The Cottonwood Experience
A Wedding Designed Around Your Story
No two weddings at Cottonwood Cottage are exactly alike.
While we've thoughtfully created a collection of signature experiences that many couples choose to include, your wedding should reflect your personalities, your families, and your vision for the day.
Think of these experiences as inspiration rather than a schedule.
You have the freedom to include your favorites, skip the ones that don't fit your style, add your own traditions, or rearrange the flow of the day. Whether you prefer a classic wedding timeline or something completely unique, we'll help create a celebration that feels authentically yours.
Below is one example of how your wedding day at Cottonwood Cottage might unfold.
Your Arrival
The excitement begins the moment you arrive.
The bridal party settles into our spacious 350-square-foot Bridal Suite while music plays, laughter fills the room, and the anticipation of the day begins to build.
Outside, every detail is quietly coming together as guests begin arriving and Cottonwood Cottage prepares for your celebration.
The Cottonwood First Look™
Before the ceremony, many brides choose to share a private First Look with someone who has played an important role in their life.
Whether it's a father, mother, grandparent, sibling, or another special person, this quiet moment takes place upstairs before the ceremony, allowing emotions to unfold naturally away from the crowd.
Meanwhile, the groom's first glimpse of his bride remains one of the most unforgettable moments of the day during The Cottonwood Entrance™.
The Cottonwood Archway™
As the ceremony approaches, the wedding party begins its walk beneath The Cottonwood Archway™ toward the ceremony lawn.
Each person pauses briefly for a portrait before continuing on.
Finally, the bride and her escort pass through together before making their way toward the grand staircase.
The anticipation continues to build.
The Cottonwood Entrance™
Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for.
The bride steps onto the second-floor balcony overlooking the property.
Guests rise to their feet.
For just a few unforgettable moments, time seems to stand still.
She then descends the staircase, joins her escort, and begins the walk toward the ceremony.
It's an entrance unlike any other.
The Ceremony
Surrounded by the beauty of Historic Genoa and the peaceful sounds of flowing water, you exchange vows with family and friends gathered around you.
It's the beginning of your next chapter together.
The Cottonwood Moment™
Immediately following the ceremony, your celebration briefly slows down.
Before joining cocktail hour, you're quietly escorted back upstairs for a few private moments together.
No guests.
No interruptions.
Just the two of you taking a deep breath and realizing...
You're married.
Many couples later tell us this becomes one of the most meaningful memories of their entire wedding day.
Celebrate & Explore
While your guests enjoy cocktails, lawn games, and conversation around the property, you'll have the opportunity to create beautiful memories throughout Historic Genoa.
Your photographer may capture portraits around Cottonwood Cottage before taking you to several iconic locations throughout Historic Genoa for additional wedding portraits.
Whether you choose to explore with just the two of you or include your wedding party, these photographs become a beautiful complement to the memories created at Cottonwood Cottage.
Meanwhile, your guests are enjoying cocktails, lawn games, conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes Historic Genoa so special.
Grand Entrance
As cocktail hour comes to an end, everyone gathers on the patio to welcome you back.
Your grand entrance marks the beginning of the reception and sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Dinner & Toasts
As everyone settles in beneath the evening sky, dinner is served and stories begin to unfold.
Family and friends share heartfelt toasts, laughter fills the patio, and the people who know you best celebrate the journey that brought you together.
The Cottonwood Time Capsule™
Some memories deserve to be opened years from now.
Following the toasts, couples may choose to create a Cottonwood Time Capsule—a meaningful tradition that celebrates both their past and their future.
First Dances
As daylight begins to soften, you share your first dance together surrounded by the people who matter most.
Parent dances and other special traditions may follow, creating some of the most emotional moments of the evening.
Cake Cutting
Before the celebration moves indoors, many couples gather around the cake for one final tradition on the patio.
It's another opportunity for laughter, photographs, and a few sweet memories before the evening shifts into its next chapter.
The Cottonwood Bounce™
As dinner comes to a close, one of Cottonwood Cottage's favorite traditions brings everyone to their feet.
During one upbeat song, the newlyweds make their way from table to table, celebrating with every guest while creating spontaneous, fun, and unforgettable photographs along the way.
It's fast.
It's energetic.
And it's often one of the most talked-about moments of the entire reception.
As the final photograph is taken, the celebration naturally flows indoors.
Dancing & Desserts
The atmosphere changes.
The music gets louder.
Desserts are served.
The dance floor comes alive.
While some guests head straight for dancing and others enjoy dessert, coffee, or another visit to the bar, the celebration continues late into the evening inside Cottonwood Cottage.
It's the perfect transition from an elegant outdoor reception to an unforgettable party.
The Cottonwood Last Dance™
As the evening comes to a close, your guests step outside with bubbles in hand, waiting to celebrate one final time.
Inside, the venue becomes quiet.
The DJ plays one final song.
Just for the two of you.
One last dance.
One last memory.
When the music ends, you walk outside together to the cheers of your family and friends before beginning your new journey as husband and wife.
Your Day. Your Way.
The Cottonwood Experience isn't about following a script.
It's about creating a wedding day that reflects who you are.
Some couples include every signature experience.
Others choose only a few.
Many add traditions that are uniquely their own.
Our role is to help you build a day that flows naturally, keeps your guests engaged, and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Because at the end of the day, the most memorable weddings aren't remembered for a perfectly timed schedule.
They're remembered for how they made people feel.
We would be honored to help you create your own Cottonwood Experience.
