When the world went into shut down due to Covid-19, many couples began the process of rescheduling their wedding. However, for Kelsey and Joe, one thing was for sure: they were to be married on May 24, 2020. So they ditched their big wedding plans and decided to say their vows in a simple Tahoe elopement on their original wedding date.

Their elopement was extremely special and intimate, including only a select few vendors, their photographer: Dee and Kris, videographer: Ryan with Meagan Lucy Photographers, Officiant: Meredith, and their incredible wedding coordinator: Mary Hicks.

Mary Hicks, of With Grace & Love Events, is one of our favorite Tahoe wedding coordinators. She helped Kelsey and Joe replan their big wedding into the most beautiful elopement near a Shirley Canyon.

Getting Ready for their Elopement

Kelsey and Joe’s elopement day began by getting ready separately near Squaw Valley. They chose to have their elopement between just the couple, but Kelsey wanted the most important woman in her life to be part of getting ready for her big day. Kelsey’s mom helped her get dressed in the same gorgeous gown she had planned for her original wedding.

While government restrictions prevented the couple from having their closest friends be a part of their wedding, it was still important for them to be able to connect with their friends. Like many other people during the shelter in place order, they turned to ZOOM! The couple each took the time to virtually connect with their bridal party crew, chatting about the day and even having a toast to celebrate the To Be-Bride and Groom.

Joe wore a custom R. Douglas suit with a collection of their favorite images from their engagement session in Apple Hill.

Shirley Canyon

Kelsey and Joe are avid hikers, so it was only natural for them to seek-out the PERFECT location to say their “I dos.” That perfect location was none other than an incredible waterfall in Shirley Canyon. So off we went on a hike.

Brides often ask, how do I keep the end of my wedding dress clean? For this moderate hike, it was super important for Kelsey to keep her dress white before her groom got to see her for the first time! She used a super handy Bridal Buddy to roll up the ends of her dress. How cool is that?

With her dress still sparkling white, she and Joe had their very first look on their wedding day.

With the help of Meredith, a Tahoe wedding officiant, Kelsey and Joe held their intimate ceremony. We loved the unique way Meredith performed their ceremony. While Kelsey and Joe said their personal vows, the officiant stepped to the side to allow the couple a private moment. With waters rushing around them, the couple shared their first kiss.

The witness to their personal nuptials? Our very own Dee! He was THRILLED to be honored with the task of being the witness to their marriage.

Cheers to Kelsey and Joe on their Tahoe Elopement!

The Elopement Details

Even though Kelsey and Joe decided to elope, they still wanted to incorporate some special details into the day. Including traditions like a bridal bouquet and a small cake for cutting.

Visual Impact Design, a Sacramento Florist, created Kelsey’s beautiful bouquet, her delicate hair piece, and Joe’s boutonnière.

Their perfect cake, made for two, was created by Lake Tahoe Bakery Sugar Pine Bakery.

Covid-19 will NOT take away the one thing that’s most important in this world: LOVE. Whether you choose to elope, postpone your big wedding, or even have a micro wedding, Dee and Kris are here to help!

Kelsey and Joe have decided to celebrate their marriage with the many guests invited to their original wedding with a reception in the summer of 2021 at Scribner Bend Vineyards. The virus might have postponed their plans, but the love these two shared will last a lifetime and beyond.