A Simple Affair

Wedding Day

Ceremony

The Mills Family Home

Reception

Our Wedding

When I was 20 years old my mom came home from work to tell me that she met a man that would be perfect for me. Ethan was 25 at the time and when my mom asked him where the dumpster was he told her he would take the trash out for her. Immediately she thought, my daughter needs a man who takes the trash out. We were both hesitant to except the date but she was relentless and her persistence won us over. On November 4th, 2016 we met for coffee. That was the day our story began. I was so nervous I talked the entire date. When I left I was sure I scared him off. I talked the entire time and knew almost nothing about him. For our second date he met me at my house, he brought grocery store sushi, I made pot stickers and we watched a Zac Efron movie marathon. Our third date we went to California Pizza Kitchen and when he said the BBQ chicken pizza was his favorite too I just had a feeling that this was going to last. A month and a half later he met my family. He fit right into the chaos of our Christmas shenanigans, I kept it to myself but at that point I knew that I loved him. Over the past 9 years we have lived life's highs and lows together. We've seen each other through our biggest accomplishments, college graduations and job promotions. We've stood by each others sides during our hardest times, losing my mom and his dad. Something we've learned through the years is how to meet each other where we are and love each other in the way the other needs at that moment. During covid we made the most out of lockdown visiting national parks while they were nearly empty. From the Yellowstone geyser's, Yosemite's granite mountains, and the Grand Canyon's majesty. No matter where our adventures led we always enjoyed each others company. Laughing at spilled coffees, rap solos, and silly car dances. When Ethan's career led us to Reno I knew I couldn't hold him back by staying in my comfort zone. I'm glad we made the move, it shaped us. He grew so much in his career but most of all it strengthened our bond as a couple. We found ourselves, built new lives and hobbies, and when the time came we returned home as better versions of ourselves. I could spend hours telling the story of our lives but the truth of it is that every day we find new ways to love each other, make each other laugh, and support each others goals and dreams. No matter where life leads us we can walk this road on the strong foundation we have built, there is nothing the world can throw at us that we can't handle if we have the others support. We can't wait to start this next chapter hand in hand, surrounded by all of you.

Our Love Story

Our Story

Engagement Photos

I met Gabby the first week of high school when we both accidentally signed up for student council. I just didn't know she was Gabby. Starting at a big new school, not knowing anyone was so overwhelming. I thought she was this other girl I had met. I chatted with her and the other girl interchangeably until one day I called her the wrong name and she corrected me. We had a pretty big laugh over it. We bonded over our teenage lack of awareness. She went on to be my Vice President when I was Student Body President. We were the perfect pair of oddballs. We stayed the night at the school decorating the hallways, planned dances, ate a lot of marshmallow fluff and buttercream frosting, got in trouble for climbing on her parents RV to tan and took more disney trips than I could count. We stood on the stage next to each other when we graduated (even though we weren't supposed to). After high school our friendship evolved. We spent many nights painting, laughing, crying, we love to go to trader joes together, and I love when she paints my nails (she's fantastic and comes highly recommended check out her instagram @dream.nails.by.gabby). I was the maid of honor in her wedding, where Ethan & I caught the garter and bouquet. Gabby is the type of person who cancels her vacation because my mom passed away, she is the person who slept in the chair in the hospital when I had complications from surgery. If I need something creative made, if I need to talk about nothing, if I needed support in my life Gabby is the first person I knew I could always call. I have been able to count on Gabby for the last 15 years and that is one thing I know will never change in my lifetime. I am grateful to have her standing by my side on the best day of my life.

Gabrielle Cogswell

We met back in 8th grade, two troublemakers who quickly became partners in crime. He was a year older, always leading the charge, and together we stirred up enough mischief to keep our adventures best left a secret. His dad would kick us out of the house for being too rowdy, but that didn’t stop me from sneaking over when the coast was clear. We threw epic ragers, played with fireworks, tested every limit, and sowed our wild oats. We even tried our hand at making rap songs—trust me, we weren’t headed for stardom, but we laughed so hard we cried, creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. Jean-Luc is hands-down the funniest guy I’ve ever known, and though life has us trading phone calls across the country now, our bond has never wavered. He’s a friend who’s always been there and I am thankful to have him standing by my side on our wedding day.

