Classic Fall Lake Tahoe Wedding | Merrily Wed® Lake Tahoe Lakefront Weddings

Tiana and Kyle knew each other in high school but it wasn’t until after college their romantic love story began.  Tiana bumped into Kyle when visiting home and the rest was meant to be.  Both being born and raised on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, they knew this was where they wanted to marry – a destination AND local Lake Tahoe lakefront wedding after all.  The venue without a doubt would be her great grandmother’s historic Lake Tahoe lakefront estate on the West Shore and with Merrily Wed® on-board, their wedding was going to be unforgettable!

The earliest wedding date possible was November 3rd due to Kyle’s job.  We all knew how DARING this was as old man winter can come anytime in the fall here.  Everything from ceremony to late night dancing would be held outside.

Our luck didn’t last and it snowed over 2 feet at lake level the week before their wedding.  We had all hands on deck clearing snow from the lawn and property the Friday before due to the 3 day tent install to start on the following Tuesday (and pending 2nd storm) – we had to have as much time for the grass to dry as possible.  4 tents, 23 heaters and countless hours later – the setting was perfect for their dream wedding.

1 Classic Fall Lake Tahoe Wedding

Tiana’s wedding color palette was a burnt yellow, ivory and cream with natural, organic touches woven throughout the ceremony and reception – manzanita branches, log stumps, wood tags, table round plaques etc…  An overall shabby chic with a touch of country style and feel.  The Tahoe fall surroundings complimented this color scheme perfectly with harvest gold leaves in the trees and on the ground.

2 Classic Fall Lake Tahoe Wedding

Tiana’s custom white and ivory bouquet was comprised of ALL fabric rosettes.  The bridesmaids wore ivory lace dresses accented with custom mustard yellow & ivory rosette sashes.  Kyle also wore a custom fabric floral boutonniere matching Tiana’s bouquet. 


2 Classic Fall Lake Tahoe Wedding

A large cream floral monogram hung from the arch entrance which all guests passed under.  On the other arch side, a twiggy garland with cream florals and manzanita framed the ceremony processional.   Perfectly cut log stumps flanked the aisles with pillar candles and petals and a simple birch arbor with cream floral treatments framed the altar.  Wooden antique skis beckoned guests to sign their well wishes for the newlyweds.

4 Classic Fall Lake Tahoe Wedding

Reminiscent of their mini log round Save the Dates, table names were chosen after tree species and actual wood cross sections from the exact tree were engraved with the same name.  We custom made the huge fabric escort card board complete with a linen patchwork design and rustic nails for hanging the wooden escort tags. 

Ivory lace runners topped the burlap runners on the wooden farm tables creating a detailed base for the stunning tablescape.  Burlap and lace also adorned all the shepherd hooks holding varying types of lanterns – rustic to mason jar – filled with mustard yellow pillars. 

5 Classic Fall Lake Tahoe Wedding

True to their wedding style, Tiana and Kyle’s fall style wedding cake emulated an aspen bark with cascading ivory leaves.  Not to forget the stunning clear tents – overhead 100 hanging mason jars flanked black wrought iron chandeliers and swooping ivory swagging.  The 4th tent was the dance tent and had a single giant crystal chandelier in the middle with the ivory swagging converging on it. 

6 Classic Fall LakeTahoe Wedding

Dancing, an awesome photo booth from Reno Photobooth and a complete s’mores wine barrel bar where guests roasted marshmallows over a fire in a converted washer drum completed the party.  This was the warmest and loving celebration Tiana and Kyle could have ever dreamed of!

The stunning photography courtesy of A Day In Your Life Photography and the beautiful florals by talented Bellissima Floral.

Tahoe Signature of Style,

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Tahoe ‘Rustic Elegance’ Redefined | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Wedding Planner

Katie and Chris married last September at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe.  Throwing a good time for their family and friends was top of their list for their Lake Tahoe wedding as was working with the beautiful natural mountain setting.  So instead of heading to the ballroom when dinner hour arrived, the guests walked the manicured stone pathway to the custom sailcloth tent beckoning in the nearby meadow.

