It was truly an honor to have world-renowned photographer, Catherine Hall, submit her lakefront wedding for publication in our blog. Catherine has fabulously photographed weddings all over the world, but until we received her submittal, we had no idea how strong her connection to the North Lake Tahoe area is… so strong that once Erik proposed, they knew immediately where they wanted to have their wedding celebration.
As a photographer and creative director of Catherine Hall Studios, Catherine knows how to capture the moment. So when she spotted Erik on a dance floor at the Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley, she knew that she had to take action. After some urging from her sister, Catherine asked Erik to dance. They stayed up until 3 in the morning, and the rest was history.
“I knew she was the one after our first kiss that night,” Erik says. It was on a trip to the Redwoods that Erik, owner of Strategic Event Evolution and Design, made it official. He led Catherine to a secluded redwood grove. Surrounded by the towering trees, Erik proposed.
“I was so shocked that I did not even answer yes for a long time,” Catherine recalls. “He had to ask me twice!” Of course, she happily accepted the ring, a sparkling vintage piece carefully chosen by the groom.
Catherine’s artistic DNA came into play during planning, as she and Erik envisioned a wedding that truly represented the couple: warm, modern, unique… and of course, Lake Tahoe. You see, not only did the couple meet in the North Lake Tahoe area, but Catherine was practically raised on the slopes of Squaw Valley, racing as a member of their Ski Team for 10 years. So, for their perfect wedding venue, the couple chose a stunning, secluded retreat – a charming lakefront home owned by a close family friend.
“The environment of Tahoe and the lake is so beautiful that we wanted the wedding design to compliment, not compete,” Catherine says. With the couple’s direction, their team of service providers created perfect blend of romantic and rustic: elegant white roses paired with natural greenery, tiny glass vessels filled with wildflowers, tables adorned with pinecones and knotty wood accents. A swirled white cake from Sugar Pine Cakery sat atop a tree stump, while lights twinkled from the ceiling of the tent installed by Camelot Party Rentals.
With Lake Tahoe’s serene waters as their backdrop, Catherine and Erik joyfully exchanged vows in their lakefront location. The bride wore a delicate fluted lace dress from Pronovias, while the groom donned a handsome blue Ted Baker suit. The bridesmaids wore floor-length BHLDN dresses in a pretty shade of periwinkle, paired with JBalducci moondrop earrings gifted by the bride. The groomsmen wore gray suits, complete with matching Michael Kors ties gifted by Erik.
Personal touches made the big day all the more special. For her “something borrowed” and “something blue,” Catherine wore her grandmother’s favorite aquamarine ring, and her grandmother’s wedding band was displayed on the bouquet. For drinks, they served specialty cocktails, both hilariously named by Erik: “The Bridezilla” and “The Yes Man.”
Erik also surprised the bride with a heartfelt gift that symbolized their relationship. “When we first started dating, we were at a gallery and I noticed an art piece that showed an extreme, most beautiful connection between the couple,” Catherine recalls fondly. “I remarked that this connection reminded me of us. He surprised me with the original painting.”
Through the excitement, Catherine and Erik treasured being in the moment during their lakefront wedding celebration, and from that experience, Catherine offers this word of advice for other brides-to-be: “Be present on the wedding day,” she says. “Don’t stress out. Enjoy every minute.”
Vendor Credits
Photographer: Sallee Photography | Planner: MAP Events | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Estate in North Lake Tahoe | Floral Designer: Asiel Design | Dress Designer: Pronovias | Bridesmaid Dress Designer: BHLDN | Wedding Dress Boutique: Novella Bride | Groom’s Wardrobe Designer: Ted Baker | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan | Bride’s Jewelry & Accessories: Nordstrom | Groom’s wedding band: Jewelry by Johan | Engagement ring: Vintage | Hair & Makeup: SHE artists | Invitations: Starboard Press | Wedding Paper Goods: The DIY Store | Officiant: Robert Novogratz | Caterer: As You Wish Catering | Cake & Desserts: Sugar Pine Cakery | Rentals & Lighting: Camelot Party Rentals | Linen: Napa Valley Linens | Ceremony & Reception Music: Mixx Company Band | Videography: AVR Films | Transportation: Northstar Transportation