Mark Sullivan and Stephanie Fenton got married on October 11, 2008 at the Chateau in Incline Village. It was fitting that they wed in this area, because their first meeting was on the slopes of Mt. Rose.  We weren’t sure if it was snowing that particular day, but it certainly was coming down for their rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. 

    Instead of an outdoor wedding near the 18th green, it was a gorgeous indoor wedding, with a chuppah that represented all of the people in the wedding. Each one of the posts represented the significance that each member of the bridal party had to their relationship.  

    People had flown in all over the world to celebrate their special day from Israel and Germany, to name a few.  The theme for the tables was appropriate in that it represented many of the places that Mark and Stephanie traveled domestic and international, sharing a story on the back of each table name.  Everyone had a blast dancing to the tunes of Allstar Jukebox and Stephanie and Mark could not keep the beaming smiles from their faces.  

When we say “Destination” Weddings…we mean: Destination Weddings.  People love to come from all over the world to Lake Tahoe and have their family gather in celebration of their union together.  Mona and Arnold had families traveling in from as far away as Indonesia!  

Not only was their wedding exceptional because of the length of travel from everyone, but families with children and close friends came to Lake Tahoe from all over the country for this event.  Mona and Arnold did an awesome job (with the help of Blue Sky, Edgewood and a variety of other vendors) in choosing pink and gold linens with gorgeous centerpieces, and special lighting brought in.  Mona and Arnold then treated everyone to a duet called “Pour your Love on me.” I don’t think the guests had enough, the crowd seemed to be chanting “Encore! Encore!” 

At the end Mike Larson photography gave a presentation of the day, with a slideshow from the morning getting ready photos, all the way up to the reception.  It was a really nice way for everyone to end a fabulous day.  

Congratulations Mona and Arnold!  Safe travels to all…

What a blast everyone had at Lauren Cavalier and Ryan Sheetz’s wedding.  The “Sheetz” were both looking gorgeous and dapper as ever, and the family and friends that was there to celebrate could not have been happier.  This all took place at the Tahoe Mountain Home with gorgeous views as far as the eye could see.  

Being in Tahoe, one must be aware of the elements, and the Sheetz’ who had previously lived here were quite aware.  They had no idea though, that they were going to have a few unexpected visitors: A mama bear and her two cubs paraded around the rehearsal dinner, ‘dancing’ on the dance floor, sitting up next to the cocktail tables, even found right next to the keg behind the bar!  Cameras were flashing away, and Ryan commented, “Yeah, you had your wedding in Aruba?  On the moon?  Big deal:  We had Bears.”  

The day of their wedding was spectacular, despite the high winds.  We had the bridal party switch sides (the bride’s side is normally on the left) so that we could ensure great photos of Lauren and her bride’s maids. (Thanks photographer Keegan and videographer, Skyy.)  They poured sand together of their hometown beach in New Jersey, and Lake Tahoe sand which unified their loves.  

By the time it was time for all to dance, there was not one person without their dancing shoes on.  They twisted, they waltzed, they put out their finest jig.  I have never seen so many unified smiles.  

The question remains: Has the rumor been set straight between the Sheetz?  

Were the bears really doing the Macharena?  

     We are blessed to be in such amazing surroundings, in a climate where it never gets too hot or too cold (in my opinion anyway~ think of the mid-west, now.)  The Lake and its prestigious mountains offer an incredible back drop no matter what the occasion, or the style of the wedding.  

     Recently we’ve had some really great weddings, with some truly unique twists on them.  From the Yan-Bryson wedding which took place at Homewood, where the entire wedding party and guests were ushered in by chair lift, Claire, donning a red parasol and matching red stilettos in her white gown, with her father, beaming, “escorting” her in.  

     We had the Cirpirano-Wood wedding which was out at a private home along the Truckee river.  Here, generators were brought in for the band (brought in all the way from San Francisco), and caterers, even deluxe restrooms were rented!  Beatrice, (”Bea”) even brought a “rapid Italian” cd, so that whenever one went into the restroom, they learned a few phrases in Italiano.  Aside from the bagno, Bea and Clyde put on amazing performances for their guests, from stellar heartfelt vows to a choreographed dance, to singing for one another.  Under a perfect Tahoe summer full moon, everyone had an amazing time.  

   Just this last weekend, Blue Sky Events was out at the Resort at Squaw Creek on the North Shore for Kirsten Walsh and Karl Pfleger’s wedding.  They had a wonderfully choreographed dance that was done to DJ Shiny’s edited version of Truly, Madly, Deeply.  They then boycotted the idea of having repetitive kissing being contingent upon the simple clanking of glasses and put their guests to work:  Each group that wanted them to kiss had to stand up and sing a song with the word “love” in it.  Everyone really got into it…

   Wow, do people get creative. We love it. It makes our jobs as Lake Tahoe Wedding Coordinators, all that much more enjoyable!  Thanks to all!  

It was Saturday, August 9th on beautiful Lake Tahoe and the crew on the Safari Rose treated it as individually and special as the day itself.  Barbara Wind waited below quarters with best friend and matron of honor, while Phillip entertained the guests.  We organized some special music to be sung by their close friend, and while tying up loose ends, and getting ready to drop anchor, a man overboard was spotted by First Mate John and Captain Clark.

Everyone sprung into action: the crew, including the bartender who does routine man-overboard practice procedures. Even one of the servers from Elegant Affair Catering who formerly worked with the Coast Guard did her part as well. The man and his wife were just fine, and taken in by a friendly motorboat that happen to witness the whole event.

The wedding proceeded on time, and Barbara and Phillip had a very lovely and moving ceremony. Boy, are they united!  Phil even took a Kleenex in the middle of the ceremony and dabbed a tear away from Barbara’s cheek.

The food was fantastic, the weather great, the cake beautiful and tasty (thank you Sweet Sensations!) and all was recorded by photographer Steve Keegan.

This was a small and intimate wedding strong through blood lines and strengthened by personal choosing; glued together through years, understanding and care. The marriage itself was a reflection of how quickly and effectively the crew sprang to action in the moment of potential tragedy: together, solid and unwavering.

Where’s Phil when ya need a Kleenex?