friend Jeromy, who shared officiant duties. The ceremony balanced heartfelt emotion with plenty of laughter, creating an atmosphere that felt deeply personal and authentic to who they are as a couple.
The reception continued that spirit of creativity and community. Guests enjoyed hand-drawn gesture portraits by local artist Jenifer Charboneau, providing unique keepsakes from the day. Dinner was served family-style, featuring towering lasagnas, enormous meatballs, fresh salads, and plates passed from guest to guest around the tables. As daylight faded, the warehouse transformed. Rope lights, candlelit tables, and the texture of the old building created an intimate atmosphere that encouraged conversation and connection.
The industrial warehouse wedding aesthetic evolved throughout the evening as the historic space took on a warm glow from candlelight and string lights, creating a setting that felt both refined and deeply personal.
The evening concluded with heartfelt speeches, dancing, and the kind of celebration that feels effortless when everyone in the room genuinely loves the people at its center. It was an honor to document a day filled with thoughtful design, meaningful friendships, and a community that showed up wholeheartedly for Maurice and Megan.
