Tahoe National Forest Elopement
A + C had the most beautiful fall elopement in the Tahoe National Forest, though this was far from their original plans. They were one of many couples who had to change their wedding plans multiple times because 2020 doesn’t know how to be chill. They first rescheduled their wedding because of COVID and then had to pivot again because of the California wildfires. Then the week of their elopement, we had to shift gears again because of unexpected road closures. Thankfully, A + C are the sweetest couple who handled everything with grace and a sense of humor.
After getting ready in their adorable Truckee Airbnb, we headed outside for their first look. A was absolutely stunning in her Maggie Sottero trumpet gown; she totally blew C’s socks off. I love how A incorporated a piece of her father’s blue shirt on the inside of her dress, and her mom hand-sewed the lace onto A’s veil — such a sweet inclusion of both her parents.
We then headed to the ceremony location, a hidden gem down a dirt road that I found while scouting the day before. A little known spot, we had the entire place to ourselves and A + C got to exchange their vows in perfect solitude. I popped in as their officiant to hand them their rings and pronounce them married — it was my first time officiating as well as photographing and I absolutely loved it! Helping couples make their wedding dreams come true is the most fulfilling aspect of my job, hands down.
For being in such a remote location as we were, we amazingly still had cell service, so A + C’s families and friends were able to join us over Zoom. Since their original wedding plans included their out-of-state family and friends being with them, I’m especially glad everyone was able to join them remotely and still be a part of A + C’s celebration.
A + C celebrated after their ceremony with champagne and cupcakes, an unbeatable combination. Being the generous souls that they are, they even brought extra glasses and cupcakes for me and my second shooter — so thoughtful and sweet!
We enjoyed the last of the daylight taking in the various views from this location. It’s so important to not be rushed on your wedding day and to really enjoy your surroundings.
I’m so grateful to have been a part of A + C’s elopement and getting to work with amazing couples like them. They wrote me the kindest review, too:
“I don't think I can emphasize enough how absolutely amazing Natalie is. Like many couples planning a wedding during a global pandemic, our plans felt like they were shifting on the daily. While in the midst of being overwhelmed and trying not to think about how much was uncertain, Natalie reached out to check in how we were doing. Neither of us was super enthused about the idea of scrapping all of our plans and uninviting everyone to elope (as public health required), but Natalie made us excited for the experience.
She offered suggestions for places to go, sent us a document with ideas for locations, proposed several timelines to give us ideas, and overall brought the joy back into the day for us. She focused on us and made sure the day still had all the special moments we were looking forward to. She went above and beyond, and I can't remember how many times I told my partner how happy I was that we'd chosen her.
Each time our plans changed, Natalie remained calm and positive and helped us find the excitement again. We felt like we had a cheerleader in her who only wanted us to be happy.
The day of, she was just as amazing as in the lead up, and we both had such a good time with her and her friend (and our witness), Katelyn. The pictures were absolutely stunning and we can't stop obsessing over them. As one of my friends commented, "Not a single bad shot." And that's 100% true. There isn't a single picture that I don't like and so many I love that I favorited 100+.
Thank you, Natalie, for making our day so special, and for so perfectly capturing the joy, laughter, and love!”
General location: Tahoe National Forest, California
Hair + Makeup: Nancy Rice Artistry
Bride’s dress: designed by Maggie Sottero, purchased from BoLee Bridal Couture