From exchanging vows on the shores of Lake Tahoe under the pines to guests dining down the pier of West Shore Cafe adorned by the most gorgeous floral install by Golden Fields Floristry, Leslie & Ken’s Lake Tahoe wedding was full of organic & romantic touches that we can’t stop swooning over. With only 6 months left to plan the entire wedding they reached out to us, Forget Me Knot Events & Design, to begin planning their Lake Tahoe wedding & to Autumn Nicole Photography to capture their big day.

Leslie + Ken first met on a friends weekend to Tahoe in the summer of 2016.  After spending the weekend in Tahoe, hiking Shirley Lake and sipping Chambers Punches at the beach, they knew they wanted to spend every weekend together. They spent the next year traveling on weekends to be together, squeezing in trips to Tahoe as often as possible. Thanksgiving weekend of 2018, Ken proposed while they were cutting down a Christmas Tree. Leslie & Ken instantly knew on the shores of Lake Tahoe was where they wanted to start their forever.

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Leslie & Ken started the day by exchanging heartfelt private vows to each other during their first look before the official ceremony which took place under the pine trees at West Shore Cafe. They then kicked off their Lake Tahoe wedding right on the shores of the gorgeous blue water.

Why did you chose to exchange vows beforehand during your first look?

Ken and I are both pretty shy (and both easily cry), so we were nervous about being center of attention. We decided to do our first look before the ceremony and exchange our personal vows to each other. Thank goodness! We cried so much, and thankfully my make up artist was nearby and fixed my look. We went into our ceremony together and calmer, relieved we didn’t cry in front of every one.

Classic Wooden Boat Cocktail Hour

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed the trio from Bayberry Cast while Leslie & Ken took off in the Wild Goose II, which is a classic wooden boat, so they could spend a few moments together soaking in their now official marriage while riding in style.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

The moment our ceremony was over, we hopped in wood boat called “The Wild Goose” and cruised around the lake. This was by far our favorite moment of the day; we were able to have some alone time, soak up that we just got married and drink champagne.

Dinner on the Pier

After Leslie & Ken returned from their cruise on Lake Tahoe, guests were seated at a long table down the pier on Lake Tahoe under draping vines & delicate flower garland created by Golden Fields Floristry with hand-calligraphed vases for table numbers from Sugar Pine Calligraphy that were incorporated into the centerpieces. Each element was kept in a neutral palette to perfectly compliment the gorgeous surroundings of the Tahoe. After dinner guests were invited inside to enjoy an assortment of mini pies from Sierra Bakehouse & dancing by one of Tahoe’s popular cover bands, Cover Me Badd.

Any advice to couples getting married in Tahoe & at West Shore Cafe?

Lake Tahoe can get pretty windy and our reception dinner was at one long table down the pier over the water. So we needed a creative way to keep the paper menu’s from flying away in the wind. Our wedding planner came up with this great idea to have her fiance cut pieces of wood the size of the menu, with two small holes at the top to attach each menu to the wood with some pretty ribbon. They did such a great job, the menus looked amazing.

Did any vendors stand out to you?

Honestly, all of our vendors were incredible. Our planner Allison was so easy to work with, so creative and steered us in the right direction with every single decision. Allison worked with Natasha Kolenko of Golden Fields Floristry to make my floral dreams come true. Natasha went above and beyond my expectations. She spent all morning setting up the suspended floral garland above the pier and it was stunning. And my make up artist, Jessica from LaDiDa Beauty, actually felt like my fairy godmother. She gave me the best wedding day advice, she fixed my hair and make up during all of our photos, and helped me get into our boat after the ceremony. These three ladies brought all the magic to our day, I’ll forever be grateful for them.

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Creative Team

Photography – Autumn Nicole Photography
Event Planning – Forget Me Knot Events & Design
Venue – West Shore Cafe & Inn
Floral Design – Natasha Kolenko Designs
Cake – Sierra Bakehouse
Cocktail Hour Music – Bayberry Cast
Reception Music – Cover Me Badd
Videography – Chair 7 Films
Invitation Design – Sugar Pine Calligraphy
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist – La Di Da Beauty
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – The Dress Theory
Rentals – Theoni Collection
Linens – La Tavola Fine Linen
Wooden Boat – Wild Goose II