Saying “I do” on a picturesque mountaintop is dream-worthy in its own right, but saying “I do” atop a mountain overlooking Lake Tahoe? That’s an entirely new level of pretty. Case in point? These two sweeties, who tied the knot at the Zephyr Lodge in a take-your-breath-away celebration featuring mesmerizing views, crystal blue waters and a gondola or two. See it all in THE VAULT.

From First Pick Planning…. When we met Katie and Grant they let us know they planned to get married in Lake Tahoe, CA. The couple wanted a place where they could surround themselves with family and friends in a place near and dear to both of their hearts. Both Katie and Grant grew up spending time in Lake Tahoe and had fond memories with their families. It seemed like the ideal place for the two families to become one. They decided on a picturesque view at the top of Northstar’s Zephyr Lodge.

Northstar and its magical mountains set the perfect backdrop for their romantic wedding. The ceremony was outside facing out into the mountains and encompassed the love they had for each other, family and friends. During the ceremony they honored their parents longstanding marriages and Grant paid tribute to his grandfather by choosing his wedding ring as his wedding band. 

After the ceremony guests entered the reception inside Zephyr Lodge, which only lends itself to the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it with the floor to ceiling windows along one side of the venue. Art in Bloom brought us wild and free blooms that were placed in small clusters of mismatched vases that Katie’s mother had lovingly collected over the last year. The palette of rich greens and bright blooms complemented the scenery outside.

Guests dined at long family style tables with views of the mountains. As we further got to know Katie and Grant, we learned that family and friends truly mean everything to them. Based on this it was decided that we would serve the dinner “family style” with guests being able to try a little bit from each of the plates as they passed and encouraging guest to chat with one another.  After dinner was served and the traditional dances and speeches commenced.

Guests danced the night away and filled up the couple’s guest book with photos from their photo booth. We had a last minute décor addition of several green shrubs that were placed behind the DJ to separate the space and also made for the perfect backdrop for the photo booth. The couple had received a wedding gift of a personalized shotski that made the best addition to the photo booth greenery! To play off the fact that they got engaged in Ireland the couple served Irish Coffee’s to guests as they danced the night away.

Every aspect of the venue was perfection due to the amazing team at Northstar. During the planning process we quickly learned that Grant had a sweet tooth and dessert would be his main focus. In lieu of a traditional cake the couple opted for an entire dessert table filled with a few of Grant’s favorite’s: mini chocolate mousses, cupcakes, cookies and even doughnut holes. The night was truly one of those beautiful brisk mountain nights and guests enjoyed hot cocoa as they waited for the gondola to take them down the mountain at the end of the evening. Many of the guests joined the couple at the after party at Mikuni’s Sushi restaurant in the village where the rest of the doughnut holes were devoured and the life-sized cut outs of Katie and Grant made their grand appearance!

Photographer: Candice Benjamin Photography | Videographer: Jordan Claverie | Coordination: First Pick Planning | Florist: Art In Bloom | Makeup: Jen With Kiss And Makeup | Hair: Sam Harris | Lighting: Event Masters Rental | After Party Bar: Mikuni Sushi | Ceremony and Reception: Northstar Zephyr Lodge | DJ/Musician: Brian Hess | Desserts: Treat Box Bakery | Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth | Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals