A Beachy, Lakefront Wedding in Tahoe: Nicole & Dan’s Turquoise-Toned Celebration at Home

Real Weddings

Nov 25

Some love stories begin with timing, but Nicole and Dan’s began with a trombone and a flute. They met in 5th grade band class—two shy kids who didn’t know that decades later, they’d reconnect and build a life together. They stayed friends through school, drifted apart after graduation, and went years without speaking. Everything changed during the pandemic when a simple text reopened a door they never realized had been waiting for them. Within months, coast-to-coast calls turned into cross-country flights, and eventually the two moved to Boston together, discovering that the person they’d always hoped for had been there all along.

A Costa Rica Proposal at La Fortuna Waterfall

Their engagement unfolded in Costa Rica on a hike to La Fortuna Waterfall—a place as vibrant and full of life as their relationship. After climbing down to the base of the falls and finding a quiet corner of turquoise water, Dan knelt in the river, asking Nicole to marry him. The emerald-cut solitaire he proposed with had even more meaning: a restored version of Nicole’s grandmother’s original engagement ring. They celebrated that night in a hot springs resort, soaking in the joy of a moment that felt both surprising and completely right.

Why a Lake Tahoe Backyard Wedding Felt Like the Only Choice

Though they considered a tropical wedding, Tahoe was always home. It was where both of their families built their roots, where they spent countless summers swimming and kayaking, and where their early dates took place—backpacking, hiking, skiing, and exploring the mountains together. When a family friend offered their lakeside property, everything clicked. Hosting their wedding in Homewood, Lake Tahoe meant giving their guests not just a beautiful backdrop, but an experience that reflected the heart of their story. It was as close to a beach wedding as they could get while still honoring the place that shaped them.

Alpine Chic Meets Beachy Vibes: Teal, Chartreuse, and Driftwood Details

Nicole and Dan wanted their day to feel like summer at the lake—bright, relaxed, and elevated. Their palette pulled directly from Tahoe’s signature colors: teal inspired by the depth of the water, chartreuse and white for vibrance, and driftwood textures to bring in the spirit of coastal calm. Rattan accents, greenery-heavy florals, and soft botanicals created a look that felt both natural and refined. They described their vision as “cocktail attire meets alpine chic,” blending the rugged beauty of the mountains with the breezy charm of a beach celebration. Every design choice felt intentional, personal, and true to them.

Personal Touches: Costa Rican Cuisine, New England Nods, and a Very Loved Cat

Nicole and Dan filled their wedding with meaningful details that represented their life together. Costa Rica, the place where they got engaged, inspired parts of the menu. Their love for New England—where they built their first home—made little cameo moments throughout the décor (including a nod to their shared love of cannolis). Their beloved Siamese cat, Linus, appeared in subtle, playful ways across signage and décor. And Dan designed much of the event signage himself, adding a personal layer of creativity to the day. Every element reflected a chapter of their journey.

The Moments That Matter Most

Of all the pieces that made up their wedding day, the moments between them mattered most. Their first look was a grounding, emotional pause before the celebration unfolded. Their walk down the aisle—and the way Dan looked at Nicole—was something they hoped would be captured forever. They were equally excited for the energy of the reception: the dancing, the choreographed first dance, the laughter, and the chance to share Tahoe with the people they love. They ended the night exactly as they hoped—surrounded by joy, movement, and the unmistakable beauty of Lake Tahoe in the background.

Nicole and Dan’s Homewood, Lake Tahoe wedding was warm, personal, summery, and deeply rooted in place. It honored where they came from, who they’ve become, and everything they’re building together.