While sunshine usually reigns supreme for summer weddings at Lake Tahoe, this intimate wedding at Gar Woods got a touch of unexpected drama – courtesy of the rain!
This couple booked one of my custom wedding photography packages, with 4 hours of coverage. This was enough time to photograph their arrival, ceremony, and beach reception at Gar Woods.
Ceremony on the Lawn
Steeped in history and boasting a captivating origin story, Gar Woods continues to be a Lake Tahoe icon. Add their legendary stiff drinks, like the Wet Woody, to the mix, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable experience.
Although it may be a smaller venue for weddings compared to the larger resorts, the lakeside setting makes it a very popular spot for couples that want to get married next to Lake Tahoe.
This couple chose the large lawn next to the restaurant to say their vows. Needless to say, the backdrop is gorgeous, and the views are spectacular!
One of my favorite parts of documenting this wedding was photographing the bride’s nephews. As a dad, I’ve picked a few kid boogers myself 🙂
The bride’s father and brother walked her down the grassy aisle, which was decorated with eucalyptus leaves and rose petals.
Since the couple wrote their own vows, they took turns reading them aloud. This is one of my favorite parts of a wedding ceremony and I always keep my camera ready to capture any laughter, tears, or smiles.
As you can see, Lake Tahoe makes a scenic and picturesque backdrop for a wedding!
The bride’s nephews were first in line to congratulate the happy couple.
Just when we thought the clouds might pass, it started raining. At first it was just a few drops. But within a couple minutes, the sky let loose and everyone ran for cover.
Fortunately, there are a couple small buildings next to the ceremony site. As the thunder rumbled and the rain poured down, the roofs provided shelter and kept everyone dry.
Before long, we all headed to the beach for the reception.
Reception on the Beach
Depending on the water level of the lake, you can host a ceremony or reception on the beach cove just west of the pier. Since it was a small, intimate wedding, this couple chose lakeside dining on the sand.
Their guests enjoyed drinks, a few champagne toasts, a delicious meal, and a stunning view of Lake Tahoe. Meanwhile, the boys kept themselves entertained with a variety of activities!
As the sun began to set, I captured a few portraits of the bride and groom on the pier.
Once everyone had finished their meals, they enjoyed an evening on the Gar Woods pier with a beautiful dessert table.
Before I left, I captured the moon rising over Lake Tahoe!
Wedding Photography Packages for Small Weddings
Are getting married at Gar Woods? I would love to be your photographer! First, swing by my contact page to check my availability. To see more examples of my wedding photography, head over to my portfolio page.
WOW! such an amazing and beautiful wedding photography skills. All the things related to this micro wedding are just perfect.