Sparks, Nevada, born and raised, Tarin and Matt have had mutual friends since middle school, but it was when they bumped into each other at a country concert at the University of Nevada in Reno that they hit it off. After four years of dating, along came a proposal—complete with candles, personalized football jerseys, “Me and You” by Kenny Chesney, a custom ring, and photographer to capture the sweet moment. Michael remembers thinking, ”What better way to start our lives together than on one of the greatest days of the year: NFL opening day?”

It was from that day on that the couple began planning their wedding, and Tarin, an excellent planner with a knack for organizing, took on the challenge. “The planning process went very easy as I knew what I was looking for; and Matt and I communicated about everything we wanted. The most difficult parts were finding the venue and finding my dress,” Tarin explains.

The couple decided to have their wedding at the Tannenbaum Events Center with an outdoor, minimal theme and a dance floor big enough for everyone to break it down! Just as they wanted, everyone enjoyed the reception while eating, laughing and taking pictures, especially when it came to the photo booth. “We loved having our photo booth and jumping into pictures to surprise our guests, and now being able to look back at those pictures to see our guests having a blast,” remembers Tarin.

And don’t forget the four-tiered cake that was packed with scrumptious flavors, including chocolate raspberry and red velvet. “Shoving cake in Tarin’s face was epic!” says Matt. “We both were committed to not being the couple to eat it off each other’s hands.”

Everything—from Tarin walking down the aisle and the cake smash to the first dance and even the mashed potatoes—was a hit! The MVPs of the night scored a touchdown with pictures of their smiling selves and loved ones showering them with love and congratulations as proof. “My favorite part of the day was sharing my love for Matt with our family and friends. I remember smiling from ear to ear the entire time,” says Tarin. 

—Isabella De Garza