Read all about Misha & Jef’s story further down… such as the challenges of a long-distance relationship, which I can relate to oh-so well!
Let’s start with Misha’s favorite shot:
How we met…
A mutual friend introduced us in the summer of 2006, right before Jef went to flight school in Florida and I went overseas for grad school. Due to distance, our relationship took a while to mature into what it is today!
The challenges of a long-distance relationship:
Trust is a big one, certainly. But I would say just staying connected on a day-to-day basis. A lot of couples take for granted the little things, like being able to sit together on the couch and watch their favorite TV show. Luckily for us, technology made our relationship possible in a way it wouldn’t have been even just 10 years ago. We watched TV together over Skype, were able to call each other and text without breaking the bank, and send digital pictures of our daily activities to keep our connection alive. We definitely ended up just talking a lot, which helped us to learn a lot about each other and bring us closer together.
How we chose Edgewood…
Once we made the decision to get married at home, as we’re both from Reno, we knew immediately we wanted to get married at Lake Tahoe. It is so beautiful, how could we not take advantage? Once we saw Edgewood (all online of course, more long-distance decisions!) we loved it. The internet further helped us with additional pictures and reviews, and we knew it was the place for us! Plus, the first time Jef and I hung out, we were at Zephyr Cove, so there was a bit of sentimentality in the proximity of Edgewood.
The dress!
I got my dress at a bridal boutique in New York called Adrienne’s. It was the second dress I tried on and nothing afterwards compared!
The bridesmaids’ dresses:
From David’s Bridal; the color is lapis. My best friends are also all far away, so the great thing about David’s was that there was one where each of them lived. We didn’t have to be together to make it work!
My colors and flowers:
Purple is my favorite color, and Jef loves green – one of his main points of input into the wedding was that he wanted to wear a tux with tails, and a green vest. I incorporated his choice of green into my purple and ran with it. Lilies are my favorite flower, and they come in my favorite color, so that was an easy choice.
The bridal party:
Alina Buccella, my Maid of Honor – we met while studying abroad in college and were instant friends. Kara Stuart and I have been friends since we were about 11 years old. Jill Janson and I were work colleagues initially (she working in NY, me in Boston) but we bonded quickly. After I transferred from the job, she and I continued our friendship and stayed close.
Superbowl Sunday:
We wanted an evening wedding, and Saturday evening on the 4th was taken at Edgewood, so Super Bowl Sunday it was! We were limited in date choices due to Jef’s military commitment. We’re both huge football fans (he a Chargers, me a Broncos fan, which yes, causes some conflict!), but lucky for us we didn’t have to worry about our teams that day. It could potentially make future anniversaries interesting, however! And we incorporated our wedding favors (koozies) into the fact that it was Super Bowl Sunday. Jef collects koozies, so now he has another one to add to his collection.
Memorable moment:
After the ceremony, when Nina was outside setting up the cameras, Jef and I snuck into a corridor to have a moment alone. We just looked at each other and let it sink in that we were married, that we got to spend our lives together, and we wouldn’t have to do long-distance for some time yet (until he goes on deployment again). It was a wonderful feeling, knowing that the next airport we went to we would be leaving together, and not saying a tearful goodbye!
Something to add…
We had a short engagement, only about 10 weeks, and while it was stressful for those 10 weeks, it is possible to plan, and definitely worth it! I would recommend it to other brides.
ceremony, catering and reception: Edgewood Tahoe
hair & make-up: Imagine Salon
floral design: Devonwoods
DJ: Lake DJ
cup cakes: Dee’s Bakery
Wedding photography by Nina Miller · focusphotoTahoe is available in the Tahoe / Truckee / Reno are, as well as San Francisco and Napa.
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