Weddings

Lake Tahoe Valhalla Wedding | Ben and Kailei

May 22, 2024

Couple having their 1st kiss at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe

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This Lake Tahoe Valhalla wedding made all my photographer dreams come true! Kailei and Ben are a dream, and I am down right giddy about their day.  I don’t always get to have allot of communication with couples prior to the wedding day if they are working with a planner or opt out of a engagement session, so the minute I walked into their getting ready room I knew we were on the same wavelength.  Connection is such a vital part of the creative process for me so having such fun energy around throughout the day just made it even better. Their beautiful Lake Tahoe Valhalla wedding ceremony took place on the back lawn behind the main house.  It was a warm, breezy wedding day of perfection.  Everything ran so smoothly thanks to an incredible vendor team, especially Amanda of  Enchanted Events. I feel so grateful to have forged friendships, shared laughter and witness a beautiful union.  Thank you so much Kailei and Ben.

I love a mother daughter moment.  Its easy to rush through some of these parts, but being in the moment is what its all about.

You never have to feel obligated to do a 1st look, always follow you heart on what you feel would make your union feel right.

Although time and distance has kept their girl crew from each other as their lives have evolved they still do zoom wine night calls!

Ben’s dad officiated the wedding and shared sweet stories about the both of them.  What a meaningful moment!

You can never go wrong with Tahoe as your backdrop.    Their arch was such a pretty focus point for their vows.  Congratulations!

The sprawling lawn at Valhalla is such a perfect spot for outdoor cocktail hour. Guests mingled under the enormous canopy of the trees.

Bridesmaid photo request of course!

The floral details on Kailei’s veil was so delicate and elegant, such a pretty pairing with her simple yet elegant gown.

Vendor Team

Venue | Valhalla

Getting Ready Cabin | Zephyr Point

Make-up | Me Beauty

Hair | Madison Cate

Wedding Planner | Reno Tahoe Enchanted Events

Florist | Create with T (Arch)

Florist | Family + Friends (Bouquets/Tables)

DJ | McClain Mobile DJ

Catering | The Hidden Table

Photographer | Kirsten Zarek

 

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SHALL WE MEET?

HI FRIENDS

I’m Kirsten—a wedding photographer here to guide you through this wildly exciting time…and toward the best lighting.

Ever since my days in the highschool darkroom, I’ve been enamored with the power images have to tell a compelling story. I went on to study photography and fashion at Savannah College of Art & Design and worked as an editor for a studio before founding Kirsten Marie Photography in 2012. Every day since, and I’ve fallen deeper in love with the art of wedding photography—there’s just nothing quite as fascinating and fulfilling as documenting the tenderness weddings bring out in people.

As someone who’s fairly spotlight-shy, I know how awkward being photographed can feel—which is why I work to bring an atmosphere of ease (and a wicked sharp sense of humor) to our time together. I pour my whole heart into hyping you up, getting you the material you deserve, and making sure you feel comfortable and cared for.

Beyond the lens, I’m a mom to two feisty girls. Translation: there’s no group I can’t wrangle, no mountain I can’t summit, and no trail I can’t traverse. While you’re soaking in sunsets and sipping champagne—you can find me crawling through bushes and traipsing through snowpack to get the best angle…and loving every single second of it. 

Bay Area & Lake Tahoe wedding photography

For the adventurous & open-minded

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