Jean-Luc Duquette 

The first day I saw Selina I was obsessed with the fact that she looked like Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars. This was not the day I met her but I did take a picture of her and send it to my friends. It became a game where when any of us saw her we would send a picture of our "celebrity sighting" Many years after we became friends I came clean about this. I'm lucky she loved me already because she was only mildly creeped out and still stayed one of my best friends. Selina was the senior class student aid for her construction teacher/ my student council advisor during my junior student council class. I knew that when I needed something made she was my go to girl. We started to become friends and she graduated and spent a year in Arizona for college. She was constantly sending me snapchats of snow and when I needed to borrow a cap and gown for my graduation pictures she was quick to volunteer. When she moved back from college we decided to go to orientation at the high school and visit our favorite teacher. We shortly after became inseparable. We both worked at bath and body works and I transferred to her location so we could spend more time together. I didn't drive, if you know me you understand why. She took me everywhere. When I got a job at a local wedding venue I made sure to get her a job too. We worked 2 jobs together, drove to them together, and stayed the night with each other 80% of the time, some nights we partied too hard, some nights we watched disney movies, some nights we ate an entire cheesecake, and some nights we laughed until we cried. Selina is the person I call when I'm sad and I need someone to remind me that the world isn't so serious and to show me that it's all going to be okay. I am honored to have her as part of my life and my wedding party.

Selina LaPiana-Beattie

When I moved to Reno, Bryce was my first friend, quickly becoming my right-hand man and someone I could count on for anything. From the start, he felt like family, with a personality so similar to mine that meeting someone like him is truly rare. Bryce welcomed us into his world, inviting us to his family’s holiday gatherings when we had no one else in Reno. We shared Thanksgiving dinners, 4th of July parties, and birthday celebrations, building memories that mean the world. When I had my accident, Bryce and Megan showed up at the hospital with my favorite food, proving just how much he cares. He’s the kind of person who turns friends into family, always ready to meet you on the golf course for a weekend of drinks and laughter. I know our bond will endure—Bryce isn’t just a friend, he’s my brother. I’m deeply thankful to have him standing beside me as a groomsman today.

Bryce Pasco

I met Brea in freshman P.E. From the moment I met her I knew I wanted to be her friend. She was one of the coolest people I had ever met. We bonded over never taking P.E. class seriously. Every morning I would find her in the hallway so we could chat before class and she never failed to send me an "Are you coming to school today?" text. One day she saw me reading a book and eating lunch alone and invited me to sit with her. After that we spent many lunches sitting on the wall being silly. When Brea had her Sweet 16 she invited Gabby & I. I was a bit socially awkward. My mom was pep talking us the entire car ride, we were so scared to go to a big party. Gabby and I walked to the door and could hear that there were so many people inside. We dropped our gifts on the doorstep and ran back to the car. My mom locked the door, cracked the window, and told us we had to stay for at least 2 hours. We went inside and all of our fears vanished we had the best time celebrating Brea. I think that is the day I started realizing this cool girl I admired was actually my friend so I invited her to the twilight Eclipse premiere. After high school Brea never failed to invite me to her families holiday parties. When I moved to Reno we would text for hours late at night and when I came back to town I knew she was going to go out with me. When Brea found out her and her husband were expecting I knew that I was going to be an Auntie and spoil that little girl. When Ethan & I got engaged Brea was with us, I asked if she wanted to be a bridesmaid while 8 months pregnant and she didn't hesitate to say yes. We have always been there for the big milestones and will continue to be in each others lives. Some friendships are just built to last.

Breanna Malkon

When Brea and Jeff started dating, they hit the town with friends, and I was at home when I got a Snapchat from Lexie with Jeff dancing in the background. The next morning, I asked her, “How do you know Jeff?” She replied, “He’s dating Brea… How do you know Jeff?” Turns out, Jeff and I worked together he would work on the forklifts at my job back then. It’s a reminder of how small Las Vegas can feel and how true friendships find a way to spark. Jeff and I always have a blast, whether we’re watching motocross, shredding mountain bike trails, hitting the dirt bike track, grabbing dinner, or just kicking back. Jeff’s the guy who brings the party wherever he goes, lighting up any room with his energy. I’m beyond grateful to have a friend like him standing by my side as a groomsman on our big day—and I look forward to the years ahead, barbecuing together while our kids play in the backyard.

