There’s something magical and enchanting about a wedding in the woods.  Above you, a tapestry of blue sky and boughs serves as your canopy; below you, the sun-dappled undergrowth your floor; and around you, stately trees stand as silent witnesses to your exchange of vows.

For Correen and Kellen, a woodland wedding was a natural choice – since Kellen had lived in Tahoe City, they wanted a wedding with a Tahoe feel and a forested setting. They found the ideal spot for their nuptials tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe:  Twenty Mile House, a historic complex surrounded by acres of lush forests traversed by babbling creeks and a river.

The rustic yet elegant essence of Correen and Kellen’s festive celebration was creatively and comprehensively captured by Jeramie Lu Photography.

Hues of mauve, a color Correen loves, plus neutrals of grey, ivory and green, as well as pops of navy, beautifully underscored the antique elegance of their celebration and juxtaposed nicely with the rustic and woodland surroundings.

Correen stunned in her trumpet gown with a lace bodice and gorgeous lace detailing throughout.  Gracing her hand was an exquisite, antique-style engagement ring custom-designed by Kellen.

The bridal bouquets designed by Gray’s Flower Garden consisted of softly hued garden roses, accented with blue-centered white anemones and seeded eucalyptus.  They were the perfect complement to the bridesmaids’ dresses, which were all in the same lovely shade of mauve but varied in dress style, according to the bridesmaids’ choosing.

Meanwhile, in a fusion of style and comfort, Kellen and his groomsmen wore Wrangler dress jeans that actually looked like dress pants, along with cowboy boots, a grey vest and a navy tie over a white shirt.

The ceremony site was in a clearing surrounded by soaring pine trees that reached to the sky.  The pristine natural setting was beautiful and “didn’t need much decorating since it was gorgeous,” recalled Correen.

The forest scene was enhanced by wine barrels topped with lovely flower arrangements and, in front, a wooden arch draped with gauzy white fabric and adorned with a gorgeous assortment of blooms and greenery.

Family was a central theme in Correen and Kellen’s wedding.  On the long pathway leading to the ceremony site, the trees that lined the way were hung with family portraits in antique-looking frames.

Moreover, framed pictures of both Kellen’s mother and godmother, who had passed away, were displayed on the front row of the groom’s side of the aisle.  As Correen and Kellen exchanged vows before the pictures, the officiant who performed the ceremony happened to also be the son of the godmother in the picture, another touching tribute.

A family heirloom belonging to Correen’s family played a significant part in the ceremony as well—an antique flower holder that had been used in family weddings for generations.  This time it was carried, not by Correen, but by Kellen as he walked down the aisle, symbolizing his mother, as well as the blending of two families.

The personal family touches continued through to the reception.  The guest tables were decorated with simple but elegant garlands of eucalyptus greenery woven around wooden lanterns crafted by Correen’s brothers and stained by Kellen’s father.  The metal table numbers were made by Kellen, who happens to be a fabrication supervisor in charge of the welding department at his work.  A friend did the calligraphy for all the signs. “Everyone had a part in helping,” Correen remarked.

Following the ceremony, signature cocktails featured the couple’s favorite summertime drinks: the groom’s drink was jack and lemonade and the bride’s was vodka soda with a splash of sprite and lime.  Hors d’oeuvres consisted of Thai meatballs, polenta bites and loaded potato chips.

The dinner menu served by Pangaea Catering included local grass-fed sirloin with house-made bourbon sauce, lemon and herb-brined chicken drizzled with a chardonnay and sage cream sauce, rosemary focaccia, greens with cheese, apples/pears and toasted pecans, almond pilaf and more.

A dessert bar featured sweet treats like berry lemon shooters, espresso shooters, ding dong cakes and cannelloni.  The couple shared a small personal wedding cake, fittingly topped with a pine cone and decorated in bark-like frosting.

Correen’s advice to couples planning to wed: “It really doesn’t have to be that stressful.  Don’t get stressed, breathe, and have people help.  Have family help you, have friends help you.”  It’s a conviction Correen and Kellen took to heart.  Their celebration was a festive tribute not only to the alpine setting of Kellen’s hometown, but also to family, both past and present.

Vendor Credits:

Photographer – Jeramie Lu Photography  |  Venue – Twenty Mile House  |  Bride’s Dress – Calla Blanche  |  Ring – Diamond Vault  |  Bride’s Shoes – Betsey Johnson  |  Bridesmaids’ Dresses –  Birdy Grey  |  Hairstylist – Maddison Bland  |  Makeup – Nikki Scheerer  |  Florist – Gray’s Flower Garden  |  Caterer – Pangaea Catering  |  Cake – Grandma Jane’s Place  |  Invitations – Minted  |  DJ – Jon Alder, DJ’s in Reno  |  Videographer – Little Wild