Alison and Will’s summer wedding at West Shore Cafe and Inn in Lake Tahoe was one of my favorite weekends for a multitude of reasons. It’s always an honor for me to photograph these kinds of celebrations, but rarely do I feel so immediately welcomed into an event as I did at this lakeside celebration. I loved seeing how Audere Events translated this couple’s vision into one of the most thoughtful, guest-forward and detail-oriented destination weddings I’ve ever witnessed. It was an incredible weekend full of intentional events, all carefully planned in order to show the couple’s absolute gratitude towards all of their closest friends and family.

Things kicked off with a welcome party held at their family home in Tahoe City, followed by a wedding day full of liveliness. Guests were then invited to a relaxing Sunday beach day in order to close out the festivities. Throughout the weekend, a binding color-neutral palette served as the inspirational basis for decor that reflected the natural, sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. A unique custom monogram was designed by Brown Fox Calligraphy (a personal friend of Alison and Will’s!) and displayed throughout all of the weekend’s paper goods and signage.

Fitting to the spirit of the weekend’s celebrations, the bride and groom took the time to write personalized thank you notes to each guest, which served as escort cards prior to the reception. Guests were treated to an al fresco plated dinner out on the lakeside dock at West Shore Cafe, followed by a dessert course from La Cocina, a favorite non-profit of the bride and groom. From beginning to end, it was such a beautiful wedding, full of all kinds of emotion and joy, and I’m so happy to share these images with you all!

Photography: Cassie Valente Photography | Planning + Design: Audere Events | Venue: West Shore Cafe & Inn | Film Lab: Photovision | Floral Design: Stems by Diana | Hair + Makeup: Greco Rose | Videography: Paperweight Films | Bridal Dress: Amy Kuschel | Paper Goods + Signage: Brown Fox Calligraphy | Cake Design: Flour Girl Wedding Cakes | Linens: La Tavola | Rentals: Forever Vintage Rentals | Music: Brian Hess | Rehearsal + Beach Day Catering: Blend Catering