What began at the ceremony as a fresh and light interpretation of ‘rustic elegance’, the varying textures of burlap, linen and wood continued under this gorgeous canopy.  The earthy, natural elements were softened by the white, cream, ivory and overall neutral color palette favored by Katie.

We will let the photos from this wedding do the rest of the talking!  Starting with one of the most memorable First Looks we have seen, all the way to Katie and Chris’ sparkler exit, each photo is more and more delicious!  Pure eye candy!

Bellissima Floral Creations created the beautiful floral artistry and all of the ‘rustic redefined’ details from Katie’s gown to the cuisine to the escort cards could not have been captured so perfectly without the fine talents of  The Youngrens.

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Lovely green was color-spotted through out the entire day and a natural complement to Katie’s wedding color palette and style.  Working and complementing, not competing with, the natural surroundings was the goal.

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They wed surrounded by the towering pines at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe.  Nodding to nature, tree stumps lined their aisle and a birch arch framed the two as they exchanged their vows.

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The outdoor reception was beneath a sailcloth tent complete with mill wood beams and onion copper lights adorned with silver dollar eucalyptus and white hydrangea.  A forest canopy of curly willow and luscious foliage framed the tent entrance.  Aspens and shepherd hooks with dangling lanterns lined the guests’ pathway to the party.  First course was a green soup that winked at the wedding colors.

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Guests dined in the twilight and following dinner, a 7 piece band kept them shaking their groove-thangs.  Katie’s bridesmaids even surprised her with a choreographed dance to one of their favorite college day songs.  Adirondack chairs and cleverly placed tree stumps invited guests to kick their feet up and take it all in.  The surrounding ski slopes, typically white with snow, were showing their summer green and a breathtaking sight.

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Later on, an ice cream buffet delighted the guests while late night passed snacks of donuts and cookies made all the big kids feel like little ones again.  Sparklers lit the newlyweds’ path as they departed with full grins on their beautiful faces!  Congratulations to Katie and Chris!

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(*Spoiler Alert – lots more to come of this exquisitely fine rustic wedding!)

Tahoe Signature of Style,

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Stylish Sequins – Wedding Trend | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Wedding Planner

Why is it that something sparkly and shiny seems so irresistible sometimes?  Sequins are adding a little, okay A LOT, of shimmer in the wedding world these days!

They are the perfect way to bring a little glitz and glamor to your wedding gown, a bridesmaid dress, an invitation, a wedding cake, a floral arrangement, a place setting, a linen – their use is endless!  And when done just right, sequins have a remarkable statement to make.

We love this tantalizing combo of sequins paired with this season’s favorite blush tone, ivory, champagne and gold color palette!

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Sequin Inspiration Board

Credits – Top L-R: Etsy Artist – Beautiful Again Bridal, The Lane.com, EngagedAndInspired.com, Revel-Blog.com
Middle: ElizabethAnneDesigns.com, NBarrettPhotography.com, LuxeFinds.com
Bottom: MelissaandBeth.com, YasminKhajaviPhotography.com, LunaandChloeWeddings.com, 20SomethingBride.com

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DIY Stationery Ideal for a Tahoe Lakeside Wedding | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Weddings

We dove head over heels for these DIY watercolor wedding invitations, stationery and more.  This romantic, water-inspired style pairs nicely with a Lake Tahoe lakeside wedding anywhere from formal to casual.  With a dash of color and a sprinkle of water, this “labor of love” will surely have your guests diving in too!

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wedding chicks freeprintablesThis Petunia printable watercolor invitation from Anticipate Invitations on Wedding Chicks, is in this summer’s popular fresh peach.  They also include some oh-so darling tips on how to highlight the watercolor theme throughout your wedding.  From brightly painted cookie frosting to dainty, pastel floral napkins… your summer wedding will surely “float” with this unique touch.

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annika likesDIYFor a more formal approach, this DIY tutorial on letterpress watercolor invitations from Annika Likes is sure to wow.  Beautifully hand-painted and customized invitations never seemed so easy!

