Tahoe Inspired Wedding in the Forest

Hayley and James have a rich history with Lake Tahoe so naturally they had to get married at the Granlibakken in a Tahoe inspired wedding captured by Holly Shankland.

Hayley and James met on bumble in 2018. They discovered they both had a mutual love for Lake Tahoe as Hayley went to Tahoe Pines and stayed in her family’s cabin that her grandfather built, and James learned how to ski at the formerly known Squaw Valley. This made the choice for their first vacation together, a no brainer, Lake Tahoe. Ever since that first vacation they knew they must get married at their “happy place” Tahoe.

Tahoe has held such a special place in both their hearts, and is a home away from home for the couple that for the theme of the wedding, it needed to be centered around Tahoe. Iconic Tahoe things that were incorporated like the large rocks, lush pine trees, and the crystal clear blue water of the lake. You can see the couple’s love for the lake evident through the little details.

They knew the wedding venue at the Granlibakken was the best fit for this theme. The Granlibakken has such a rich Tahoe history dating back to 1922, See here. Hayley’s own grandfather Lou delivered lumber here to build the Granlibakken in 1958. This little detail made the Granlibakken extra special to Mr. and Mrs. Van Wyck.

Hayley and James wanted the whole weekend to be as comfortable as possible. They wanted their guests to be able to sit, hangout and have fun with one another. They brought in lawn games, fun drinks and a champagne wall for the added boost of fun for all the guests old and young.

Granlibakken understood the assignment when Hayley and James asked for savory fresh food. The Granlibakken kitchen staff made fantastic food that makes your mouth water just by looking at it.

Tahoe House Bakery also made a stunning cake for the couple.

For the whole wedding weekend the guests were able to enjoy Tahoe in all its beautiful glory. It was awesome to see a lot of family members come early and tour the Lake for the first time, or bring their own kids to the beach, or do the zip line course. Did you know the Granlibakken has a ropes course and zip line on its property? Check that out here.

The best thing that came out of Hayley and James Wedding was that their families were able to come to Tahoe to not only celebrate them, but to have memories of their own that they will have to remember for years to come. 

We wish Hayley and James nothing but the best. Cheers to more years celebrating your marriage in Tahoe!

Venue Granlibakken / Planner Stephanie Marie & Co. / Photographer Holly Shankland / Florals Holly Fleur / Music Music in Tahoe / Catering Granlibakken / Cake Tahoe House Bakery / Linens Creative Coverings / Rentals Celebrations! Party Rentals & Mountain Vibes Rentals/ Makeup & Hair Luna Belle Beauty Co. / Bridal and Bridesmaids Dresses BHLDN / Chris Harrison Cutout Celebrity Cutouts