Organic Lakeside Wedding
Chelsea and Christian’s wedding had been a long time coming. They originally planned to get married a year earlier, but after an unfortunate circumstance with their first venue choice, they decided to put everything on pause. Fast forward to this day, and honestly, it felt like this was exactly how it was supposed to happen.
A literally perfect Tahoe day. Blue skies, a few clouds rolling through, and an absolutely epic sunset. But beyond the scenery, what made this day so special was getting to witness a couple who have been evolving alongside each other since middle school. You become such different people as you grow into adulthood, and somehow, after all those years of growing, changing, and becoming who they are, Chelsea and Christian still ended up choosing each other.
There was a toast that day that I thought described them both so perfectly: they are really good at being present. They listen, they engage, and they make you feel like you have their complete attention. On a wedding day, there is so much happening at once. So many people, emotions, conversations, moving parts, and sensory overload. And throughout the day, I caught little glimpses of that quality in both of them. I remember thinking to myself, what a special superpower to have.
Set against the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, their wedding at Lake Tahoe 4-H Camp was a thoughtful reflection of their relationship, their families, and the place they have always held close to their hearts.
With soft creams and greens, vintage Tahoe details, and plenty of handmade touches, every part of the day felt personal without taking away from the beauty of the setting.
Chelsea and Christian wanted their wedding to complement the landscape rather than compete with it. Soft, organic details balanced the vibrant blue of the lake and the lush green lawns, while vintage postcards, photographs, and historic Tahoe artifacts came together to create a meaningful history wall.
And almost everything was made by the couple themselves! From the signage and lawn games to the history wall, they poured their creativity into the details.
Fun fact! Chelsea and Christian met in seventh grade and went on to attend every major school dance together, from freshman homecoming through senior prom.
They have this almost uncanny synchronicity about them…like choosing the exact same ice cream flavor for dessert without hesitation.
One of the things Chelsea and Christian loved most was sitting down for a meal with everyone they love. Looking down the rows and seeing people who might never otherwise be sharing a table together made the moment feel surreal.
And that's the heart of a wedding. The gathering of all your favorite people in one place.
For a couple who considers Tahoe a sacred place for their families, celebrating there made the day even more meaningful.
Their advice to other couples: make your wedding feel like yours.
This wedding was a culmination of a story that has been years in the making and it was so special to capture.
Credits
Planner: Lindsay Townsend with Cloud Nine Events
Florist: Zuri Floral Design
Live Music: Golden Bell Music and String Beings
Rental / Decor: Celebrations Event Rentals, Tahoe Event Rentals, BBJ La Tova, Creative Coverings, and Twine Event Co.
Videographer: Chair 7 Films
Wedding Planner: Cloud Nine Event Co.
Caterer: Bella Vita Catering
Make Up Artist: Rosa Mercedes Beauty
Drinks: SOMA Cocktail Club, Louis & Alyse (MOH) designed & batch made all the specialty cocktails