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diy-wedding-escort-cards Once Wed 1.jpgWhen its time to invite your guests to find their seats for dinner, splash in a bit of watercolor romance to their experience.  We loved this DIY idea featured on Once Wed and we just had to share…  Definitely steal-worthy!

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DIY marbled paper Green Wedding ShoesThis next idea from Green Wedding Shoes involves a little more “labor of love” than the rest, but the end result is definitely something you and your guests will cherish.  With a little acrylic paint, this marbled paper can be used for almost all things wedding from tags to menus to box wraps…  Take a look!

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DIY Welcome Bag Labels Betsy White BoutiqueWe thought these lovely, quick and easy printable labels for your Welcome Bags, Favor bags and more would be a perfect complement to your lakeside day.  Betsy White Stationery Boutique gives us the 411 on how to make this irresistible accessory.

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Martha Stewart Guest Book 2Lastly, but certainly not least, as you create your watercolor masterpieces for your guests, reward yourself with this adorable printable poster to use as your guest book from Martha Stewart Weddings.  Then adorn your newlywed home with this piece of art and never forget those that “Love Always” on your wedding day!

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Tahoe Signature of Style,

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Gatsby-esque Lake Tahoe Wedding | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Wedding Design

Dapper black tuxes, gilded gold touches, an endless pier with a beckoning light, a big band… details echoing a definite Gatsby style made this wedding a timeless classic.

Karen and Cyrus wed last September at a private lakefront estate on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.  As leaves turn and kids head back to school, Tahoe becomes a quiet playground and there is no doubt why this is the most popular time of year to marry here.  Cyrus and his groomsmen arrived for the ceremony aboard an Italian water taxi to the delight of their unsuspecting guests.

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Peony pink, ivory, gold and touches of champagne comprised the color palette of this classically elegant wedding.  Heavy draping reminiscent of Karen’s stunning gown graced the main arch that guests walked through.  Gold detailed embellishments could be found through-out the reception including the vintage lounge.

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Crystal chandeliers and clear tents allowed the towering pines overhead to not be forgotten and blended their classic indoor styling with the Tahoe outdoors.

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A tenor and string quartet set the stage for the ceremony and later on an 8 piece big band from Los Angeles entertained for the reception – all true to the vibe of the day.  The black and white checkerboard dance floor was the perfect touch to the stylish Gatsby feel complete with simple string lighting overhead.

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After sunset, the lighting on the endless pier beckoned guests to come closer to the best vantage point for soaking up the surrounding Jewel of the Sierra.  Truly a timeless and unforgettable soiree’!

Jonathan of Jonathan Young Weddings captured this beautiful wedding and the talented Hattie of Art In Bloom designed the stunning florals.

Tahoe Signature of Style,

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Lake Tahoe Wedding with Chevron Charm | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Weddings

We were crushing on chevron (and still are!) while planning and designing this wedding!  Catarina loves everything chevron and the grey chevron pattern was the perfect backdrop to her wedding color palette of vibrant melons, blues and purples.

With over 150 guests in attendance for their late September wedding, Catarina and Ross married on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe at the Glenbrook Club House.  We are excited to share their charming, color popping wedding with you!

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Over 250 roses created the melon swirl petal design down the aisle.  Curly willow with symmetrical floral clusters draped overhead as Catarina and Ross exchanged their vows.  B & B Designs provided the cheery flowers for their colorful wedding!

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Bright melon colored Gerbera daisies helped guests find their seats.  The light grey chevron table runners served as the perfect base for the beautiful tablescape on the dining tables.  This chevron pattern repeated in the background on the escort cards and cleverly numbered table cards.

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Who wants a lollie?  Fun, color palette matching lollipops decorated the cake table in custom initial mugs and more were found on their separate candy bar.  And there were enough lollies for everyone!

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Grey striped straws with custom monogram tags decorated each guest’s drink and complemented the color palette.

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Their celebration lasted into the night as the white paper lanterns’ glow took over as the sun set.  Dancing was definitely a highlight of the evening as well as the memorable toasts from close friends and family.

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Thanks to Mauricio of Chrisman Studios for capturing this charming wedding celebration!
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Tahoe Signature of Style,

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