With indefatigable energy and the help of rock star Lake Tahoe wedding vendors, Kerry and Arie planned a sweet and socially distanced microwedding in the middle of the covid-19 pandemic.
The couple knew their wedding would have to be all outdoors and the stars aligned when two kind strangers offered to lend them their secluded cabin, nestled on 50 acres near Meeks Bay, as a venue for the celebration. With an expansive, private location secured, Kerry and Arie began contacting vendors and designing a microwedding that offered their guests options to be “in the mix” or participate on the perimeter.
Kara Harris worked with the couple as a planner and photographer Holly Shankland was secured to capture all the special details. The bride describes them both as “angels” who went so far out of their way to commit to the vision for the wedding, making the day successful and safe. Holly scouted the location in advance and even helped to build the driftwood “aisle” for the ceremony.
On wedding day, around 40 family members and friends were dropped off at the cabin, from an unmarked forest service road, and were met with several “beer-barrows” offering cold refreshments for the 15 minute hike to the ceremony site. The chuppah was set up in the trees and pew seating was spread out to support social distancing.
Arie and the officiant rode in on their bikes while Kerry, rocking white high top Vans, hiked up her dress and walked the trail with her flower girls. After the ceremony, musician/DJ Brian Hess and his bandmate popped out of the woods and led a mini-marching band down through the woods for cocktails and appetizers.
All food and drinks were served in an individualized way, with Big Blue BBQ packaging dinner into Chinese Food “to-go” containers and offering canned wine, beer, and cocktails. Kerry and Arie were truly so grateful to those who joined them on their special day and even gave each guest a custom Big Truck hat as a wedding favor!
Like so many “covid couples,” Kerry and Arie say that the constraints of the pandemic were a blessing in disguise and, while the guest list had to be greatly reduced, they can’t imagine their day any other way. And Kerry underscores that they couldn’t have done it without their supportive local vendors who stayed in constant contact and kept expectations clear during the wedding planning phase.
Congratulations Kerry and Arie – we know your thoughtfully planned microwedding will be inspiring to other couples in so many ways!
