Love, laughter and Lake Tahoe served up the backdrop for this intimate wedding at the iconic Thunderbird Lodge. Kailin and Kelli were married along the shores of Tahoe in front of their closest friends and family and then took a boat from the beautiful East Shore to Carnelian Bay for their wedding reception! They tied the knot on the summer solstice so they would have plenty of daylight to take advantage of the longest day of the year and the special meaning behind it as well. We talked with the beautiful couple who shared their wedding details and their advice on how to make the most of your wedding day! This sweet day was captured by Justine Grajski and planned by Lianne McCombs.

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hroughout our lives, Tahoe has always held a special place in our hearts. I have fond childhood memories spending summers here with my family. Kailin is an avid hiker and completed the demanding Tahoe Rim Trail (165 miles!) in just 5 short days! As a couple, we have enjoyed many seasons here together snowboarding and exploring the backcountry together. Two years ago on Thanksgiving, we got engaged while on a quest to catch an epic sunrise at Eagle Lake. To us, it was never a question of where we would tie the knot - it had to be in this profoundly magical place!

We intentionally chose to get married on Summer Solstice! Being the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, Summer Solstice is a celebration of the return to the light. The Solstice is also about awakening and serves as a reminder to reconnect with life's divine plan.

Our intimate waterfront ceremony took place at the majestic Thunderbird Lodge. The panoramic views of the turquoise waters provided the perfect backdrop as we exchanged our deeply personal vows. Our guests loved exploring the historic property with its lakeside gazebo, waterfalls, and secluded terraces connected by intricate stone pathways.

Post-ceremony, we grabbed a bottle of champagne and enjoyed a private boat ride from the Thunderbird back to the North Lake area. It was the perfect way to take a deep breath, enjoy some private time, and reflect on our nuptials!

Our advice is to carve out some private time for just the two of you - even if it is just a few minutes - so that you can take in all of the magic and love of the day. It goes by quickly, and the little moments shared between the two of you are what it's all about!