When Lake Tahoe serves as your backdrop, you can pretty much guarantee that your nuptials will be gorgeous. Awe-inspiring views coupled with the floral and event design of EUCCA Floral makes this homey affair memorable beyond compare. And with Onelove Photography on the guest list, you can bet that every image captured of this artistic duo is stunning.
From The Bride…We chose a family home for our wedding and it was intimate, romantic, and had a killer mountain/valley view. We have backgrounds in art and flowers and wanted to infuse that into our decor. Woodland Watercolor best describes our wedding style. Before the wedding, we had help from bridesmaids and friends to create hand dyed napkins & table runners. My ladies even helped to create lots of little geometric shapes for a modern accent to the decor.
As a floral designer, flowers were very important! I opted to keep things low and lush which showed off the beautiful spring blooms and the setting. I put together the floral arrangements and bouquets with help from some of my closest friends and bridesmaids. Then there was our ceremony! I had my heart set on a reclaimed wood wall backdrop. This was the groom’s project! After finding reclaimed wood at local shops, Tyler and his groomsmen Chris set to work on building. Our cousins jumped in to help paint- it truly was a family affair!
We used garden roses, peonies, tulips, delphinium, and loads of spring blooms. I scoured the grounds and foraged for specialty foliage, lilacs, and hellebores. I had the bridesmaids select unique dresses they liked within our color palette. That way, they would all feel comfortable and beautiful. They looked great! Each bridesmaid carried a unique bouquet to compliment their dress.
The groomsmen wore a more casual look with vests, colored shirts, pants, and dark camel colored accessories. Our boutonnieres had a playful and romantic look with petite garden roses and gold painted animals. I wore an ivory silk Tadashi Shoji dress and carried a bouquet of juliet garden roses with delphinium, spring blooms, and foliage.
The hutch that served as our dessert station was made by a local wood-worker from 100+ year old cabin and barn wood. Tyler has a love for history and sweets, so this was a perfect way to display the goods! We wanted our wedding to be intimate- to reflect both of our styles, and to involve our closest friends and family. We ended up with a comfortably small guest count which promoted lots of quality time and laughter.
At the end of our ceremony we performed a ‘hand fasting.’ It is an old traditional wedding ceremony where your family and friends fasten ribbons around the hands of the betrothed. Our guests formed a circle which we walked around- this enabled us to spend a moment with each person- we really felt the love! The hand fasting ceremony was beautiful and special. We had the chance to touch everyone at the start which made the whole day feel personal and intimate.
Our first look was so sweet and romantic! I literally buried my head in my bouquet from shyness. Pinning my groom with his boutonniere was also special. I pin lots of boutonnieres, but this one will always be my favorite. We loved having our dog, Zeus, there to celebrate. He’s a special little guy with loads of personality. I know we’ll love the photos of him on that day forever.
Having our family and friends there and so willing to help will always touch us. I will cherish the memory of my junior bridesmaids stopping by for hugs and running off to dance with bouquets. Our photo booth was a great tool- everyone stopped in for photos with silly props. Be inspired! Don’t be afraid to reach for big ideas. Any idea, big or small, can be translated into something special. Pick a few things that excite and reflect you- whether it be animals, travel, impressionist art, color, or food. Bounce those small, obscure ideas around and a concrete look will start to form. Talk it out- talk to a coordinator or designer. Involve friends and family when you can. Let people know how you want things to look and feel. They may think of something new and amazing that brings your vision to life. Ask for help. DIY projects, sourcing, referrals. All of these can be made easier by the efforts of professionals and friends.
Have fun! Weddings are stressful, but remember what it’s about. After all the build up and planning, let go and know that your day is going to be exactly as it should be. Beautiful and probably imperfect. You’re going to remember the important details- the look in his eyes when he saw you, those annoying nervous giggles, speeches that surprise you (in a good way), your little cousin initiating a dance off. Take part, be present, and enjoy. What’s perfect anyway?!
Photography: onelove photography | Event Designer: EUCCA Floral | Florals: EUCCA Floral | Cake: Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals | Stationary: Minted | Lighting: Tahoe Entertainer | DJ: Last Resort DJ | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Lake Tahoe | Dress Designer: Tadashi Shoji | Rentals: Tahoe Entertainer