As wedding planners themselves, Alissa and Luke had a pretty solid idea of what they wanted for their own wedding: fantasy, maximalism, and pure joy. They invited guests to go all out and come dressed in their nerdy best, and the result was a celebration that felt like a cross between a cinematic epic and a family gathering. The groom wasn’t going to be outshone either – he paired a homemade cape with his rental suit!

Their story has always revolved around community. So the wedding wasn’t just a single day, it was an entire weekend. The rehearsal dinner kicked things off with lots of love and laughter, where everyone talked across tables instead of taking turns with speeches.

Grand Island Mansion fit their vision perfectly. A century-old estate on the Sacramento River, it’s the kind of place that already looks like it belongs in a fantasy film with its brick walls, manicured gardens and gilded interiors.

After the ceremony, the atmosphere shifted from cinematic to festive. A mariachi band filled the gardens with sound while guests explored a cigar bar, bright cocktails, and carefully chosen details that showed Alissa and Luke’s personalities everywhere you looked.

For Alissa, the best part was letting go. After years of planning weddings for others, she got to experience one without treating it like a project. “Every choice was intentional,” she said, “but it never felt like a production.”