The Sweetest Spring Elopement in South Lake Tahoe

ElopementsPhotographyReal Tahoe WeddingsWedding PicksWedding Vendors

Jun 28

Josh and Lauren's spring elopement, captured by Courtney Aaron Photography, is the reason why we love elopements. It was very personalized, stress-free, and a true reflection of them as a couple. And just when you think their special day can't get any better, they surprised everyone with the sweetest announcement!

The couple first met at work. Josh was in finance and Lauren in marketing. "We spent almost two years working on projects together, exchanging music, and eating omelets before taking the leap and moving to San Francisco together," the couple explained.

They chose Lake Tahoe as their wedding destination because it is the place, they took their first trip together. "When searching for a home to weather the pandemic storm, Tahoe was an easy choice for us, and so it was also an easy choice for our ceremony. We've enjoyed almost every inch of this lake, from beach barbecues with friends to Sundays on the slopes, and we wanted to encapsulate this moment in our lives in the place we love so much."

An elopement was the perfect choice for the couple. Because of the zero stress, they really enjoyed every moment with each other. Some of Josh and Lauren's favorite moments included having a beautiful beach entirely to themselves, exchanging handwritten vows, and sharing laughs and life lessons with their photographer and officiant. And last but certainly not least, announcing the arrival of their first child!

Personalization came in both the big and small details. The biggest was that they chose to elope. Like many engaged couples before the pandemic, they went back and forth on a traditional wedding. But ultimately, they decided that the most important element of their marriage was their commitment to each other, a celebration of how far they've come and what their future holds. "The ceremony felt intimate, personal, and truthful to who we are." They also held their loved ones in the smaller details; Josh wore his grandfather's bracelet and took a moment to honor the life skill of a Windsor knot that his grandfather had bestowed upon him. On the other hand, Lauren wore a bracelet given to her by her mother and acknowledged life advice passed down from her grandmother in her vows. The couple also knew it wouldn't be a true reflection of our relationship without their dog, Khaleesi, who provided endless entertainment and laughs as she does every day in their lives.

The couple said they would not change anything about their elopement. "Our recommendation to other couples is to be true to yourselves and your relationship - do what's best for you, for your marriage and your new life together. The best investment you can make is in each other, and a really good photographer!"

Take a closer look at Josh and Lauren's South Lake Tahoe elopement below!