I captured these Chalet View Lodge wedding photos during a full weekend in Graeagle, California. This couple booked my full wedding photography package. It includes rehearsal dinner coverage, full-day wedding coverage, and a custom album.
The bride and groom chose Chalet View Lodge without any prior connection to the area. They wanted a wedding venue where everyone could travel to, stay together, and spend time beyond just the ceremony.
From the beginning, the couple emphasized that they didn’t want a photographer directing the day. They wanted someone who could blend in and document it as it happened.
They also added a second photographer. Having two photographers made a difference. It allowed one of us to focus on the essential shots while the other had more freedom to capture more artistic and creative angles.
Getting Ready in The Lounge at Chalet View Lodge
The morning started in The Lounge at Chalet View Lodge, where the bride got ready with her two sisters and her mom. Since they booked my all-day wedding photography package, I arrived early. This gave me time to explore the room and create some artistic compositions.
Arriving early gives me plenty of time to introduce myself and learn everyone’s name. It also helps everyone get used to having a camera around, which allows me to capture great candid moments like these.
As a wedding photographer, I love finding reflections and creative compostions. Reflections often allow me to find the angle I want, especially in tight spaces like hotel rooms.
In addition to focusing solely on the bride, I kept my eyes on her mom and sisters. One of the more noticeable moments was her mom hugging her, eyes closed, holding on for a few seconds before stepping away.
A bride and groom see a lot on a wedding day, but not everything. Part of my job is seeing and photographing what happens around them.
Once she was ready, we used the window light in the room and stepped outside for a few portraits on the lawn.
Groom Getting Ready at Eureka Peak Brewing Co.
While I was with the bride, the groom and his group were at the on-site taproom, Eureka Peak Brewing Company. My second photographer covered this part of the day.
The morning was relaxed. Drinks, conversation, and time with his groomsmen.
At one point, his mom stepped in to adjust his boutonniere. Later, they went outside together for a few group photos.
Having a second photographer made this possible without splitting attention or rushing between locations.
Outdoor Ceremony at Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle, CA
The ring bearers came first. They were excited and not trying to hide it. One of them ran and jumped partway down the aisle, which got an immediate reaction from the guests.
The bride walked down with her dad. The aisle at this venue is long, starting near the cabins and spanning a long distance on the way to the ceremony space.
It gives more time than usual to take everything in. And it gave me plenty of time to capture the bride and her dad enjoying a few moments together.
I always try to capture a photo of the father of the bride when he hugs his daughter. Here, the lighting and everyone’s position was just right for me to capture this moment and also include the groom standing nearby.
The ceremony itself was straightforward. A short introduction, followed by a reading from the groom’s sister, then vows.
During readings, I try to include both the speaker and the couple in the same frame. It shows what’s being said and how it’s being received.
During the vows, I moved between both sides. That way I could capture each person speaking and listening.
Knowing how to shoot in Manual Mode is critical for venues like this that have bright light. The light at this location can be very strong. I expose for the highlights to keep detail in the scene and avoid blown-out areas.
When it ended, they walked back down the aisle together, holding hands. At one point they leaned in toward each other as they walked away.
We followed that with group portraits. Although I mainly focus on candid moments at weddings, I photograph these traditional photos at every event.
This one stood out because everyone stayed relaxed, even in a posed setup.
Golden Hour in the Meadow
Like most weddings at Chalet View Lodge, we borrowed a golf cart and headed down to the meadow for sunset.
Timing matters here. I tracked the light during the afternoon and coordinated with the planner so we could step away at the right time.
The meadow sits below the main property. It’s surrounded by trees, with a mix of open space and filtered light. We moved through a few spots without rushing. Some areas gave us soft backlight. Others gave more direct light depending on position.
As I casually guided the couple to some scenic spots with great light, my second photographer brought some lens flare into her lens for the creative and artistic photo in the middle below.
I brought in a reflection to add some magic to this golden hour portrait of the bride and groom.
In the mountains, you can’t always shoot directly into the sun and expect good results. But if your timing is right and the sun is low enough, you can use the pine trees and a small aperture to get some cool sun stars and lens flares.
In the next two photos, you can see an example of a silhouette version of the same moment. My second photographer captured one of these, and I captured the other using a different exposure.
The light dropped quickly once the sun moved behind the mountains, but we were in place at the right time and made the most of it.
Outdoor Reception at Chalet View Lodge
Dinner and speeches took place outside under string lights, with long tables set among the trees. This setup is one of the main reasons couples choose Chalet View Lodge. Everything happens outdoors, surrounded by trees.
I photographed the details early, then shifted focus to people as the reception got going.
The groom’s sister, the father of the bride, and the bride’s sisters all gave great champagne toasts from the middle of the dance floor.
There were a few kids at the wedding, and they stayed active during the speeches. I kept an eye on them while also tracking the main moments.
Cutting the Cake and Couple’s First Dance
The couple cut the cake off to the side without an announcement. It happened during the last light of the day, with the sun just dropping behind the trees.
The string lights above the dance floor added atmosphere, but not much usable light. I brought in off-camera flash to keep the scene clear while still holding onto the ambient feel.
They had a choreographed dance, with spins and dips built in. I dragged the shutter slightly to bring in more of the background light and show some motion.
Dance Floor Under the Stars
Once the formalities ended, the party stepped up a notch.The bride and groom brought out a collection of props and costumes for people to grab. I stayed inside the crowd and photographed from within, which is always the best way to capture the energy of the dance floor.
Chalet View Lodge Wedding Photography
If you’re planning a Chalet View Lodge wedding, I’d love to connect! I’m a wedding photographer based in Lake Tahoe, working regularly in Graeagle, the Lost Sierra, and the Northern California area.
My approach is straightforward. I document what’s happening without interrupting it. I step in when needed, but most of the day is about observing and staying close to the action.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, you can reach out through my contact page to check availability and learn more about wedding photography packages for Chalet View Lodge.
