An Outdoor Summer Wedding at The Hideout, Kirkwood: Helena & Dylan’s Camp-Inspired Lake Tahoe Celebration
An outdoor summer wedding at The Hideout, Kirkwood couldn’t have been more fitting for Helena and Dylan—a couple whose love story is deeply rooted in the Sierra Nevada mountains. What unfolded was a wedding that felt less like a single day and more like a shared experience: nostalgic, personal, and infused with the kind of joy that only comes from gathering your favorite people in a place that feels like home.
A Love Story Rooted in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Helena and Dylan first met years ago at Stanford before life pulled them in different directions. It wasn’t until they reconnected later at a company event that their story truly began. After spending nearly a decade living in San Francisco, Tahoe became their escape—first for skiing winters and sun-soaked summer weekends, and eventually for something much more permanent.
Just before the pandemic, Dylan purchased a cabin in the Sierras near Kirkwood. What started as a getaway quickly became home. Living full-time in the mountains allowed them to fall even deeper in love with the area—ski days at Kirkwood, long hikes in the Mokelumne Wilderness, and a lifestyle shaped by fresh air and open space. Choosing to get married in Kirkwood wasn’t just meaningful—it was inevitable.
Why The Hideout, Kirkwood Was the Perfect Wedding Venue
When it came time to choose a venue, The Hideout stood out immediately. Recommended by Dylan’s manager—who had married there years earlier—the venue felt like a natural extension of the couple’s life in the mountains. Tucked into the landscape with its private lake, expansive grounds, and summer-camp energy, The Hideout offered exactly what Helena and Dylan envisioned: a place where guests could slow down, explore, and truly connect.
A Camp-Inspired Wedding Weekend at The Hideout, Kirkwood
Helena and Dylan designed their wedding to feel like a grown-up summer camp—equal parts playful and intentional. Guests were invited to fully lean into the experience, spending time swimming in the lake, canoeing, and even trying their hand at archery. The energy throughout the weekend felt relaxed and communal, with laughter carrying across the property and memories being made long before the ceremony began.
The day before the wedding set the tone, with a rehearsal dinner followed by a “Helena and Dylan” trivia game that had guests laughing and competing to prove who knew the couple best. It was personal, lighthearted, and perfectly on brand for a celebration rooted in connection.
Personal Wedding Details That Told Their Story
Every detail of the day reflected Helena and Dylan’s story. The ceremony included a sage smudging ritual—an important Native American tradition from Helena’s father’s side of the family—bringing a sense of grounding and reverence to the moment. Their main wedding cake was a Swedish Princess Cake, a nod to heritage and tradition woven seamlessly into the celebration.
At the reception, guests found handwoven friendship bracelets serving as seat assignments, while tables were named after beloved California outdoor landmarks. These thoughtful touches reinforced the camp theme and added layers of meaning throughout the space.
An Outdoor Lake Tahoe Wedding Full of Joy and Connection
With the natural beauty of Kirkwood surrounding them, Helena and Dylan’s wedding unfolded effortlessly. The Hideout’s lake, towering trees, and wide-open skies created a setting that felt both expansive and intimate—a rare combination that made every moment feel grounded and alive.
As Lake Tahoe wedding photographers, capturing this celebration was a true joy. From quiet conversations by the water to bursts of laughter during camp activities, the weekend was filled with the kind of honest, unscripted moments that linger long after the day ends.
A Meaningful Summer Wedding at The Hideout, Kirkwood
Helena and Dylan’s wedding was a reminder that the most memorable celebrations are the ones that reflect real life—shared experiences, meaningful traditions, and a deep connection to place. Their outdoor summer wedding at The Hideout, Kirkwood wasn’t just a celebration of love; it was a love letter to the mountains, to community, and to the joy of gathering together in the wild.
For couples dreaming of a Lake Tahoe wedding that feels immersive, personal, and rooted in nature, The Hideout continues to prove itself as a venue where unforgettable stories unfold.
Photographer: @vildphotography
Venue: @thehideoutweddings
Wedding Planner: @blueskyeventstahoe
Videographer: @lake_full_of_pictures
Dj: @miltonmerlos.wedding
Hair & Makeup: @lunabellebeautyco
Caterer: @blendcateringreno
Dress Designer: @watters
Rental / Decor: @celebrationseventrentals
Photobooth: @tahoephotobus