Behind the Scenes: How We Planned the Perfect Rustic Wedding in Nevada City

Planning a wedding is a big deal especially when you're trying to balance vision, logistics, and making sure everyone feels taken care of.

At Events by Dallas, we specialize in taking that pressure off our couples and bringing their dream days to life with heart, style, and a little local magic.

Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a real rustic wedding we planned right here in Nevada City. From choosing the right venue to navigating unexpected weather (hello, last-minute rain!), this wedding had everything and ended up being one of our favorite events to date.

The Couple’s Vision: Cozy, Natural, and Timeless

When we first met the couple, we’ll call them Jess and Ryan, they had one clear goal: they wanted their wedding to feel warm, woodsy, and totally relaxed. Think twinkle lights, handmade details, and the kind of cozy energy you get from a campfire and close friends.

They were drawn to Nevada City for its charm and history, but also because it felt like a true escape from the city, a place where they and their guests could unplug and really celebrate.

The Venue: River Highlands Ranch

After exploring a few beautiful locations in and around town, we landed on River Highlands Ranch and it was perfect.

This venue is just outside Nevada City, tucked into the hills, and offers wide open skies, beautiful oak trees, and a barn that feels both rustic and elegant. It gave Jess and Ryan everything they were looking for: an outdoor ceremony space, an open-air reception area, and a comfortable flow for guests to enjoy the entire property.

Plus, it’s a spot that loves working with planners which makes our job even smoother.

Bringing the Rustic Theme to Life

For decor, we kept it simple and meaningful. The couple wanted everything to feel “like us,” so we focused on:

• Natural materials — wood tables, linen runners, amber glass

• Wildflower-inspired florals — soft, untamed bouquets full of color and texture

• Handwritten signage and family photos, adding a personal touch throughout the space

We strung café lights above the dinner tables, brought in vintage rugs for the ceremony aisle, and set up a cozy lounge area with mismatched furniture for guests to relax in during cocktail hour.

The overall feel? Relaxed, romantic, and totally them.

The Vendors: All Local, All Incredible

One of the best parts of planning weddings in Nevada City is the amazing network of local talent. For this wedding, we worked with:

• A local floral studio that sourced native greenery and heirloom blooms

• A farm-to-table caterer who created a family-style dinner full of fresh, seasonal dishes

• A folk-style acoustic duo for ceremony and dinner music

• A dessert bar (instead of a traditional cake!) with cookies, mini pies, and s’mores

Our goal is always to match the couple’s vibe while keeping things smooth behind the scenes and having great local pros makes all the difference.

A Little Rain… and a Big Save

We always plan for “Plan B” and this was one of those times we needed it.

An unexpected rain cloud rolled in just hours before the ceremony. No panic, we shifted the setup under the barn’s covered space, rearranged seating, and kept everything cozy and dry. The guests loved the vibe, and Jess and Ryan actually said it felt even more intimate that way.

Moments like this are where experience really shows and where having a planner matters most.

The Celebration

From heartfelt vows to a packed dance floor, this wedding was everything a couple could want. Guests mingled under the stars (once the clouds cleared!), shared stories by the fire pit, and took home memories they’ll talk about for years.

But more than anything, it was a reflection of Jess and Ryan, their love, their style, and their story.

Thinking of Planning a Rustic Wedding in Nevada City?

Whether you're from the area or planning from afar, Events by Dallas can help bring your dream day to life, rustic, modern, romantic, or something totally your own.

Nevada City has some of the most beautiful, hidden-gem venues in Northern California, and we’d love to show you what’s possible. From barns to historic hotels, we’ll help you find the right space and make the process fun, not stressful.

Get in touch today and let’s start planning your own unforgettable day in the Sierra Foothills.