Brittney and Agustin crossed paths at work in 2011. Since then, they have taken on just about any sport or adventure together you can imagine. They are both avid soccer players, intrepid international adventurers, and backcountry explorers. I have a theory that either one of them could be the Sole Survivor on a tropical island somewhere. By contrast, their Grays Crossing wedding in Lake Tahoe was a beautiful celebration a little closer to home. By no means did it lack the heartfelt emotion and tenderness that make these guys a perfect match.
Summertime in the Sierra Nevada mountains tends towards warm days perfect for open-air events. Owing to its scenic ceremony site and outdoor dining terrace, Grays Crossing is one of my favorite venues. As a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, I love locations that allow you to experience the beauty of the outdoors throughout the day and into the evening. Sandy at Strings and Champagne Events coordinated yet another event that flowed smoothly from start to finish. They even had a Mariachi band!
But what I enjoyed most is that Brittney and Agustin are a really down to earth couple. Although I photograph the details and decorations that go into dressing up your own unique, special event, I focus on authentic, unscripted emotions and expressions. I believe these photos will help you remember how you felt on your wedding day. Not simply which entree you selected, or which napkins you chose for the table settings. In particular, I love a groom who doesn’t hold back his emotions. Agustin was overwhelmed when he saw Brittney before the ceremony. And he shed some more tears moments after the ceremony ended. It was an honor to witness and photograph a couple so caring and present with one another on their wedding day.
Planning a Grays Crossing Wedding
Although the Lake Tahoe wedding venue is part of the Tahoe Mountain Club, you don’t need to be a member to have a Grays Crossing wedding. In fact, anyone can book this outdoor space for their ceremony and reception. Provided your event will be entirely outdoors, guest capacity goes up to 160. The spacious, terraced ceremony lawn has beautiful views of Mt. Rose and surrounding peaks. Dining outdoors on a warm summer evening can’t be beat. Even with space for more than 100 wedding guests, this venue manages to feel intimate. There are designated “getting ready” rooms, but these are typically used as staging areas before the ceremony begins. Most couples meet with their hair and makeup artists elsewhere, perhaps at an AirBnB or Vrbo.