The best choices you can make on your wedding day are the ones that ring true to your personality and your relationship. Sarah married Tom in an ethereal peach gown with flowers in her hair beneath the enormous trees of Bear Paw Lodge. The outdoor reception designed by Merrily Wed is one of the most enchanting we’ve seen, complete with rows of farm tables made of dark wood complementing the natural forest landscape. We love how Alison Yin Photography captured the easy-going spirit and natural aesthetic of the celebration.

The Couple:

Sarah and Tom

The Wedding:

Bear Paw Lodge, Tahoe City, California

The Inspiration:

Once we found the venue for the wedding, we had our inspiration: the mountains, the trees, the lake, the sun. We wanted to celebrate the majesty of the place, so most choices came out of keeping it rustic and organic. Nothing overly imposing upon what was natural. That became true for fashion as well: whatever our bridal party felt good in was good enough for us. It was helpful to tell everyone the colors of flowers that we were picking, so that they could narrow down their choices, but it was entirely up to the individual.

The Moments:

You can’t really beat walking down the aisle. It’s like jumping out of a plane while simultaneously being held by (and holding onto) everyone you love. Best feeling in the world. Also, shouting/howling at the sky after the last dance with all of the friends and family that we’d brought together. It was the strongest sensation of love we’d ever felt.

The Couple Recommends:

Merrily Rocco is the most thorough person I’ve ever met. Nothing will slip through the cracks with her. She does her absolute best to give you exactly what you want.

Alison Yin and her partner Adam are beyond wonderful. We were so grateful to have found such talented, flexible, easy-going, and fun photographers to work with. Their energy is so positive. It felt like having friends take the pictures.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Alison Yin Photography
Event Planning – Merrily Wed
Venue – Bear Paw Lodge
Floral Design – Art In Bloom
Catering – Season’d Catering
Cake – Real Food Tahoe
DJ – We Ain’t Saints
Invitations – Forever Fiances
Hair Styling – Merria Dearman
Wedding Dress – Shareen Vintage
Transportation – Tahoe Valet and Parking Service

Congrats to Sarah and Tom on your wedding at Bear Paw Lodge and thanks to Alison Yin Photography for sharing such delightful images from the day! For more forest wedding inspiration, check out Cristelle and Robert’s Henry Miller Library wedding in Big Sur.