Kim was originally from the Sacramento area, and growing up, she spent many summers and winters in Lake Tahoe with her family. When Guy proposed to her, there was no doubt in Kim’s mind where she wanted to celebrate her nuptials. A Tahoe wedding celebration not only gave Kim a chance to relive old memories, but it also gave many guests who were traveling from Southern California, New York, Ohio and Colorado a chance to experience Tahoe for the first time.
The couple’s magical wedding celebration was delightfully captured by photographer Ashley Strong Smith.
The Couple’s Story:
Before they finally met, Kim and Guy were separated from each other by a lot less than six degrees. They both attended California State University Long Beach, lived 5-10 minutes away from each other, shopped at the same grocery stores and hung out at the same places. But it was technology, a dating app, that ultimately brought them together in August 2016.
Their first date felt more like a job interview to Kim. “Guy asked a lot of questions”, she recalls. But through this kind of questioning, Kim learned from Guy “the art of listening.” Ultimately, the success for Kim and Guy’s relationship was that neither of them had any wild, crazy expectations; they both wanted to have fun with their online dating experience. And what fun it was!
In 2018, they took the next step and moved in together, and in 2020, with the pandemic and working from home, they became even closer. In August 2020, on a trip to San Diego, at sunset on the beach, they exchanged anniversary gifts (since August was the month when they met). Guy gave Kim a stuffed animal, and stuffed inside it was a ring box. The proposal was very intimate, emotional and of course she said “YES!”
Tahoe has always been a special place for Kim – she calls it her “home away from home.” Nestled along the beautiful shoreline of North Lake Tahoe, Brockway Springs in Kings Beach was where Kim and her family often stayed. So naturally, the couple chose Brockway Springs for their accommodations. On the morning of the wedding, October 3, 2021, Kim enjoyed a hair and make-up session with her mom, mother-in-law-to-be and grandmother, while Guy got dressed with the gentlemen upstairs.
Photographer Ashley Strong Smith carefully arranged their pre-ceremony shots separately, as Kim and Guy chose not to see each other before the nuptials. During Kim’s photo session, a lucky ladybug landed on her dress. “There was something so magical about that moment,” she recalls.
The ceremony and reception took place at The Chateau at Incline Village. Kim and Guy celebrated their marriage outdoors on the lawn as their thirty guests looked on. Kim meticulously wrote out her own vows while Guy spontaneously delivered his from the heart. DJ Erik Riekenberg from Epik Weddings & Events provided the ceremony music, and a close friend served as the officiant.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed on the deck, giving guests sweeping views of the Sierra mountains, the Lake and the adjacent golf course. Afterwards, guests were invited inside The Chateau, which featured vaulted timber ceilings, a large stone fireplace, and more mountain & lake views. DJ Erik introduced the parents followed by the newlyweds. Four congratulatory toasts ensued.
Guested savored a seated dinner, which included a salad of mixed greens and an entree choice of Seared Scallops, Chicken Breast or Filet of Beef. Kim remarked, “The food was delicious and we really wanted our guests to have a good experience.” The evening continued with everyone on the dance floor, a fun photo booth and a delicious wedding cake from Lake Tahoe Cakes.
Kim and Guy are now expecting a baby girl in October 2022. Our best wishes to the happily ever-after couple!
Nuptial Advice from the Bride:
“Be as present as you possibly can, the day goes by so, so fast. There will always be something that could possibly go wrong. Focus on the reason why you’re getting married. Focus on your partner and your guests. And don’t do anything that doesn’t feel good.”
Vendor Credits:
Venue: The Chateau at Incline Village | Photographer: Ashley Strong Smith | Music and Photo Booth: Epik Weddings & Events | Makeup Artist: Makeup by Mandie | Cake: Lake Tahoe Cakes | Cookies: The Cookie Trail | Bride’s Dress: BHLDN | Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom Rack