Jeff Malkon

Growing up, Cheree was the older cousin I looked up to, always just out of reach as a friend because of our age gap. Her wild, free spirit captivated me, and I secretly wished I could match her vibrant energy. When Ethan and I announced our move to Reno, Cheree shared that she’d applied for an internship in Tahoe—and, thankfully, she got it. That year, she became my only family nearby, our bond blossomed. We’d meet every Wednesday night for a glass of wine (or a few), soak in the hot springs, became regulars at our favorite dive bar, and spent evenings at my place watching Taylor Swift movies, chatting into the early hours. We’d hit the town in Tahoe, explore downtown Reno, and shared countless adventures in just a couple of years. When Cheree and I get talking, a quick catch-up always turns into a five-hour laugh-fest—we have that much fun together. The age difference that once separated us faded away; I was no longer the little kid trailing behind, but she’ll always be my effortlessly cool cousin. I’m endlessly grateful that fate brought us to Northern Nevada at the same time, forging a bond so strong that she’s now standing by my side as a bridesmaid on our wedding day.

Cheree Austin

Gavin, my nephew, has had my heart since the day he was born. Back in Tennessee, I taught him how to shoot a gun, took him on 4-wheeler rides, and shared countless camping trips. When I moved to Vegas, he’d come visit, and we made unforgettable memories—exploring Duck Creek in Utah, hiking at Red Rock, and spending summers on the basketball court. We played tourists together, hitting Fremont Street, the Strip, Area15, and even a UFC fight. I light up every time I get a call from him, hearing about his life and how his baby girl is growing. I’m incredibly proud of the remarkable man he’s become—my favorite nephew, no question. Having him stand with me as a groomsman today means the world.

Gavin DeHart

I met Maddy at my 28th birthday party, a Taylor Swift album release bash, I was asked if someone could bring a friend they’d recently met. Both of us were new to Reno—her from Canada, me from Vegas—and struggling to find someone we truly clicked with. Maddy became the true friend I desperately needed, and luckily, she needed me too. From me introducing her to the best dish at The Cheesecake Factory to thrift shopping and fangirling over our shared love of music. We’d FaceTime to listen to new albums together the moment they dropped. Maddy’s always up for an adventure, whether it’s bar-hopping in Tahoe, playing tourist in Vegas, or spontaneously driving to Salt Lake City to catch a Kelsea Ballerini concert. She’s the friend I can call to hype me up, calm me down, or just talk about nothing at all. Maddy’s marriage is the kind I aspire to have with Ethan—one that balances togetherness with independence. In such a short time, she’s become a vital part of my life, always there when I need support or just a chat about everything and nothing. I’m endlessly thankful to have met her and to have her standing by my side as a bridesmaid on our wedding day.

Maddy MacNeil

I met Landyn at work in Reno, and in no time, he became family—a rare connection with someone so much like me. It’s incredible how quickly our friendship grew into something deeper, like we’d known each other forever. When I had my accident, Landyn was the first to show up at the hospital, supporting Lexie and me as they put a tube in my lung. He even took care of our dog, Latté, so Lexie could stay by my side. Landyn’s the kind of friend who’s there for anything—whether it’s helping you move, tackling whatever life throws your way, or meeting up for 18 holes on the golf course. We share a love for the same movies, laugh at the same jokes, and I’d trust him with my life. He’s not just a friend—he’s my brother, and I’m beyond grateful to have him standing beside me as a groomsman today.

Landyn Jumawam

From the moment Hinata was born, she captured our hearts. When her mom, Akiko, placed baby Hinata in Ethan’s arms, a nervous “no thanks” turned into an unbreakable bond. This sweet, fearless, and outgoing 7-year-old is our little fashionista, ruling the world of makeup and all things girly. Whether exploring farms, hitting the arcade, or splashing at Tahoe’s beaches during Reno visits, Hinata’s wild spirit always shines. Now, living just five minutes away in Vegas, we cherish ice cream runs to Baskin Robbins, board game nights, and sleepovers filled with her hilarious antics. During one sleepover, Ethan walked out of the bathroom at 4am as Hinata jumped up to scare him. She has the funniest personality and is so lucky that Ethan didn't have a heart attack. Hinata stole the show as Granny in her school play and beamed with pride at her kindergarten graduation. We can’t wait to watch her conquer the world—maybe as a CEO one day. For now, we’re beyond grateful to have this radiant soul leading the way down our aisle.

Hinata Kantanavicius

Mei arrived with a punch—literally, to her sister’s face—and her fiery spirit has only grown stronger. At 7, this strong, hilarious, and adorably clumsy Swiftie reminds me of my uncoordinated self. She keeps us laughing, once she was looking at my Taylor Swift CD's and asked if it was me, I told her no, it's Taylor Swift. She paused, deep in thought, then asked if it was Ethan. A fan of Cops reruns, Mei dreams of keeping our streets safe someday. She loves board games (just avoid Mousetrap unless you’re ready for chaos!) and is always up for going to Baskin Robbins, movie nights, trampoline park adventures, or Taylor Swift workout videos. From six months old, Mei was my constant companion, never letting me put her down. Now, she’s my cuddle bug during sleepovers, though her sleepy kicks keep me on my toes! Watching Mei bloom this year—graduating kindergarten and finding her voice—has been a joy. No matter where life leads her she will always have us. We’re so thankful to have her vibrant energy leading the way down our aisle.

