Sculptural Florals and Romantic Hues in Wedding at Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

High school may have introduced Keland Potthoff and Dillon Hernandez, but timing did the rest. After reconnecting at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, they finished their undergraduate side by side before building a life together—complete with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Fitz, a surprise from Dillon that sealed the deal. 

On a crisp winter day, the couple gathered loved ones at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, with décor that leaned into the venue’s architecture rather than competing with it. The ceremony personified the bride and groom’s aesthetic: intimate and engaging, with two guests selected at random to sign the marriage license. From there, the design unfolded with intention. 

A bespoke French-inspired toile, illustrated with nods to their story (their dogs, a sports scoreboard and even the hotel itself), carried through everything from invitations to cocktail details. Ivory and soft blush grounded the palette, while saturated reds and pinks brought contrast—mirrored in sculptural florals that mixed classic roses with modern anthurium. 

The reception balanced polish with personality. A live artist created watercolor portraits of guests as favors, while gold accents and acrylic details added dimension to the candlelit room. Even the couple’s attire joined the narrative, with flashes of red on their shoes tying back to the florals. The newlyweds celebrated Keland’s birthday—which was the following day—with a second cake and a little extra sweetness. 

Their advice for engaged pairs: “Truly define what your vision is and stay true to that.”