Elevated Adventure Elopement in Lake Tahoe: Andy and Cornelia’s Intimate Celebration

Real Weddings

May 23

How Andy and Cornelia’s Story Began — A Pandemic Romance

Andy and Cornelia met in March 2020, right as the world was turning upside down. Amid a sea of uncertainty—gloves in stores, sanitizer everywhere—they found each other on Hinge. Distance separated them: Andy was in Denver, Cornelia in West Hollywood, yet they stayed connected through endless texts, calls, and FaceTimes. After two months of virtual dates, Cornelia finally gave Andy the green light to meet in person, even if it meant crossing a thousand miles.

With restaurants still closed, Andy planned a sunset picnic on his favorite bluff in LA. That simple, honest moment sparked something real—a connection that felt effortless and true, despite the chaos around them.

Adventurous Souls in Sync

Their love didn’t come like a fairy tale but unfolded through shared adventures. Two road trips became milestones: soaking in hot springs, cooking over open fires, skinny-dipping in Tahoe, hiking 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, fly fishing, horseback riding—the kind of moments that test your bond and make it unshakable.

Their relationship thrives on this blend of thrill and quiet joy. Whether skiing down challenging slopes or dancing in the kitchen in cozy pants, Andy and Cornelia are in sync—embracing life’s big adventures and simple pleasures together.

A Proposal Rooted in Family and Surprise

On Midsummer’s Eve 2022 in Sweden, Andy surprised Cornelia with a heartfelt proposal on a grassy lawn in Tällberg, Dalarna. It was a whirlwind moment—he admits he stuttered, she almost blacked out—but the love and excitement were unmistakable. The best part? Family came together from across the globe: her parents and aunt from Stockholm, his mother from Michigan, siblings from Colorado, and close friends. They sabred champagne, shared speeches, and danced into the night—making the proposal a celebration of not just their love but the communities supporting them.

Why Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is where Cornelia and Andy’s love truly took root. It’s the place where Cornelia proved she’s downright badass—willing to go skinny-dipping in freezing water—and where the couple has shared countless memories.

Making Their Elopement Truly Theirs

Family is at the heart of this wedding. Cornelia’s brother, Caspar, will walk her down the aisle. Her sister-in-law, Josefin, will lend her voice in song. Andy’s brother, Erik, will officiate. And his sister-in-law, Holly, will share a meaningful poem.

This deeply personal involvement makes the day feel authentic and intimate—a true celebration of their story, not just a ceremony.

Why We Love Capturing Stories Like This

At VILD Photography, we’re drawn to couples like Andy and Cornelia—discerning dreamers who crave something genuine, intimate, and adventurous. We bring a warm, reassuring approach, blending technical expertise with a love for the wild. After the shoot? We’ll likely go for a walk in nature, savoring the moment alongside our couples.

Andy and Cornelia’s elopement is exactly the kind of story we love to tell—raw, intentional, and utterly memorable.