1. Real Weddings

A Laid-Back Lakeside Wedding at the West Shore Cafe in Lake Tahoe, California

Adam and Angela were just on their way to dinner with friends up where Adam's parents live on the Sonoma coast, when he pulled over to the side of the

Adam and Angela were just on their way to dinner with friends up where Adam's parents live on the Sonoma coast, when he pulled over to the side of the scenic coastal highway, walked over to Angela's side of the car, opened the door and dropped to one knee. "We had talked about marriage a bit and looked at rings, but I had no idea it would happen then!"Angela says of Adam's proposal. "It was amazing and exciting!" After Angela said yes, the two began planning their wedding at Lake Tahoe at the West Shore Cafe. "Both of us are Tahoe kids, and I have always known I wanted to get married at the lake. A few weeks after he proposed, we drove up to Tahoe and checked out at least five places in one day. When we went to West Shore Cafe it seemed perfect for us." Because the pair got married on the lake, they wanted the atmosphere to be a bit more casual. "The guys wore navy suits, white button ups, and no ties. The bridesmaids wore one of two styles of short Amsale raisin color dresses with lace overlays. We wanted everyone to be comfortable," says Angela.

Angela wanted her bridesmaids to have a choice of how to dress at her wedding, so she let them pick between a few Amsale options in "raisin" color.
Angela and her bridesmaids carried romantic bouquets of ivory and blush roses surrounded by a hint of green in lamb's ear leaves.
Guests at the ceremony could take in the view of Lake Tahoe and the scenic surrounding mountains as they watched Angela and Adam exchange vows.
Traditional A-Line Tulle Flower Girl Dress
Lake Tahoe Mountain View Ceremony
Lake Tahoe Marina Wedding Venue View
Since Angela's grandfather who had recently passed was a fan of whiskey presses, her and Adam decided to name one of the wedding's signature cocktails "Papa's Press" in his honor.
At cocktail hour, guests could stir their cocktails with these customized, lake-themed cocktail stirrers held in rustic Mason jars.
The couple's wedding venue, the West Shore Cafe, allowed guests to be seated at dinner with an amazing view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
Romantic Low Ivory and Green Centerpieces
Centerpieces at the head table were made of holly berries, olive branches, eucalyptus leaves and ivory roses.
For a more casual, rustic feel, reception tables were set with wooden, whicker chargers. Menus and dusty blue linens were laid out on top before the meal began.
Along with a chocolate cake, Angela and Adam served an array of other desserts including different flavored cake pops in brown, ivory and chestnut colors.
Angela and Adam toasted their guests as the sun set on their Lake Tahoe wedding venue, the West Shore Cafe.