Lake Tahoe Wedding from Merrily Wed
Take everything you thought about your typical Tahoe wedding and be prepared to turn it inside out and upside down. Why? Because this lakeside beauty is an unexpected take on an outdoorsy affair with formality and tradition woven throughout. Merrily Wed designed a day around the prettiest pink, gold and champagne color scheme, and I kind of want to spend all afternoon tucked away in the gallery of Jonathan Young's stunning photos. Join me right here.
From Merrily Wed...Karen and Cyrus were no strangers to frequent flier miles as they lived apart, she in Los Angeles and he in San Francisco. Upon their engagement in fall 2011, plans were made for her move north to San Francisco. Karen’s family has a second home in Tahoe and she grew up visiting during the summers and winters. As busy working professionals, it was naturally a special place that Cyrus and her could retreat and feel peaceful and complete. They wanted a formal black tie wedding and wondered if they could pull it off outside on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe. We think they did!
This past September 8th, 2012 they wed at a private lakefront estate on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Cyrus and his groomsmen arrived for the ceremony aboard an Italian water taxi to the delight of their unsuspecting guests. Peony pink, ivory, gold and touches of champagne comprised the color palette of this classically elegant wedding. Heavy draping reminiscent of Karen’s stunning gown’s details graced the main arch that guests walked through as well as the wedding processional. Karen wore her mother’s cathedral veil that both of her sisters also wore at their own weddings.
Gold detailed embellishments could be found through-out the reception including the vintage lounge. Crystal chandeliers and clear tents allowed the towering pines overhead to not be forgotten and blended the classic indoors with the Tahoe outdoors. Gold logs anchored the ticket style escort cards. Karen and Cyrus selected table names after their favorite worldwide locations. Vintage etched champagne glasses welcomed guests pre ceremony filled with bubbly. Gold rimmed plates, gold votives and a gold runner added the rich feel to the tablescape. Beautiful blush, deeper pink and ivory floral centerpieces brought a romantic feeling to the tables.
From the ceremony opening with a tenor and string quartet to the 8 piece band from Los Angeles for the reception, guests’ ears were treated to notes from Frank Sinatra and the rat pack days. The checkerboard dance floor was the perfect touch to the stylish feel complete with the overhead simple string lighting. After sunset, the lighting on the pier, from string lighting to lanterns, beckoned guests to come closer to the best vantage point for soaking up the Jewel of the Sierras. Just to ensure no one left hungry, warm chocolate chip cookies and sliders were passed as the dancing winded down.
Photography: Jonathan Young Photography | Wedding Design + Planning: Merrily Wed | Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Lake Tahoe Estate via Merrily Wed | Floral Design: Art In Bloom | Ceremony Music: The String Beings | Band: Jay Sterling Band | Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals + Archive Vintage Rentals | Linens: La Tavola | Invitations + Paper Goods: Gigi Press | Wedding Gown + Bridesmaids Dresses: Monique L’huillier
This past September 8th, 2012 they wed at a private lakefront estate on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Cyrus and his groomsmen arrived for the ceremony aboard an Italian water taxi to the delight of their unsuspecting guests. Peony pink, ivory, gold and touches of champagne comprised the color palette of this classically elegant wedding. Heavy draping reminiscent of Karen’s stunning gown’s details graced the main arch that guests walked through as well as the wedding processional. Karen wore her mother’s cathedral veil that both of her sisters also wore at their own weddings.
Gold detailed embellishments could be found through-out the reception including the vintage lounge. Crystal chandeliers and clear tents allowed the towering pines overhead to not be forgotten and blended the classic indoors with the Tahoe outdoors. Gold logs anchored the ticket style escort cards. Karen and Cyrus selected table names after their favorite worldwide locations. Vintage etched champagne glasses welcomed guests pre ceremony filled with bubbly. Gold rimmed plates, gold votives and a gold runner added the rich feel to the tablescape. Beautiful blush, deeper pink and ivory floral centerpieces brought a romantic feeling to the tables.
From the ceremony opening with a tenor and string quartet to the 8 piece band from Los Angeles for the reception, guests’ ears were treated to notes from Frank Sinatra and the rat pack days. The checkerboard dance floor was the perfect touch to the stylish feel complete with the overhead simple string lighting. After sunset, the lighting on the pier, from string lighting to lanterns, beckoned guests to come closer to the best vantage point for soaking up the Jewel of the Sierras. Just to ensure no one left hungry, warm chocolate chip cookies and sliders were passed as the dancing winded down.
Photography: Jonathan Young Photography | Wedding Design + Planning: Merrily Wed | Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Lake Tahoe Estate via Merrily Wed | Floral Design: Art In Bloom | Ceremony Music: The String Beings | Band: Jay Sterling Band | Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals + Archive Vintage Rentals | Linens: La Tavola | Invitations + Paper Goods: Gigi Press | Wedding Gown + Bridesmaids Dresses: Monique L’huillier