After photographing countless weddings at Everline Resort, this celebration featured something entirely new: a grand tent reception on the golf course. I photographed this elegant summer wedding at Everline Resort with a candle-lit tent, capturing everything from a picturesque ceremony to a lively, high-energy reception. The couple hung hundreds of candle-lit glass orbs throughout the tent, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for their 200+ guests while a live band kept the party going well into the night.
Because of the size and scale of this wedding, the couple chose my all-day wedding photography package. Due to the large guest count, they also added a second photographer. My all-day package also includes engagement photography. You can see their classic wooden boat engagement session here!
Getting Ready
I met the bride and her bridal party at the hotel for getting-ready photos. At the same time, my second photographer photographed the groom in another part of the property.
Every bride brings a different energy to this part of the day. For this wedding, she wanted a calm, relaxed atmosphere. I focused on documenting quiet, candid moments.
Although the room had lots of luggage and accessories, I found a clean angle. As she put on her earrings, I framed her in a doorway with a wide-angle lens to include the artwork behind her.
Even when a bride is by herself, I’m always watching for natural expressions and unscripted moments.
Her maid of honor and mother helped her into her wedding dress.
Next, her bridesmaids joined her for a first look. With ten bridesmaids and the mother of the bride all reacting at once, I switched to a wider lens to capture everyone’s expressions.
First Look on the Lawn
To ease nerves before the ceremony, the bride and groom chose to share a first look. Based on the lighting and timing, I recommended a couple of locations that would photograph well.
Ceremony on the Everline Golf Course
If you want the Sierra Nevada mountains as the backdrop to your vows, a ceremony on the Everline golf course should be at the top of your list. The 10th tee is easily accessible for guests, and the views are incredible.
As the ceremony began, the father of the bride gave his daughter a good luck kiss.
Because there were more than 200 guests, the planners arranged chairs in two sections.
Below is a beautiful wide-angle view of the ceremony that my second photographer captured. In the background, you can see the grand reception tent and dining setup.
To showcase the dramatic mountain backdrop, I used a low angle with a long lens to compress the peaks and emphasize their scale. Few Lake Tahoe venues offer a ceremony view this striking.
The couple exchanged vows, with the groom going first.
When his voice cracked and he wiped away a tear, the moment was unforgettable. Capturing these real, unscripted emotions is what I love most about photographing weddings.
I always position myself for the strongest vantage point during vows, then wait patiently for moments like these to unfold.
I also shift angles to capture the partner’s reactions and stay alert to candid expressions from the front-row family members.
When it was time for the ring exchange, I switched to a telephoto lens to capture the moment up close.
After years of photographing hundreds of ceremonies, I’ve mastered capturing key moments while moving with intention. This skill is especially important during the recessional, so I never miss that second kiss as the couple walks back down the aisle.
Reception on the Golf Course
With the ceremony behind them, this couple couldn’t wait to celebrate.
Once guests were settled inside the massive tent, the newlyweds made their entrance and gave a welcome speech.
Sunset Photos in Olympic Valley
Before the wedding, I worked closely with the planner to build a timeline. The couple wanted to know exactly when Golden Hour would hit this venue. In Olympic Valley, the best sunset photos depend on when the sun dips behind Granite Chief and the surrounding peaks.
So I scouted Everline Resort ahead of time to confirm the timing and lighting. That evening, it worked out perfectly.
As we walked back to the reception, the twilight sky turned a soft purple.
Dinner and Speeches
During the heartfelt warmth of the fathers’ joint toast, the atmosphere quickly shifted to pure fun. I kept the the bride and groom in frame, capturing their priceless, embarrassed reactions as their dads playfully told their dating stories.
Next came toasts by the best man and the maid of honor.
The groom’s son followed with an emotional speech. I used a wide-angle lens to include the clear-top tent, the guests, and all the glowing candle décor.
Dancing Under the Stars
The newlyweds opened the dance floor with their First Dance, followed immediately by the sentimental parent dances. First came the bride with her father, and then the groom with his mother.
I love this next photo of the groom and his mom at the end of their dance.
Everline Resort & Spa Wedding Photos
Are you getting married at Everline Resort & Spa? If you’re planning a wedding at this incredible venue, I would love to photograph your day. Visit my contact page to check my availability. If you’d like to see more, explore my full Everline Resort venue guide.
Are you getting married at Everline Resort & Spa? If you are planning a wedding at this incredible venue, II would love to photograph your day. Visit my contact page to send me a message and check my availability. If you’d like to see more, explore my full Everline Resort venue page.
