Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge Wedding

Planning a destination wedding can be a bit of a daunting experience. Luckily in Lake Tahoe planning destination weddings are the norm. With breathtaking waterfront views, snowcapped mountains and endless Ponderosa Pines, anyone who loves nature and the outdoors will find themselves lost in the beauty, Lake Tahoe has to offer. Carleigh and Connor booked my top collection for their Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge Wedding at Lake Tahoe. Included in their collection was an engagement session which took place in San Francisco at Bakers Beach. From the moment I met Connor and Carleigh I felt like I was just spending the day with old friends. They are two open books who could not be more enjoyable to spend the day with. I LOVE getting to do couples engagement sessions, since by the wedding day it feels like a reunion with friends. On the day of their wedding I was so excited to see their sweet faces again, and document this incredible day at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge.

collage of couple at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge on their wedding day

Wedding Day Getting Ready at Sunnyside Resturant and Lodge

Connor and his crew got ready at Sunnyside Lodge with my second photographer, while I headed over to a beautiful waterfront private estate to capture Carleigh stepping into her dress. Having a comfortable space with beautiful natural light makes such a huge difference in getting ready images. I will obviously work every angle in whatever space you have for this part, but having a bright uncluttered space helps put so much more emphasis on the moments happening. The interactions between these two and their parents were so touching to see.

Private Lake Tahoe Estate Portrait Time and Vows

After Carleigh stepped into her dress it was time for her to do a 1st look with her dad on the back lawn. From laughter to tears, it was so sweet to see their connection and excitement. Soon after Connor arrived and was waiting at the end of the long pier, for his 1st look with Carleigh, and their private vows. With her gal crew in toe she was escorted to the end of the pier, where the two of them could take it all in and have a quiet and intimate vow exchange. Afterwards we began their portraits followed by their wedding party. While I love portrait time, and being creative, I never want a wedding day to feel exhausting. The goal is to move quickly, and add lots of posing and backdrop variety. Having a 1st look and doing all your portraits, including wedding party and family is ideal if you want to enjoy your entire cocktail hour, which I am finding more and more people are prioritizing lately.

Ceremony at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge

Carleigh and Connor got married at Sunnyside on the back deck area overlooking Lake Tahoe. Carleighs brother officiated and their friends and family did readings throughout. Ceremonies are one of my most favorite times to capture candids, especially the emotional reactions of parents. Having a second photographer is vital for capturing as many angles as possible. Since I cannot be at two places at the same time, having another perspective for vows is such a great option for capturing as much as possible. After they processed out they were greeted by their closest friends and the reactions are some of my favorites from the day.

Reception at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge

Sunnyside has a cozy and warm mountain vibe. Carleigh and Connor did a modern and elegant tablescape of greenery, white roses and abundant candlelight. After their entrance, both of the ir fathers gave a hilarious toast, later followed by their best man and maid of honor. This group kept me laughing from morning to night with their humor and playfulness. They then made their way back to the deck to have their 1st dance under the tent. I loved the perspective of their 1st dance framed in the tent with surrounded by their guests. After all formal dances concluded a wild dance party ensued! This Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge Wedding was hands down a favorite from the season!