I was genuinely excited for this wedding. For one thing, it had been a few years since I last photographed a wedding at Olympic Valley Stables. I had also already spent time with this couple during their engagement photos at Speedboat Beach. It was a cold day, but they showed up with great energy, stayed present, and made the most of it. That experience gave me a strong feeling that no matter what their wedding day brought, it was going to be a good one.
As it turned out, their wedding day arrived with steady rain and heavy cloud cover. If you’re familiar with summers in Lake Tahoe, you know how rare that is. Even with a few logistical curveballs like including relocating the ceremony into the reception tent, this couple stayed relaxed and focused on what mattered. The result was a joyful, meaningful celebration that never lost its momentum.
An Olympic Valley Stables Wedding on a Rainy Day
Olympic Valley Stables is one of the most historic venues in this valley. Set in an open meadow with sweeping mountain views, it has a rustic, timeless feel that works beautifully for outdoor weddings. Even on a rainy day, the setting feels grounded and dramatic in the best way.
In the photo below, you can see the reception tent set in the meadow beneath Tram Face, with the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram rising above it in the background.
Getting Ready
I met the bride at a vacation rental in Olympic Valley, just a short drive from the venue. Once hair and makeup wrapped up, she stepped into her dress and took a quiet moment before heading out.
Meanwhile, across the valley, my second photographer documented the groom getting ready with his friends. Having coverage on both sides allowed us to tell the full story of the morning as it unfolded.
First Look in The Meadow
The couple had envisioned a first look in the meadow, surrounded by mountain views. As with most first looks, I helped recommend a location and coordinate the timing so it felt unhurried and natural. I drove the bride out to the spot, and the groom met us there shortly after.
Before long, the first raindrops began to fall. The bride grabbed an umbrella, and we made our way back toward Olympic Valley Stables as the weather picked up.
Ketubah Signing Ceremony
By this point, the rain had settled into a steady downpour. Fortunately, the ketubah signing took place inside the barn, which offered welcome shelter from the storm. On the walk over, the rabbi gently covered the bride’s head with her ceremony binder to help keep her hair dry.
Knowing rain was a possibility, I came prepared with weather protection for both myself and my cameras. That preparation allowed me to move freely and stay focused on the moments, rather than worrying about the conditions.
As guests arrived, staff directed them to a small tent for cocktails. Inside the barn, close family and friends gathered to witness the signing of the ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract.
Afterward, several family members shared heartfelt words and well-wishes with the couple.
With the rain showing no signs of letting up, the decision was made to move the ceremony indoors. The dance floor offered plenty of space, and the rabbi helped everyone transition smoothly.
The couple are avid skiers, so they incorporated ski poles into their chuppah. This was a personal touch that felt especially fitting in this setting.
Ceremony
Despite the weather, the energy was high. The couple was excited to be getting married, and that enthusiasm carried through the entire ceremony.
As a documentary-style photographer, I keep my camera up regardless of what’s happening. That approach allows me to capture the real story of the day as it unfolds, including the unexpected moments that often matter most.
The couple’s parents joined them beneath the chuppah for the ceremony.
When it concluded, the rain softened into a light drizzle. The newlyweds stepped outside, took in the views, and shared a quiet moment together. They were relieved, happy, and officially married!
Reception
With the ceremony complete and the weather finally easing, it was time to celebrate. The reception began with champagne toasts from parents on both sides, filled with stories and laughter.
The couple then took a moment to thank their guests for traveling to be there. Several friends and family members had made the journey all the way from Israel, which added an extra layer of meaning to the gathering.
Next came a surprise choreographed dance that impressed everyone and set the tone for the rest of the night.
Dance Party
The Freshmakers provided the live music for the reception, specializing in hits from the ’90s and early 2000s. From the first song, the dance floor filled up quickly.
But first, the hora!
Guests lifted the couple into the air while the band kept the energy high, even handing off the microphone to anyone who knew the words.
As twilight settled in and the clouds began to thin, I pulled the couple outside briefly for a few final portraits before the night continued.
Wedding Photography at Olympic Valley Stables
If you’re planning a wedding at Olympic Valley Stables and are looking for photography that focuses on real moments and honest storytelling, I’d love to connect. You can reach out through my contact page to check availability, or explore my wedding portfolio to see more of my work.
For additional weddings from this area, visit my Olympic Valley weddings page.
