Jessica and Cody Nickson’s bold yet romantic black-tie wedding, featured in People Magazine, took place at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California. Certainly, the pair chose The Chateau Le Dome part of the venue for its unbelievable majestic mountain landscape backdrop. The couple met and had an instant connection on the set of the reality TV show Big Brother in the summer of 2017. Afterward, they went on to compete in and win season 30 of The Amazing Race in early 2018. Then, they tied the knot in October of 2018 surrounded by their closest friends, family, darling pup Bear, and Cody’s late brother, in spirit and heart. But perhaps the most special guest of all was Jessica and Cody’s little one on the way.
Without a doubt, this wedding’s allure was really all in the details. To honor their little one to be, the beautiful and grand wedding arch was brimming with baby’s breath flowers. In contrast, the bride held a bouquet of eye-catching black Calla lilies. Jessica wore an absolutely jaw-dropping fit-and-flare dress designed by Mark Zunino and an intricate veil adorned with dainty white feathers, while her bridesmaids wore classy black gowns. Cody and his groomsmen nailed the clean-cut and classic black tux style, but the groom added his own personal touch by rocking a pair of black leather cowboy boots as an homage to his father. The entire bridal party had a blast posing in front of a chic Rolls Royce rental before the ceremony because, why not?!
Although their wedding fell on a cloudy day, like something out of a movie, the clouds parted just as Jessica came down the aisle. I loved that they brought in many sentimental moments into their ceremony. Robyn Cass, their good friend and casting director from Big Brother, officiated the ceremony. And how adorable is Vanessa Grimaldi down the aisle with their pup Bear! Jessica and Cody, clearly enamored with one another, exchanged emotional and touching words. There was not a dry eye in the house.
But wait, here comes the best part! They capped the night off with drinks, dancing, and laughs, a clever donut-wall seating chart, delicious Texas Roadhouse BBQ, an exquisite eight-tiered wedding cake from Frost It Cakery. Also, as if it couldn’t get any better, the newlyweds and their guests devoured a massive half cheese, half pepperoni pizza from Big Mama’s and Papa’s Pizzeria.
So, please meet the team who brought their vision at Saddlerock Ranch to life –
Planner: Amber Events
Photography: Angelica Marie Photography
Hair and Makeup: Emma Willis Makeup and Hair – Contour Fossa
Florals: XO Bloom
Venue: Saddlerock Ranch
Cake: Frost It Cakery
Catering: Texas Roadhouse
Linen: La Tavola Linen
Rentals: A Rental Connection
Specialty Rentals: Papillon Rentals & White Lilac Inc.
Stationery: Prim & Pixie
Videography: Leo Cabal
DJ: Dart DJ
Flower Wall: Wonder Wall OC
Bar: Richard Amieva – Plant-Based Mixologist
Where They Are Now…
It has been such an honor and joy for me to continue documenting Jessica and Cody’s momentous life events. Since their I-do’s, this sweet family has grown by two. They invited baby-girl, Maverick, into the world in March of 2019, and they celebrated their newest addition, Carter, born in October of 2020. Cody’s daughter, Paisley, has been the most beautiful and exemplary big sister to both Maverick and Carter.
