Real Outdoor Wedding at The Hideout: Eileen & Chris’ Intimate Celebration of Love in Lake Tahoe

Real Weddings

Jun 27

Eileen and Chris’s love story began in a biotech startup in the summer of 2014. While they didn’t make much of an impression on each other back then (Eileen was an intern, after all), their paths would cross again in 2015, and this time, something clicked. They started running together, first in a group and then solo, building a foundation of shared moments, from hill sprints in San Francisco to cozy coffee dates after long runs. And from there, their relationship began to grow.

Their Story: From Friendship to Forever

Eileen and Chris’ relationship was built on a foundation of adventure, shared experiences, and mutual respect. But, like many great relationships, they didn’t start with the expectation of something long-term. In fact, neither of them was looking for a life partner when they first met. But as time passed and they let their walls down, they found something even better: a connection that allowed them to grow together, rather than apart.

For Eileen, the moment she knew Chris was the one came on a backpacking trip, where the temperatures plummeted into the single digits. As much as she tried to ignore it, nature called in the middle of the night, and Chris got up without hesitation, digging her a hole in the frozen ground. In that moment, she knew he was her person.

For Chris, it was more of a slow realization. While he didn’t have one specific moment, he was constantly reminded of Eileen’s toughness and ability to handle hardship with grace. He knew that with Eileen by his side, they could face whatever life threw at them.

The Proposal: A Colorado Trail Surprise

Fast forward to 2020, when Chris decided to turn a backpacking trip along the Colorado Trail into the perfect moment for a proposal. On day eight of their 14-day trek, as they reached the highest point on Lake Ann Pass, after a long, exhausting climb, Chris saw his chance. Eileen, in her delirious state, was floored by Chris’s surprise proposal. Her first reaction? “Is this a joke?” But after a moment of disbelief, she said, “Yes!” Chris’s knack for surprises had worked wonders once again.

The Venue: The Hideout in Lake Tahoe

Eileen and Chris knew they wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their love for each other and their passion for the outdoors. Lake Tahoe holds a special place in their hearts, with one of their earliest relationship memories being snowed in at Kirkwood in December 2015. This adventure—stuck in a cabin, no traffic in or out—became a defining moment in their journey together. Lake Tahoe became their second home, a place where they could connect with nature and each other.

When it came to choosing a venue, The Hideout in Lake Tahoe checked all the boxes. Eileen and Chris wanted a place that would allow them to celebrate with their loved ones in a laid-back, nature-filled setting. They also wanted a venue where they could stay up all night and have their guests sleep on-site. The Hideout offered just that, with its rustic charm and stunning views.

The Wedding Day: A Celebration of Nature and Connection

Eileen and Chris’s wedding day was everything they envisioned—light on formality, full of love, and with a focus on community. Their ceremony was held outdoors, on a granite slab overlooking the breathtaking landscape. The reception had an indoor/outdoor vibe, with guests dancing late into the night under the stars.

The couple’s color scheme included earthy tones and vibrant accents of burgundy, blues, and soft pinks, perfectly reflecting the natural beauty of the environment around them. And true to their laid-back, adventure-filled relationship, the wedding had a unique, DIY feel—Eileen and Chris had their friends DJ and bartend, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

But perhaps the most memorable part of the evening? Eileen’s love for instant noodles. Late into the night, they served a variety of instant noodles, a quirky yet meaningful touch that reminded everyone of Eileen’s sense of humor and love for the simple things.

Looking Back: A Day Filled with Love, Laughter, and Adventure

When asked what they wanted to remember from their wedding day, Eileen and Chris said it best: the joyous moments, the overwhelming emotions, the tears, and the private moments they shared together. For them, it wasn’t just about the wedding itself, but about the experience of spending the day with the people they loved in a place that meant so much to them.