It’s no secret that Lake Tahoe is a great spot to ski, swim, hike, and vacation. But thanks to this little number from Carrie Richards Photography, we are now in the know. Tahoe is more than just a great family trip – it’s a ultra special place to get married too. The moody, dark skies played against the deep, blue lake and it was magic. The beautiful florals from Bellissima Floral were the perfect compliment to the woodsy ambiance. The whole wedding, planned by Amazáe Special Events, was so perfect, it just begs to be swooned over. And swoon we will – here and in the full image gallery.
From Bellissima Floral … Anne and Rob are a whimsical, fun-loving couple who met one summer working as camp counselors in the Sierra Mountains. After living together for several years in Lake Tahoe, pursuit of their careers moved Anne and Rob to the San Francisco Bay area. On a favorite lake-view hike during a visit to Tahoe, Rob proposed to Anne. When dear family friends offered to host the nuptials at their historic, lodge-style cabin in Lake Tahoe, Rob and Anne knew it was the perfect place to “Take the Plunge.” An intimate autumn celebration for their closest friends and family was planned. Save-The-Dates were sent out: engagement photos of Anne and Rob dressed in wedding garb literally taking a plunge into the San Francisco Bay. On the lush West Shore of Lake Tahoe, 60 guests were treated to a full immersion experience of Rob and Anne’s vibrant personalities, love for the outdoors, and a festive celebration.
Anne chose a warm saturated palate of oranges, wine, plum and gold. She wanted an intimate, seasonal, feasting feel full of dimension and texture. To honor the autumn season, she requested dahlias and wildflowers be layered with elements that speak of the time of year, such as artichokes, squash, sunflowers and rosehips. Anne loves dahlias and included them as a tribute to her father-in-law and his passion for cultivating dahlias in his garden.
The wedding day was full of amazing and meaningful nuances that were appreciated by all, many personally handmade by Anne, Rob, and their families. Anne and her sister made the escort cards, crafted from leaf shaped paper strung on colorful ribbon tied to the branches of a tree in the yard. Anne’s mom and grandma fashioned paper chains to edge the ceremony pier, anchored to the pier posts with heirloom varieties of farmer’s market pumpkins. A skilled woodworker and close friend of the couple made customized wooden signs to guide guests around the venue and down a wooded footpath to the ceremony pier. The wedding cake and cupcakes served for dessert were a favorite recipe that Anne’s mom baked from scratch. The ale of choice served at the bar was Rob’s own self-crafted homebrew.
The ceremony took place on a pier over Lake Tahoe. Cocktails were to follow in the naturally landscaped backyard, and dinner and dancing were staged on the cabin’s wrap-around porch and deck. But, Mother Nature had a different plan. The day started out warm, sunny and blue. During the ceremony guests were treated to a seemingly painted backdrop of ever darkening clouds reflecting in the blue lake. The first drops fell as guests walked from the lake up to the reception. As the mountain thunderstorm came in strong, the celebration easily transitioned under cover. By no means were spirits dampened. Guests heard emotion-filled speeches over a farmer’s market inspired dinner, served at glowing candlelit tables. Anne and Rob shared their first dance under strung bistro lights and a lovely, evening Tahoe sky.
Photographer: Carrie Richards Photography / Flowers: Sara Spurlock of Bellissima Floral / Event Planning: Crystal Laquang of Amazáe Special Events / Invitations: Brides Uncle, John Moniz / Venue: Private Home, Lake Tahoe / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Rentals: Event Masters / Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid’s Dress: J. Crew / Rings: Tiffany & Co., Benchmark, Jerry Spaulding / Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Hair: Tara Morrisey of Bella Vita Salon / Makeup: Elizabeth Atkinson / Catering: Scott Yorkie / Cake: Brides Mom, Kathy Moniz / Cake topper: goosegrease on Etsy / DJ: DJ Paul / Wooden signs: David Worfolk / Escort cards: Bride