Raymond and Grace’s Winter Emerald Bay Elopement was truly one of the most magical winter days I’ve ever captured. Keep reading & scrolling to hear their story.

Raymond inquired about a month before they decided to elope just the two of them and their closest families and loved ones. They were already flying out to Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving, and decided “You know what?! Let’s elope!” and I’m so here for it. We quickly planned their incredible winter elopement in a few weeks, secured a photography permit, and by the time we knew it, their elopement day was here!

They got ready at an Airbnb nearby in South Lake Tahoe, in separate rooms to make sure they didn’t see each other. They wanted to wait for the ceremony to see each other for the first time. I captured Raymond and Grace getting ready, and their beautiful details like their vows, her dress, shoes, rings, etc. As I looked out the window, I could see storm clouds moving in quick, and we just knew it was going to snow and be the most magical winter elopement!! PS it was haha

White wedding vow book and details in flat lay for winter Emerald Bay elopement

White wedding dress hanging on black hangars in doorway for elopement in Emerald Bay

White wedding shoes with ribbons sitting on edge of chair for elopement in Emerald Bay

Wedding rings on wedding veil with small beads for elopement in Emerald Bay

Grace’s mom helped her into her dress and helped her finish getting ready, and Raymond’s family did the same! It was such a beautiful morning surrounded by family and loved ones.

Bride's mom buttoning the back of bride's wedding dress while standing in open doorway

Wedding bride putting on jewelry while standing inside next to table

Groom's dad helping groom put on tie before elopement in Emerald Bay

Bride fastening wedding shoes while sitting in chair for elopement in Emerald Bay

Wedding groom putting on tie before elopement in Emerald Bay

Groom reading card and being excited before elopement in Emerald Bay

Winter Emerald Bay Ceremony

After they got ready, everyone headed out to drive to the ceremony at Emerald Bay! I secured a permit for them so we could legally have them get married in this epic location, and also ensure no one else would be there. The snow started to fall and there truly wasn’t another soul in sight, it was incredible. Raymond saw Grace for the first time on their wedding day as she was walking down with her dad from the cars. The snow was falling and she truly looked like an angel. His expression says it all.

Wedding bride and guests walking across street while carrying elopement details

Bride walking down snowy mountain with dad to elopement ceremony in Emerald Bay with pine trees in background

Groom with hands in pockets smiling while watching bride walk down to elopement ceremony in Emerald Bay

Bride holding dad's arm while smiling and walking down to elopement ceremony in Emerald Bay

Snowy elopement in Emerald Bay with guests and Lake Tahoe in background

They shared their personal vows, shared communion and prayed as a family, and almost froze to death with the snow falling haha. Raymond’s sister officiated their wedding as well, making their ceremony that much more intimate and special.

Bride smiling while holding hands with groom during elopement ceremony in Emerald Bay

Bride drinking wine out of wine glass during elopement ceremony in Emerald Bay while groom and guests watch and smile

Elopement couple holding each other and kissing in snow after ceremony in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple reading vows during ceremony while standing in snow in Emerald Bay with Lake Tahoe in background

Elopement couple holding hands while praying with guests during snowy ceremony in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple holding hands and celebrating while standing in snow after ceremony in Emerald Bay

Winter Bridals at Emerald Bay

After their ceremony and some family photos, the 3 of us headed to the main Emerald Bay State Park to take bridals! It was quite literally almost a full blizzard at this point, but they didn’t have a care in the world besides the fact that they were married!!! We ran around in the snow, and captured their bridals as newlyweds.

Elopement couple holding hands while walking up snowy hill together away from camera in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple walking through snow together while holding flowers and wine bottles in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple smiling while hugging each other in the snow with trees in background in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple hugging while bride holds floral bouquet while snowing in Emerald Bay

Groom twirling bride in snow while holding hands in Emerald Bay with Lake Tahoe and trees in background

Elopement couple kissing while hugging each other with sky in background in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple holding hands while running along sandy beach together and looking back at camera in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple holding hands and running along sandy beach away from camera towards Lake Tahoe in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple holding hands while walking along pier towards Lake Tahoe with clouds in background

Elopement couple holding each other while kissing on a pier with Lake Tahoe and trees in background

Bride twirling wedding dress while on wooden pier at Emerald Bay with Lake Tahoe in background

Wedding Reception in South Lake Tahoe

After their bridals, we drove to their reception in South Lake! They huddled by the fire, shared first dances with each other and their parents, and then shared speeches as the sun went down. Only a few months later, Raymon’s mother unexpectedly passed. It was tragic. He shared a dance with his mom on his wedding day and she blessed their wedding day in so many ways. May she rest in pease and forever live their hearts.

Your wedding photos are truly the one thing you can hold onto after your wedding day, and they only become more and more meaningful the more time that passes by. God bless Cherie and this beautiful family. It was an absolute honor capturing your elopement Raymond and Grace! Thank you for trusting me to be your photographer. xx Bridge

Groom holding brides dress while both walk toward elopement reception with tall trees in background

Close up of fire in fire pit burning

Groom hugging bride from behind and kissing her cheek during elopement reception in Emerald Bay

Elopement guests standing around fire and watching couple during reception in Emerald Bay

Elopement bride dancing with dad during reception in Emerald Bay with guests and string lights in background

Elopement guest holding guitar and singing during reception in Emerald Bay

Groom hugging mom after first dance during elopement reception in Emerald Bay

Guests laughing while holding drinks during winter elopement reception in Emerald Bay

Elopement couple holding drinks while standing around fire pit with guests during reception in Emerald Bay

Guests holding up drinks during reception in Emerald Bay

My bride’s response to their photos: “WE CANNOT BELIEVE THESE ARE THE PREVIEWS 😫😍🥹 they’re freaking incredible Bridgette!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH.” – Grace

My groom’s response to their photos: “Thank you so much for capturing this for us 🤍🤍 absolutely beautiful work!!! So grateful to have worked with you!” – Raymond

Lake Tahoe Elopement Photographer

Hey friend, I’m Bridgette!! A wedding photographer based in Lake Tahoe. I’m so excited you’re here! I’d love to help you plan the wedding of your dreams, and capture all the moments for you to remember for generations to come! You deserve to feel all the nostalgia from the best weekend of your lives.

If you’re looking for a Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer, let’s chat!! Head to my wedding page to find my pricing, what to expect when working with me, raving reviews from past clients, and sample galleries! If you think we’d be a good fit, inquire here — I can’t wait to chat more with you both!!!

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Head to my booking page and fill out my contact form!! I can’t wait to hear from you guys and capture your incredible wedding day!

DID YOU LOVE THIS POST AND WANT TO SEE MORE LIKE IT? CHECKOUT THE FOLLOWING POSTS:

Fall San Diego Wedding || Olivia & Garrett

Timbers at Old Greenwood Wedding || Karly & Alex

Summer Wedding at the Hyatt Regency in Lake Tahoe || Bryan & Ryan

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