Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We met in person for the first time in Austin, Texas. After Kiana approved we quickly fell in love. If anyone asks I do love her more! After showing me around Austin, Yelena flew out to Reno a few weeks later and I showed her our neck of the woods (literally because I took her around Lake Tahoe and Yosemite)! Our third date was a meet up in Hawaii and after that the rest is history. I proposed in a hotspring alongside our favorite river with our dogs and luckily she said yes! Before and after that we have continued to build our life together adding our second dog, Mocha, to our adventures. We rock climb, fish, hike, ski (sort of) camp, backpack, snowshoe, kayak, shoot, dive, swim and travel together. We love seeing new places and added the Maldives to our list of favorites this past summer. We love backyard BBQs, swing dancing, and all the cuddles. We hope to stay in the greater Reno area and keep growing our little family. We are the happiest (as long as my laundry is folded) and we are so glad that you folks who are closest to us get to share in more of our story together!

Our adventure

Our Story

One of our rock climbing days where we crushed it! Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!

Rock Climbing

Yelena's first mountain above 13,000 feet and first experience with altitude sickness

Not all kisses need to touch

One must always be willing to give up your hat to the lady! A snowshoe day in the Ruby Mountains!

Give her your hat

Our first scuba dive together! All the turtles :)

3rd date, 1st dive

She kicked my ass at pool and has continued to ever since. Yelena 236... Sam 2 and one was a fluke

Last 1st date of our lives

We believe in always being serious, especially while kissing on white sand beaches

The serious kiss

Yelena's first rodeo! We swing danced the night away after!

Save a Horse

We kayaked the Rio Grande and caught a few fish the next day!

Kayak the Rio Grande

That time I took her on a dry hike to a dried up lake after lying about the drive by half. She still came back for the next day!

Yosemite

3rd date, meet in Kauai and learn to surf!

First day surfing together

The couple that climbs mountains together stays together. This was in the Wasatch Range of Utah right when COVID started, we couldn't rent gear so one had skis the other shoes but we both had fun!

Mountains together stays together

Our Adventures Together: photos

Meet Billy. We met in college telling puns in chemistry as the only two nerds to answer any questions. The bromance was swift and long lived! Hiking buddy, fishing buddy, friends in low places! He's got a lovely family and is hands down one of the nicest folk you'll ever meet! 

Billy

Chase and I were friends before we were born, literally as our moms met when our older siblings were in the oven. Adventure buddy for life, we started our fly fishing addiction together. Beloved holder of the "Chase face" which we take with us on adventures he's not even present for. The brother love is deep with this one

Chase

Justin and I interviewed for med-school together and quickly became best friends! We backcountry ski together often and climb as many mountains as we can. He's a gentleman and a scholar! Get to know this one and you'll make a great friend for life!

Justin

The youngest of the siblings Chris is the real cheese! Great sense of humor, adventures over mountains with us, and keeps the mood light! No squirrels and all the Irish dancing with this fellow! He is married to Kristy and they have two lovely puppies as well!

Chris

Meet Ren! What a guy. We met playing soccer oh so very long ago and have stuck around together ever since. A master of the Bridgeport fishing/camping trips and a backyard BBQer and frisbee golf player. He's a totally sweet man and so kind to everyone! Married to a bridesmaid Dani this couple will keep the party rockin for you!

Meet Robert! What a gentleman. He and I met in meds-school and have remained friends since. We love to run together and I used to steal his kids so he and his lovely wife could have date nights together! He is kind in all ways and currently finishing pediatric residency in the U.S. Navy. His wife Claire and the kids are a joy to be around

Robert

Meet brother Max! The middle brother and the best by far at surfing, he taught the other two  of us how! We have climbed a few mountains together, played soccer forever, and later in life found the waves together too! A fellow climber he and his wife Meagan hail from San Diego these and are certainly part of the adventure crowd! 

Meet Josh! A friend from residency and now a hunting/hiking buddy he and his family are the best! If you need a great friend look no further! He was one of my mentors as I learned more about medicine and that has blossomed into an all time friendship. We take the kids swimming when his wife needs a break from us and we chase various animals around the Nevada dessert, usually without success but with all the fun times! Justin snuck into his photo

Josh

This soon to be sister-in-law is one badass lady! Mountain biking, running, skiing, hiking, she does it all. A true adventure with a heart of gold. 

Kristy

A PR professional turned counselor makes for an extraordinary individual. Always down for a good time, whether its camping, hot springing, or dancing, she will make you feel good with her contagious laugh and personality. 

Afton

A great listener, understanding, and the fastest hiker you'll ever meet. This girl has traveled the world and has some of the best stories to share, which I'm sure contributed to her having one of the kindest souls. You can typically find us chasing waterfalls. 

Erin

The OG of the Dugan siblings and soon to be sister-in-law. Having a set of triplet baby brothers has made her very patient, strong, and hilarious.  This Vice Principal always gives the best advice, while also being supportive. She will put her foot down when needed, while always  keeping a smile on her face.

Lucy

The life of the party and so easy to get along with.  One of the best people to backpack, camp, and frolf with. An amazing mother of 2, best dog trainer, and will always have your back. 

Dani

One of the hardest working people I have ever met, she is very motivating, supportive, and convincing.  With over 20 years of friendship, I know this is someone you can always count on.  Whether your out at a festival or just sitting on the couch, you will never have a dull moment with Gitta around. 

Gita

The oldest and only sister of the Jouljik clan. This organizational, loving mother of two always makes sure things get done right. Dependable, honest, and caring, she will never let you down. My go to person for great cleaning tips too. 

Bridesmaid

A busy bee who somehow manages to find 36 hours in a 24 hour day. This amazing baker and mother of two is always involved with the community and makes the world a better place. Her positive attitude and outlook on life will inspire you to be a better person. 

Alla

Wedding Party

Q + A

They have great rooms and we have to fill at least 10 of them! Click the link below to reserve yours or call this number (775) 832-1234 and let them know you are part of the wedding block. The resort is pretty amazing with plenty to do for both little ones and their parents. Check out their website for more info! There are on site cafes and restaurants which are lovely and can be on the pricey side. There are nearby other options which are also great and a good walk or short drive to! Hotel reservation in the room block with our discount would be for Saturday and Sunday night. The wedding is Sunday night and we will let you all know our plans Saturday though we have no official scheduled events. Link <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/TVLLT/G-NYCW" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/TVLLT/G-NYCW</a>

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa And Casino

This is the closest airport to fly into. There are a few shuttles from there to the wedding which cost about $60 per person. Once at the venue you really wouldn't need a car. It is about an hour drive from the airport so if you don't want a shuttle you may need to rent a car which you may do at the airport. Again, unless you want a little more freedom, you shouldn't need a car once at the venue.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Travel

Hike to Marlette Lake. There is a great trail about 3.5 miles one way and about 1,200 feet of climbing near the hotel but would require a car to get there. It is dog friendly and offers great lake views along a wooded but well marked path. Find it on alltrails if you are interested!

Marlette Lake Hike

Stick around the resort and kayak, lounge on the beach, take a dip, or fish it! You are in a world renowned alpine environment and luckily we put you smack dab in the middle of it! You don't really need to move from there. Enjoy it!

Lake Tahoe

The Truckee is my favorite river to fish that runs from Tahoe to Pyramid (its the only river that does that). You can fly fish or spin cast. Its gorgeous and with any luck you'll catch a few! A day fishing license would be required if from out of state but those are pretty cheap! If you're interested a certain groom might even be willing to lend you some gear!

Sam & Yelena