What’s poignant about COVID weddings is that in some ways, downsized weddings are exactly what many people actually want. In the not-so-distant-not-2020 past, guest lists swoon out of responsibility, or guilt, or just simply good intentions. What was meant to be 75 people becomes 100, becomes 125 and then all the sudden you are throwing a 200 person wedding you never meant to have. There’s a mariachi band because you thought it would go with the tacos. There’s an alpaca carrying around beer. How did that become a thing? There’s too much burlap. You’ve bought the same damn flowered robes for your bridesmaids that they already own from the last 4 weddings they were in. It happens.
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. Frankly, after meeting Molly’s family, I can assure you that those 5 people are all you need as a party starter.
Molly and Chris arranged for on site catering, put half the guests up in a rental house owned by friends of the family across the street, danced on the deck, were serenaded by Molly’s sister after dinner, and frankly had the most relaxed languid stress free day that anyone could want for their wedding. It reflected both their personalities, included elements of their passion and main hobby (climbing), and despite the small numbers, still ended in a dance party. In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion that a Tahoe City backyard wedding was EXACTLY the wedding Chris and Molly had originally dreamed of.
If you’re stressed about downsizing your wedding in this new world, don’t be. I have tips on how to downsize your wedding without downsizing expectations here and if you want more proof or just more intimate wedding or elopement inspiration for your day, you’ll find more backyard weddings, intimate weddings, and elopements on the blog!
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