When you’re looking up “spring wedding inspiration”, you’re probably expecting to see wildflowers blooming, sunshine pouring down, and gentle breezes. But in Lake Tahoe, spring has a mind of its own. And Caitrin and Zack wouldn’t have had it any other way.
These two leaned all the way in to their snowy, March micro wedding, and it turned out to be the coziest, most joy-filled day! No matter what the weather brought, they embraced the moment, and it was AMAZING!
“We have been coming up to Tahoe since we first started dating,” Caitrin shared. “It’s always held a special place in our hearts. We’re excited that it’s somewhere we can continue coming back to and bring our future kids to… keep building amazing memories here.”
Zack proposed to Caitrin the very first time they stepped inside their new home as official owners. She turned the key, opened the door, and there he was—down on one knee. “ He thought it was lame at the time,” Caitrin laughed, “but looking back, he knows he did good.” Yeah… he definitely did.
Originally, Caitrin and Zack were planning to get married at the county clerk’s office. But I knew, I just knew, they were going to hate what the ceremony space looked like. Knowing this in my heart and aware of the available options, I went to the clerk’s office. I introduced myself to the staff and asked to take some photos of the space so the couple could see it ahead of time. As soon as I sent the photos over, Caitrin called and said, “Yeah… that’s not going to work.”
Knowing what mattered most to them, I gently suggested a different route. Plus, instead of spending part of their wedding day driving through a snowstorm to get a marriage license, I recommended they work with my dear friend and officiant, Christa Deane, who can both officiate and issue marriage licenses. That tiny shift meant they got to stay cozy, fully present, and focused on what really mattered.
Through a stroke of serendipity (and a mom with connections), Caitrin and Zack were able to use The Arch for their ceremony. It is a beautiful lakeside ceremony spot that is normally closed in March. This venue is a gem in Lake Tahoe! It is outdoorsy, scenic, and perfect for intimate weddings. It doesn’t offer space for a reception, so we kept things simple and sweet with their closest loved ones. But you can always go out to celebrate at a nice restaurant, or book a spacious VRBO where to host a small dinner with your loved ones.
Caitrin and Zack’s ceremony started in sunshine and ended in a blizzard. Yet somehow the joy only grew stronger with each falling snowflake. Their energy was absolutely contagious! They smiled through wind gusts, laughed at the snowfall soaking their shoulders, and held hands like they’d never let go. It was absolutely unforgettable!
One of the best parts of eloping or planning a micro wedding in a place like Lake Tahoe is how much flexibility you have to make the day your own. With the storm rolling in fast, we pivoted their private vow exchange to a nearby beach rather than an exposed overlook. And you know what? It turned out to be the perfect choice.
They walked from their cozy cabin to their ceremony and back again, all bundled up and beaming, ready for whatever the day would bring!
“Amanda!! We could not have done today without your support!!! Thank you isn’t enough!!! You made our day feel so seamless and centered around the two of us. We’ll never be able to properly express our gratitude!!!!!!!!! You truly are the best!!”
Their micro wedding is the perfect reminder that spring wedding inspiration doesn’t have to mean pastel florals or sunny skies. Sometimes, it means letting go of control, embracing the weather, and trusting that the day will unfold exactly as it should.
Caitrin and Zack didn’t get discouraged by the weather, they embraced it wholeheartedly! Their wedding was filled with laughter, spontaneity, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of snow. And in the end, it turned out to be the most perfect day!
If you’re dreaming of a spring elopement or micro wedding in Lake Tahoe and wondering what’s even possible, reach out and let’s chat.
Vendors: Planning & photography: Me, Amanda Kluesner; Officiant: Christa Deane; HMUA: Luna Belle Beauty, and Florist: Create with T