Weddings

A Thoughtful and Heartfelt Sunnyside Lake Tahoe Wedding | Maddy and Peter

October 24, 2025

Bride arriving by boat for Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding ceremony

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If you’re dreaming of a Lake Tahoe wedding filled with heartfelt details, stunning lake views, and genuine emotion, Maddy and Peter’s Sunnyside Resort wedding is sure to inspire you. Every part of their celebration was thoughtfully planned and beautifully personal — from the creative design to the emotional moments shared by the water.

Bride arriving by boat for Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding ceremony

A Personalized Lake Tahoe Wedding Filled with Meaning at Sunnyside

Maddy and her family brought their personalities and creativity to life through so many meaningful touches. The bride’s parents collected and packaged sweet pea seeds to use as seat card holders and wedding favors, a sweet symbol of love taking root. These custom touches added such warmth and thoughtfulness to their day, setting the tone for a celebration full of heart.

One of the most unique design elements was the custom wedding crest, which Maddy hand-painted in watercolor. Her artistic vision tied the day together beautifully — from the invitations and signage to the soft color palette and décor throughout the reception space at Sunnyside Resort in Lake Tahoe.

Romantic lakeside portraits at Sunnyside Resort captured by Lake Tahoe wedding photographer

A Romantic First Look on the Shores of Lake Tahoe

Before joining their family and friends at Sunnyside, the couple shared a private first look at a friend’s lakeside estate. The morning was calm and quiet, the perfect backdrop for an emotional exchange of handwritten cards on the pier. These quiet, intentional moments are what make Lake Tahoe weddings so special — the beauty of nature reflecting the depth of the day.

Emotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding Emotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding Romantic lakeside portraits at Sunnyside Resort captured by Lake Tahoe wedding photographer Emotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding Emotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe weddingEmotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding Romantic lakeside portraits at Sunnyside Resort captured by Lake Tahoe wedding photographer Emotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe weddingEmotional first look on private pier before Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding

A Boat Entrance and Ceremony Filled with Emotion

Back at Sunnyside, Maddy shared an emotional moment with her father before arriving by boat for her ceremony entrance. As they pulled up to the dock, guests were overcome with emotion — happy tears all around as they watched such a meaningful, cinematic entrance unfold against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe.

After the couple exchanged vows overlooking the water, they departed by boat once again, taking time to pop champagne and enjoy 360° lake views. This short escape gave them a chance to breathe, celebrate, and soak in the beauty of the moment before joining their guests for an unforgettable evening.

Romantic lakeside portraits at Sunnyside Resort captured by Lake Tahoe wedding photographerBride arriving by boat for Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding ceremony Bride arriving by boat for Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding ceremony Bride arriving by boat for Sunnyside Lake Tahoe wedding ceremony  Romantic lakeside portraits at Sunnyside Resort captured by Lake Tahoe wedding photographer

A Cozy and Romantic Candlelit Reception

The reception at Sunnyside Lake Tahoe was cozy, elegant, and full of laughter. Romantic pops of color, glowing candles, and heartfelt toasts created the perfect atmosphere for celebrating with loved ones. Guests laughed and cried through the speeches — a true reflection of how deeply Maddy and Peter are loved.

As the night continued, the incredible band Hip Service brought the dance floor to life, keeping everyone on their feet. In one of the night’s most memorable moments, Maddy surprised everyone with her signature flip — the perfect joyful finale to an already extraordinary day.

Candlelit Sunnyside Resort Lake Tahoe wedding reception with colorful florals Candlelit Sunnyside Resort Lake Tahoe wedding reception with colorful florals Candlelit Sunnyside Resort Lake Tahoe wedding reception with colorful florals Candlelit Sunnyside Resort Lake Tahoe wedding reception with colorful florals

Why Sunnyside is One of the Best Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues

Located right on the lake, Sunnyside Resort is one of the most scenic and romantic Lake Tahoe wedding venues. With its lakeside ceremony options, cozy indoor reception space, and the ability to arrive or depart by boat, it offers everything couples could dream of for a memorable Lake Tahoe wedding experience.

Capturing Heartfelt Lake Tahoe Weddings

Photographing Maddy and Peter’s wedding at Sunnyside was such an honor. Their kindness, thoughtfulness, and joy made every moment unforgettable. Days like this are what I love most about being a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer — capturing genuine emotion and timeless beauty surrounded by the magic of the lake.

Vendor Team

Venue |  Sunnyside Resort, Lake Tahoe

Band | Hip Service

Planner | Liane McCombs

Design & Watercolor Crest | Bride, Maddy

Florals | Love and Lupines

Video | Flower and Oak

Photography | Kirsten Zarek, Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer

Hair | Bella Brides Tahoe

Make-up | Kiss and Make-up Tahoe

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SHALL WE MEET?

HI FRIENDS

A Lake Tahoe wedding photographer who values documenting those quiet micro moments that take you back to how it felt.

I’m a calming presence and a trusted friend — the one who fixes your veil, straightens your tie, or quietly captures the fleeting, unposed moments you didn’t even know were happening. With a background in photography and fashion from SCAD and over a decade behind the lens, I blend editorial elegance with candid documentary storytelling, so your images feel classic yet vibrant, full of life and warmth.

Ever since my days in the highschool darkroom, I’ve been enamored with the power images have to tell a compelling story. 

Beyond the lens, I’m a mom to two feisty girls. Translation: there’s no challenge I cannot handle. 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. 

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