Mei Kantanavicius

An invisible string has tied Brittany and me together since infancy—our moms were coworkers but we didn’t know. The spark flew in 2007, 6th-grade Spanish class: I spotted Taylor Swift clippings on her binder and blurted, “You know who Taylor Swift is?” (Her debut had just dropped.) That moment launched the story of us, we bonded over “Tim McGraw” and “Our Song.” Parents’ night revealed the twist—our moms, laughing like old friends. Middle school brought coded notes (our pre-phone texting), 9-hour phone marathons on cruel summer days, and Brittany cramming me through guitar class. She introduced me to the Twilight books; we traded them for midnight premieres. At fifteen, life was so high school: sleepovers till daylight, lyric-covered photoshoots. We thought we’d never grow up. We did—but the sleepovers never ended. Months apart? I’m right where you left me. Reunions? The best day. We still stream albums at 2 a.m., slip on our old cardigan for vinyl hunts, shake it off at Taylor dance parties, chase tour tickets, and hunt rare merch. Eighteen years later, two is still better than one. If either of us is down bad, the other’s there—forever & always. A single magazine clipping started a friendship that is everlasting. It hits different having Brittany stand with me today. I’m the lucky one: Taylor Swift didn’t just change my life—she gave me a best friend.

Brittany Woodrum

Wedding Party

Do I need cash for anything?

We will have QR codes available for the money dance, tipping the bartender, and tipping the DJ. Our DJ and bartender are volunteering to work the wedding. Tips are so appreciated! If you aren't someone who uses QR codes bring cash if you'd like to participate in the money dance or tip our wonderful vendors

What do I wear?

Check out the attire section of the website!&nbsp;

What is on the Menu?

Taco Bar

The unlimited taco bar will be made to order from 3pm-6pm

Taco Options:Asada-Pastor-Chicken-CarnitasSides: Rice &amp; Beans

Toppings: Red Salsa -Green Salsa -Cucumber -Onion -Cilantro -Jalapeños -Pico De Gallo

Vegetarian/ Children Meals

There will be limited availability of Quesadillas. Please allow quesadillas for children and vegetarians during initial food service. After the first serving any remaining quesadillas are available for anyone.&nbsp;

Q + A

The ceremony and reception will be be&nbsp;semi-formalClick the photos below to view full pictures of examples We expect the weather to be gorgeous during the day around 70 degrees and evening temperatures to drop around 10 degrees, we will have a fire pit but recommend bringing a&nbsp;light jacket&nbsp;or hitting the dance floor if you get chilly!Below you will find some&nbsp;semi-formal&nbsp;outfit examples. Our wedding color is&nbsp;eucalyptus&nbsp;green, navy, and gold and we would love to see anyone come dressed within the color scheme but it is not required. For the reception feel free to bring&nbsp;comfortable shoes&nbsp;to dance and enjoy yourself! We will have our Nikes on while we dance the night away. The reception will be held in the grass and will&nbsp;not be an ideal heels moment.&nbsp;The ceremony will be indoors and heels would be cute but not required! Gentleman:Please do&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;wear jeans.A tie is not requiredA nice button down and dress shoes for the ceremony are encouraged!Feel free to change shoes for the reception, if you get cold bring a nice coat Ladies:The unspoken rule that needs to be said... Please don't wear white or white adjacent if you question if an outfit is too white, it is. Feel free to change shoes for the reception, if you get cold bring a nice coat

Attire

Registry

Hotels

Cosmopolitan- On the stripRedrock Hotel &amp; Casino - Near ceremonySilverton Hotel &amp; Casino- Near reception

Transportation

Parking will be limited at the ceremony and reception. Carpool with friends if you are able. We recommend taking an Uber so you do not need to worry about driving/ parking and can enjoy the open bar.

Travel

WHAT TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

Welcome to Vegas! There is so much to do here, it's impossible to do everything in a weekend. Checkout the below website for some of the best tourist activities. <a href="https://travel.usnews.com/Las_Vegas_NV/Things_To_Do/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://travel.usnews.com/Las_Vegas_NV/Things_To_Do/</a>

Alexandra & Ethan

Alexandra & Ethan

Attire

What do I wear?