Our Story
Welcome to Our Family

Hi, we're Brent, Christina, Will, and Colt, and we'd like to personally welcome you to Cottonwood Cottage.

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about our family and the story behind our venue.

 

Cottonwood Cottage is much more than a wedding and event venue to us. It has become part of our family's story—a place where we've watched our own children grow while helping thousands of others celebrate life's most meaningful moments.

 

Every wedding, anniversary, birthday, reunion, private event, and Celebration of Life reminds us what an incredible privilege it is to provide a place where people come together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

It All Started with a Walk

Our family's connection to Cottonwood Cottage began long before we owned the property. Brent first moved to Northern Nevada in 2001 to begin his career as a high school teacher and coach.

 

After many wonderful years living in Stateline, our family made Historic Genoa our home in 2013.

 

It was here that Christina and Brent often took their twin boys, Will and Colt, for walks through town in their double stroller. One of their favorite routes passed right by what is now Cottonwood Cottage.

 

As we walked by, we often found ourselves imagining what the property could become.

 

We dreamed of creating a place where families and friends could gather, celebrate life's biggest milestones, and make memories together.

 

At the time, it was simply a dream.

 

A Dream Became Reality

In 2015, we were blessed with the opportunity to purchase the property.

 

What many people see today as Cottonwood Cottage began with a vision, countless hours of hard work, and a commitment to creating something truly special.

 

Every improvement we've made has been guided by one simple goal:

 

To create a warm, welcoming place where people genuinely enjoy being together.

 

Growing Up at Cottonwood Cottage

As Cottonwood Cottage has grown, so has our family.

 

Will and Colt learned to ride their very first Strider bikes in the parking lot that's now filled with wedding guests.

 

Over the years, they've grown from curious little boys into hardworking members of our family business.

 

They've helped set up ceremonies, arranged tables and chairs, welcomed guests, cleaned up after events, and learned that great hospitality comes from serving others with kindness and pride.

 

Many of our returning couples, families, and Genoa locals have watched Will and Colt grow up right alongside Cottonwood Cottage. Watching them become an important part of our family business has been one of the most meaningful parts of our story.

 

More Than a Family Business

Cottonwood Cottage isn't simply where we work.

 

It's where our family has grown together.

 

The Bridal Suite has welcomed countless brides on one of the most exciting days of their lives, but during the week it also became a quiet place where Will and Colt completed homework, studied for school, and spent time learning as they grew up.

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The property has also been the setting for many of our own family celebrations.

 

We've hosted end-of-season dinners for our boys' sports teams, celebrated championships with teammates and coaches, and gathered with family and friends to create memories of our own.

 

Those experiences constantly remind us that Cottonwood Cottage isn't simply a venue.

 

It's a place where people come together.

 

Celebrating Life's Most Meaningful Moments

One of the greatest privileges of owning Cottonwood Cottage is welcoming people during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.

 

We love the excitement, anticipation, and energy that fills the property on a wedding day. There is nothing quite like watching two families become one, lifelong friends reconnect, and a new chapter begin.

 

We are equally honored when families choose Cottonwood Cottage for a Celebration of Life.

 

Providing a peaceful place where loved ones can gather to remember, reflect, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived is a responsibility we deeply respect.

 

Whether the occasion is filled with joyful laughter or heartfelt remembrance, our purpose remains the same:

 

To provide a welcoming place where people can come together.

 

We don't simply host events.

 

We provide a place where families gather to celebrate life's most meaningful moments.

 

Looking Toward the Future

Cottonwood Cottage continues to grow and evolve.

 

Each year we look for thoughtful ways to improve the property while preserving the warmth, character, and historic charm that make it so special.

 

We believe every improvement should make the experience even better for the families who celebrate here.

 

As our own family continues to grow, so does our vision for Cottonwood Cottage.

 

We look forward to welcoming new couples, new families, and new traditions for many years to come.

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Part of the Community

Cottonwood Cottage is more than our family business—it's part of the community we proudly call home.

 

Brent continues his passion for working with young people by coaching Will and Colt's baseball, basketball, and football teams, while Christina serves on the Carson Valley Little League Board, helping support youth baseball throughout the valley.

 

Giving back to the community that has given so much to our family is something we value deeply, and we're grateful to call Historic Genoa and Carson Valley home.

 

From Our Family to Yours

When people ask us what Cottonwood Cottage means to our family, the answer is simple.

 

It's where our dream became reality.

 

It's where our boys grew up.

 

It's where they've learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and serving others.

 

It's where we've celebrated our own family milestones while helping thousands of other families celebrate theirs.

 

Most importantly, it's a place we're proud to share.

 

Our hope is that when your wedding or special event comes to an end, you'll leave with memories that your family and friends will cherish for a lifetime.

 

Thank you for considering Cottonwood Cottage.

 

We would be honored to welcome you to Historic Genoa, share our family's venue with your family and friends, and become a small part of your story.

 

We look forward to meeting you.

 

Warmly,

Brent, Christina, Will & Colt
The Cottonwood Cottage Family