Squaw Valley Wedding in the Winter

Words can't even describe how elated I am for Jon & Jessica. They had the most magical wedding I have ever coordinated! A huge amount of planning, organizing, and strategizing was involved with an outdoor ceremony in the middle of winter during a series of storms. But, it was beautiful and so worth it! Thanks to the fabulous photographer, Mike Larson, and his team, here are a couple sneak peaks. More to come soon!

Venue | PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn Photographer | Mike Larson Florist | A Bud and Beyond DJ | Ty with North Shore Entertainment Videographer | Ever After Creations

Inspiration Board | Winter Part 1

My office today consisted of a desk in front of floor to ceiling windows overlooking Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Whenever I needed a break, I looked up to see skiers and riders carving turns down the mountain - not bad! As I was watching over the joys of winter, I decided to put my view to work and create a Winter Inspiration Board. For whatever reason I feel winter weddings tend to have a much more intimate feel. Perhaps it's the frost on the windows paired with a warm fireplace, or the rich warm colors, or even the comfort foods that are common of a winter wedding. Whatever it maybe, here are a few ideas and images that inspired me today!

Lake Tahoe Wedding | Blissful Surprise

Johanna and Aaron certainly had a blissful wedding featuring Lake Tahoe's finest venues along with Mother Nature's surprising elements.  Not only did they have a stunning ceremony on the lake, but they also had the accompaniments of early winter snow and mid fall sunshine.  This happy couple celebrated every ounce of peculiar happenings embracing snowball fights during the rehearsal dinner and floating the Truckee river the day prior.

As the bride's family is Jewish and the groom's Christian, the wedding consisted of a merriment of the two religions.  Champagne, blankets, white wooden chairs, a beautifully intricate Chuppah, and a stunning lake view greeted the guests at the ceremony site.  Although a little chilly, the bride and bridesmaids managed to pose in their strapless dresses with stunning bouquets (by Bellissima Floral).  The couple departed in a bold red old Land Cruiser with pine cones trailing behind.  Unique, fun, and constant entertainment defined this wedding!

Flowers:  Bellissima Floral ~ www.bellissimafloral.com

Photographer:  Catherine Hall ~ www.catherinehall.net

Music:  The String Beings ~ www.thestringbeings.com

Ceremony:  Tahoe Park Beach

Reception:  PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn

 

Snow on Your Wedding Day

Almost every event has an unexpected interruption. For Johanna and Aaron, it was snow on their wedding day – 2 feet covered the ceremony site, which was a beautiful setting on a lawn with an unsullied view of the lake. As it was September, this weather was much unexpected. None the less, we dug up shovels and removed the snow from the brisk, yet fresh lawn. I instantly ordered more heaters and a heated tent for the bridal party, the hotel delivered notes under each guest’s door to inform them to wear warm and comfortable clothing to the ceremony (the mother of the bride’s wishes, of course), we gathered blankets and galvanized buckets to accompany the champagne as guests arrived to the lake, and we created a very cozy setting for the picture perfect summer wedding. The view of the guests seated at the ceremony was priceless: fleece blankets, pashminas, and wool coats lined the laps of all, as everyone cuddled up for a memorable and uniting service in front of a breathtaking view of a glassy Lake Tahoe.