Lake Tahoe Elopement | South Lake Tahoe Intimate Wedding

This elopement came straight out of a dream. Not only was it a small, intimate wedding, but the whole celebration happened on their 6th dating anniversary!

With just 13 guests, this day was destined to be intimate and romantic. These two originally wanted to host a big May wedding at Julia’s parents’ house, but with the uncertainty of the panini press, it was just easier to change courses and do something that felt a bit more like them. Julia told me that after she had booked me (right before the pandemic really started), she had all but stopped planning. We got together on a call and worked out how we would shift the day to be safer and more reflective of their relationship. Having spent so much time in South Lake Tahoe, a beachfront elopement seemed like it was the way to go! And without even knowing it, their engagement photos matched their elopement day perfectly. You can check those fun photos out here!

We started the day at the lake house the family rented to get ready. Julia and her gals did their own hair and makeup, and the florals from Art in Bloom brightened up every corner. Julia listened to Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” as her mom buttoned up her dress, and Natalie kept her smiling by jamming out with her. And all of the really fun and creative details you see in the photos, like the glassware, mugs, and signs? Julia made them! And she’s definitely available for you to hire her for your own custom pieces!

Next thing you know, it was time to jet over to a snowy beachfront for their intimate elopement! The day was so bright and sunny, and the fact that there were only a select few guests present just made it that much more special. It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I am that I get to witness some of life’s most precious moments. One of the guests, Erin, even sang a song as Julia traversed over the snowy aisle to meet Casey! The ceremony was beautifully executed by Julia’s brother, including words of well wishes from friends who weren’t able to attend that day. Even though we were all freezing from the snowy ground and chilly lake wind, it was still the most perfect tribute to their relationship.

We headed over to Emerald Bay for some classic Lake Tahoe photos next, because who could say no to that view! Emerald Bay State Park has been designated as a National Natural Landmark since 1969, and it’s the only part of Lake Tahoe that has an island in it! According to the California Department of Parks and Rec, this island has been known by countless names over the past 100 years, until the name Fannette Island finally stuck. The little tea house on the island was built around the same time as Vikingsholm in the late 1920s. This whole area can easily be described as magical, with the lake’s deep blue waters surrounded by the lush green pine trees, so it’s no surprise that Julia and Casey wanted to elope here!

We wrapped up some fun portraits after the ceremony and jetted back to the house to celebrate with toasts, dancing, and most importantly, dinner! Congrats to these two sweethearts! I’m beyond thrilled that your day became exactly what you wanted it to be.

Are you ready to have your own South Lake Tahoe elopement? Get in touch and let’s explore together!