Tom & Gillian who are a sweet San Francisco couple ventured to have their wedding in beautiful Lake Tahoe.  Tahoe has captured my heart, the smell, the sounds of wind in the tall trees sounds like water rushing wherever you go.  They chose to get married at the Valhalla Estate on the lake.  Valhalla is a beautiful historic estate built in 1923 and gifted to the national parks.  Our favorite Lake Tahoe Wedding Event Designer Blue Sky Events put on this fabulous event and the day went flawless and the weather was great.  We had some mid-day thunderstorms, but they made for some soft light for portraits, which I’m always a fan of!

Their style for the day was a true Tahoe wedding that was elegant and simple, yet focused around Family. They loved the historic beauty of the Valhalla and for obvious reasons!  Nestled among 150 year old trees in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, far from anything gives it a very private and intimate feel.

The couple: Tom & Gillian are adventurous and fun.  Elegant and timeless in taste, everything they did for their wedding fit perfectly.  They chose Our Lady of Tahoe Church for their ceremony location on the southeast side of the lake. They had bagpipers lead the guests in and out of the church.

I love grandparents at weddings. They add so much depth, character and history to the event.  Its fascinating to talk to them and learn about the family and couple and I particularly enjoyed talking and photographing them.

Late summer weddings in Tahoe usually generate thunderstorms and thats exactly what we got.  For a few hours during the middle of the day, the lighting got dramatic and soft.  You could feel the humidity on your skin and the air got thick.  When that happens, the smell of the mountains are unlocked; the pine, granite, meadows and pinecones burst out in a sweet smelling aroma.

Guests enjoyed the thunderstorms from the haven of the lower level balcony at Valhalla near the huge grassy field.  The Photobooth Experience was there as guests got together in groups of 3’s & 4’s and had their images taken together!

It was a warm day and by the time the sun set the delicious appetizers and wine was flowing as the warmth of the sun faded away and the heat of the dance hall was lighting up.  They had a night full of moving speeches, a sincere first dance, and fun dancing with family and friends.   They had a true Tahoe wedding.

Flowers were by Lavish Floral, and the catering was by Catering Lake Tahoe, the delicious cake was from Flour Girl Wedding Cakes the bagpiper was Sean from Tahoe Bagpiper!

The Photobooth was by The Photobooth Experience, which travels all over the state!  They used it as their guest sign in book and the guests filled up the pages completely by the end of the night.