The Richness of Love

A wedding at Forest House Lodge is the stuff that dreams are made of. It’s easy to see why Amanda and James chose this venue to stand in front of those they love to say, “I do.” Unquestionably, the Grand Sierra Point view is breathtaking, the majestic mountains framed by the towering trees.

Amanda wore a beautiful trumpet hem gown that fit her perfection paired with blue strap sandals for her “something blue.”

Amanda’s mother smiled brightly as she helped her daughter with her bracelet.

O’Shay’s Flowers and Antiques created the bright and beautiful floral arrangements; from the boutonnieres, James and his groomsmen wore to all the bouquets, the cheerful flowers added even more natural beauty to the day.

Auburn expertly did Amanda’s make-up and hair, CA’s fabulous All Dolled Up Hair and Make-Up.

Amanda’s bridesmaids wore burgundy dresses of different styles that complimented all of them stunningly. They laughed and cried tears of joy as they helped Amanda get ready to walk down the aisle.

To The Man Cave!

James got ready with his groomsmen in Forest House Lodge’s Man Cave. This rich mahogany room is an excellent place for every nervous groom to shake those nerves with a game of pool, a nice cigar, and a whiskey toast.

James’s groomsmen have got his back.

You + Me = We

James and Amanda’s sweet little girl was happy to play flower girl for her Mommy and Daddy.

James and Amanda chose to do a First Moment session instead of a First Look. First Moment sessions are good for the couple who wants to have a brief moment together to talk before the wedding but still want the tradition of seeing each other for the first time down the aisle. Here, the couple got to hold each other before the ceremony.

I Fall For You

The October sky was beautiful and hazy from the California wildfires and made the colors of Fall seem even more vibrant. Forest House Lodge’s in-house wedding coordinator Chenoa Taylor took full advantage of the season. Pumpkins were scattered among the leaves and flower petals throughout the venue.

James helped little Autumn walk down the aisle to wait for their first glimpse of Mommy.

And the moment he saw her was everything they’d imagined.

At Forest House Lodge, there is a moment when the couple plants a tree during the ceremony. The tree represents their marriage with its strong roots providing steady growth and longevity.

Every moment is beautiful when the Sierra Mountains serve as your wedding backdrop. James and Amanda shared their first kiss as husband and wife as their guests cheered them on!

A Toast to the Happy Couple

Cheers! The wedding party raises a glass, but a whole bottle to the newlyweds.

Bling! Bling!

Standing on one of the beautiful paths at Forest House Lodge, Amanda and James show off their rings.

Inside, the venue has been exquisitely decorated in tones of golds, burgundy, and rustic browns and lit with chandeliers and candles intermingling together in a romantic glow.

Dance Among the Stars

Entrances are grand when the bride and groom descend a redwood staircase and under an archway onto the flagstone dancefloor. Surrounded by a mixture of market lights, fairy lights, and ivy trellises, the couple shares a first dance.

Amanda and James share cake and kisses.

DJ Jeremy Fristoe of Extreme Productions got the party going, beginning with the mother/son dance and leading into a choreographed father/daughter dance.

Amanda prepared to toss the bouquet…

But instead, she handed it to one of her guests, who was surprised with an engagement ring herself! Guess who’s next!

They partied and danced all night long!

Congratulations, Amanda and James!