Kaitlyn and Najee’s Gansberg Ranch wedding was such a good one. Gansberg Ranch is a vintage, French Country inspired wedding venue on 200 acres of hayfields in Northern Nevada. The whole property gave us SO many beautiful backdrops throughout the day. They shared the sweetest first look and private vows before their outdoor ceremony in front of the Stone Barn. Afterward, everyone moved inside for the reception. And just when you think the day couldn’t get more fun, they ended the night riding a mechanical bull. I mean… COME ON. This wedding had the pretty, the emotional, and the party all in one!

Getting Ready, a First Look, & Private Vows

Kaitlyn and Najee started their day right on the property. That’s one of the things I love about a Gansberg Ranch wedding. The Gansberg House gives you plenty of actual space to get ready. There are two bridal rooms, plus a bright enclosed sun porch for hair and makeup. You also have the farmhouse kitchen right there for snacks and everything else you somehow need on a wedding morning! It made the morning feel relaxed and gave us so many pretty little spots for details and getting ready photos.

Before the ceremony, Kaitlyn and Najee headed outside for their first look and private vows. And you guys, it was emotional. I loveeee when couples build in a little time like this before everything really gets going. They got a few minutes to just be together, say what they wanted to say privately, and actually take in the fact that they were about to get married.

Outdoor Gansberg Ranch Wedding Party Photos

After their first look and private vows, we knocked out a bunch of wedding party photos before the ceremony. This is one of my favorite perks of doing a first look because it gives us SO much more breathing room in the timeline. You’re not rushing through every portrait afterward while your cocktail hour is happening without you.

I also loved the colors they chose for their Gansberg Ranch wedding. The soft blues, creamy neutrals, and little pops of blue in the florals felt so light and fresh against all the greenery around the property. It wasn’t the typical fall color palette, and I honestly loved that!

Outdoor Gansberg Ranch Wedding Ceremony in Front of the Stone Barn

The front of the Stone Barn was such a good backdrop for their Gansberg Ranch wedding ceremony. They kept the decor pretty simple with white florals and clean white pedestals around the ceremony space, and honestly, this is one of those settings where you really don’t need much. The barn, open fields, mountain views, and bright afternoon sun did the rest. And even after already seeing each other for their first look, Najee still got emotional all over again when Kaitlyn started walking down the aisle, which I LOVE because a first look absolutely does not take away from that moment.

A Gansberg Ranch Wedding Reception

Their Gansberg Ranch wedding reception had the best mix of relaxed and SO much fun. They kicked things off outside on the little paved dance floor under the string lights for their first dance and parent dances, with the open ranch and mountains all around them.

After dances, everyone headed inside for dinner, speeches, and cake. I loved how simple the setup was inside with the long wooden farm tables, textured white runners, little bud vases filled with soft white, peach, and blue flowers, and string lights overhead. Catering was by Git-R-Smoked, which just felt so right for a ranch wedding like this.

Before the sun disappeared, we snuck away for golden hour portraits, and you guys, the mountain views out here are SO good. Gansberg Ranch has so many different backdrops without having to go far at all. After that, the bride changed into a white bridal jumpsuit and the night fully switched into party mode. They brought out a mechanical bull and it was SUCH a hit. And honestly, if you’re going to ride a mechanical bull at your wedding, a jumpsuit might be the move. They finished the night dancing with their favorite people before heading out through a sparkler exit. The whole reception was just fun as hell!

Planning Your Own Gansberg Ranch Wedding?

If you want a ranch wedding with mountain views and tons of space, Gansberg Ranch is such a good option. It still feels beautiful and put together without losing that relaxed ranch setting. The family-owned property sits on 200 acres of hayfields in historic Gardnerville, Nevada. It’s also only about 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, with Sierra views all around you.

You can get ready at the ranch house, have your ceremony outside by the Stone Barn, and celebrate inside the indoor reception space. Everything happens right on the property, which makes the day feel so much easier. It’s perfect for couples who want that relaxed Northern Nevada ranch feel without giving up beautiful details, mountain views, or a seriously fun party!

If you love true-to-color wedding photography and you’re getting married in Reno, Lake Tahoe, somewhere else in Northern Nevada, or somewhere completely different, I’d LOVE to hear what you’re planning! I’m also a destination wedding photographer, and I have a whole destinations page filled with bucket list national parks, dream venues, and places I’d love to photograph both in and outside of the U.S. Bonus: if you’re getting married at one of my bucket list destinations, I even offer a discount!

You can learn a little more about me on my about page, and if you’re already thinking, “okay yep, she’s my photographer,” head over to my contact page and tell me all about it. And if you want to see more weddings, engagements, and whatever else I’m currently obsessed with photographing, come hang out with me on Instagram at @ambermcnealphoto.

Love From Kaitlyn & Najee

“If you’re looking for a photographer, Amber is your girl!! My husband and I could not have picked a better photographer to capture our wedding day. We aren’t big fans of taking pictures and can be awkward behind the camera but Amber made everything so fun, natural, and easy.

Our wedding package also included a complimentary engagement shoot and it was perfect! Amber traveled to Sand Mountain for our engagement pictures and they turned out better than we could have imagined. This session made us so excited for our wedding day! Not only does Amber capture precious once in a lifetime moments perfectly, she also helps you plan your day of timeline, photo lists and much more. We could not recommend her enough!!”

Amber McNeal Photography | Reno & Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer

Vendors:

Venue: Gansburg Ranch
Photographer: Amber McNeal Photography
Day of Coordinator: Reverie Picnics & Events
Officiant: Broder Thurston
Dress: Studio Inspire Bridal
Suit: Men’s Warehouse
DJ: McClain’s Mobile DJ
Catering: Git-R-Smoked