A Lakefront Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Tahoma, California

The lakefront views and sandy shores of this private residence in Tahoma, California, set the tone for this atypical backyard wedding. “The house is directly on the lake and is gorgeous,” Jennifer Noland (35 and a teacher) says of her marriage to Gregory Hill (39 and a data analyst). “Also, the backyard has multiple gardens and decks that enhance the lakefront setting.” Guests were greeted by a chalkboard sign that gestured them to swap their shoes for flip-flops before stepping on the sandy surface for the ceremony, captured by Nemus Photography. Little additional decor was needed where Jennifer and Gregory said their vows because of the beauty of the lake before them—with ribbon and lace draped over iron hooks with hanging wildflower arrangements by A Rose Is A Rose lining the sandy aisle. Simple white escort cards accented with pine and pinecone designs were hung from yarn tied to tree branches, pointing guests in the right direction of where they were seated at a nearby lawn reception. On the long dining tables, black and white table numbers were positioned on top of small wooden slabs surrounded pinecones, rocks and moss. We loved Jennifer's strapless white dress with a sweetheart neckline and ball gown silhouette, bringing elegance wherever she walked. “I thought I wanted a simple streamlined dress until I tried on mine,” Jennifer says. “I knew it was the one when my friend told me I couldn't stop smiling while trying it on.”