Lauren's ideal client revised: relaxed backyard BBQ whiskey-drinking partier weddings where they cut the cake WITH A CHAINSAW. Cordi and Chuck's very relaxed, very backyard, private estate Nevada City wedding photography and all the reasons why I planned to end a trip to Scotland early for these very special clients.
If you’re considering hosting your wedding in a backyard or private estate, you’re in for a unique and memorable experience. From the natural beauty and intimacy of the setting to the flexibility and personal touch that come with hosting an event in a private space, backyard and estate weddings can be a wonderful option for couples looking to create a one-of-a-kind celebration. However, there are also some important things to consider when planning a wedding in a backyard or private estate. Here is a backyard lakeview Lake Tahoe private estate wedding along with some tips to help you make the most of your special day.
I consider it to be the highest honor to be hired by friends and family. When my college friend and dorm-mate, Eileen, reached out to me to tell me that she was getting re-married and that she would like to hire me, it was such a tremendous compliment. It is no question that when friends and family members choose to hire you, it clearly indicates their support and belief in your skills and expertise so I thank Eileen for that. More from Eileen and John’s San Antonio private estate backyard wedding here.
Planning a wedding is a CHALLENGE. You may be overly excited about your engagement, only to discover when it comes to wedding planning all the fun seems to be leaching out of the process, leaving you languishing and overwhelmed. Sound familiar? I'm here to tell you that when it comes to planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding, there are plenty of benefits to opting for a small, intimate micro-wedding. There are even more benefits when you start looking at venues and decide to go with a backyard wedding at a private estate. Katie and TJ did exactly that and the result was a hilarious, intimate, and absolutely perfect private estate wedding in Summit County, CO.
Kenna's lifelong dream was to get married on her family's property outside of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Located in Penn Valley, CA, the ranch boasts massive cliffs with a river running through it, sloping hills, dense forest, and plenty of space for all of their friends to camp and rabblerouse. Their wedding was set for May of 2020. Due to the pandemic, their Grass Valley wedding was set to be rescheduled once, and then again. Two years later, I was incredibly honored to finally reconnect with Kenna and Hasan and finally capture their celebration on Kenna's family's ranch.
Neither a pandemic, nor a fire, could derail Elizabeth and Matt's plans. After two reschedules, three dates, and a fire evacuation, Elizabeth and Matt finally had the backyard garden wedding of the dreams and I would be apt to say that the phrase "third time's a charm" is perfectly applicable here.
Revive Coffee and Wine is one of my favorite venues in South Lake Tahoe for intimate backyard weddings. It feels almost like you're at your own house - with a lush garden, aspens and pine trees for shade, and an intimate outdoor setting that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of Highway 50 just steps out the front door.
When Kierney and Will originally planned their wedding, it was going to be a completely relaxed BBQ beach adventure. They wanted games and good times, socializing and tequila. As COVID hit, it became increasingly clear that their wedding dreams were going to be dashed and they completely changed course: calling me out of the blue and deciding to elope at the county clerk's office. It was the perfect afternoon, in my opinion: beers, bikes, and beach champagne. When they finally celebrated they did so with a private backyard Tahoe micro wedding and it was absolutely perfect in every way.
Mariela and Andrew had a dual location wedding: a ceremony and cocktail hour at The Landing Resort and Spa on their rooftop wedding deck, followed by a reception, dinner, and dancing at the absolutely incredible Tahoe River House Retreat in Meyers, CA, one of the ONLY private estates in South Lake Tahoe that allows for weddings and events. With plenty of parking and no neighbors, this VHR is the perfect spot for a South Lake Tahoe private backyard wedding, complete with a teepee! If you are looking for a private estate that will allow for events and weddings of up to 100 guests, the Tahoe River House Retreat is the perfect location!
Molly and Chris were originally going to hold a large destination wedding at Granlibakken in Tahoe City. It's a charming event center and retreat with endless outdoor space that backs up to the Tahoe forest. It's a great spot for a wedding because all your friends and family can stay on site and there's plenty of space. When COVID changed their plans, Molly and Chris pivoted quickly to something that seemed all too perfect for them: a small, intimate Tahoe City backyard wedding at the cabin that has been in their family for generations.
Melissa and Austin had planned their wedding at the Chart House in Lake Tahoe and modelled it, or, in Melissa's self professed words "copied" it from Ashley and Tim, down to the dancefloor. They even stole their photographer (me!) and are claiming to keep me as a friend forever. When their destination wedding was cancelled due to the pandemic, Melissa said she was "expecting some shit to hit the fan but man oh man this went above and beyond!!!!" When Melissa and Austin came up with a new plan, it was completely and totally reflective of their personality, which Melissa said has "always been a wild ride" and I was fortunate enough to have the ability to make it to Missouri to capture their revised wedding day.
In the face of a global pandemic, many couples are having to make difficult choices regarding the days they have, in some cases, spent their lives or at least the last year or two, dreaming about. As wedding vendors, we are incredibly aware of how difficult these decisions have been for folks as they also directly affect our livelihoods. Downsizing your wedding expectations without downsizing your excitement is possible, I promise! Head here for some suggestions on reframing your expectations but not minimizing your joy.
