Kelsey and Blake’s wedding will always have a special place in our hearts because it was Engaged Life’s first in Tahoe! We had such an amazing time getting to know this couple and their family and friends and cannot wait to share their wedding day with you!!
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky on this sunny October day at Squaw Valley Resort, documented by the incredible Sarah Dawson Photography. Kelsey and Blake embraced rustic Tahoe vibes for their best day ever, implementing natural fall colors and earthy accents in their florals, décor, and even their wardrobe. The bride’s wildflower-inspired bouquet by Love and Lupines was full of greenery and vibrant colors. It’s hard to take your eyes off this bunch!
Daymaker Brides arrived bright and early to pamper Kelsey, her bridesmaids, and the best woman. Kelsey wore her hair in a loose low bun leaving room for her sparkling pearl earrings to shine. Her makeup accentuated her natural beauty with long natural lashes, blushing cheeks, and a subtle red lip. She slipped into a gown made for a princess, taking everyone’s breath away as she revealed her final look. The lace bodice and full skirt seemed to float around her. Kelsey glowed as she stole the show!
Blake and his entourage prepared for the big day in a neighboring suite. He kept his look classic with a white tuxedo, bowtie, and patent leather shoes. The groomsmen wore crisp white button-ups and bowties, while the Best Woman (Blake’s sister) wore an elegant black gown. We love this expression of sibling love and unconventional incorporation into the groom’s party!
Blake’s blue vow book complemented Kelsey’s — one of our favorite wedding day trends! The soon-to-be-husband shared a drink with his crew and enjoyed the stunning view from a balcony overlooking the resort.
The fall colors during the weekend of Kelsey and Blake’s wedding were unreal. The yellows and reds became a vibrant backdrop for pre-ceremony photos, and the sun knew right where to shine. Tahoe is truly one of the most wonderful places we’ve ever been and finally there are photos to do it justice.
Kelsey calmed her nerves before the first look with her groom by smiling and laughing with her bridesmaids. The ladies wore rich burgundy gowns and held miniature versions of the bridal bouquet. We love how the colors pop against the golden leaves!
When Kelsey and Blake got to see each other they were all smiles. They knew in a few short moments they’d be husband and wife! After their private shoot, the wedding party gathered in a meadow filled with hundred-year-old trees standing proudly in the afternoon sunlight. Everything about these photos radiates happiness.
There couldn’t have been a more beautiful time of day for this ceremony at Squaw Valley Gardens. The sun had just fallen behind Squaw’s majestic peaks amplifying their greatness. Kelsey and Blake had a solo acoustic guitarist from Lucky Devils Band strumming covers of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin as guests took their seats.
Blake waited for his bride under a wooden arbor draped in greenery and white tulle. One of our favorite photos is of Kelsey and her father getting ready to walk down the aisle smiling at each other from ear to ear.
The service was short and sweet, officiated by one of the nicest people we’ve ever met, Jackie Phillips. The couple exchanged their vows and first married kiss before beaming with smiles as they danced past cheering guests to Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
Just when we thought this day couldn’t get any more magical, photographer Sarah took the newlyweds to a field that transformed golden hour from a time to a place. Kelsey’s dress moved gently across the grass as she and her husband embraced this everlasting bliss.
Back at Squaw Valley Resort, guests enjoyed cocktail hour and a gorgeous sunset on the patio among Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and yard games. They snapped photos for the guest book and soaked in the evening air.
The reception space was covered in market lighting, bringing the sunset glow indoors. Each table was named after a mountain peak in the area and decorated with repurposed glass bottles full of flowers, gold votives, wooden lanterns, and greenery. Kelsey handwrote each place setting with gold pen on coordinating burgundy or green paper. Even more impressive, they created their own wedding logo and acrylic seating chart which were displayed by Crux Rental‘s unique (and very heavy) log easel.
Lucky Devils jammed out while guests sang and danced before settling down for heartwarming speeches. One of our favorite moments was when Kelsey and Blake gave their thank you speech, recognizing that each of their parents has been happily married to each other for decades. Blake was humbled in his admiration and dubbed both in-laws #relationshipgoals which had the entire room echoing with laughter.
We had SO much fun helping Kelsey and Blake’s best day ever come to life, and becoming friends with them in the process! We know someday their children will say that Kelsey and Blake are relationship goals. Welcome to Married Life you two!! May you enjoy a lifetime of epic Tahoe sunsets. Can we go back and do it all over again?!
2 comments
Thank you so much Jessica! I cannot stress how easy you and Stephanie made the day for us. Every one is loving reliving the day through this post !
Wish we could do it all over again!!! I love visiting Squaw so much now. Cannot wait to see it again this fall for another round of weddings. I only hope they get the same incredible weather and colors you did!!