… and I spent a Wednesday morning at Zephyr Cove, which was gorgeous and nicely quiet, with hardly any people there – we had the whole little peninsula to ourselves. Better that way, as the family has quite a few members! And the kids could roam:

… met with me early Sunday morning at Speedboat Beach for mother-daughter photos, and some including Casey’s husband; he sure was great at making us all laugh. The ladies know how to have fun as well, though, and even did a little dance on the beach:

Kelly, big hugs and strong thoughts for you!!

Every summer the Dal Pezzo family comes out to Tahoe, and stays at the most amazing lakefront home I’ve seen in a while – Bob’s at the Beach. It was so cool, I had to check it out top to bottom! Funky layout, indoor pool and 1949 Chris Craft bar, what more do you need… oh, right, outdoor hot tub, the kids’ favorite spot.


But of course we went outside for photos:

Capturing Courtney and John’s wedding at Garwoods last Saturday, and seeing the love between them and within their families, was a lot of fun and very touching. Many, many tears of joy and few tears of sadness were shed, mostly by Courtney, who is truly one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. The day was gorgeous, the decorations absolutely stunning, from the custom menus, to the orchid plants (thanks again for giving me one, Maggie! I love it!). Add in a stunning bride with a most fabulous bird cage veil, and you have the perfect wedding, and a very happy groom!


These two could not let go of each other, or stop kissing – when they weren’t laughing!

The fabulous vendors and details:

ceremony and reception location: Garwoods Grill & Pier

hair and make-up: Hyatt / Incline

DJ: Matthew Strong / Matthew Allen Weddings & Events

cup cakes: Batch cupcakery / Reno

bride’s necklace: Nana

bride’s watch: Great-Grandma

… are friends with the Fitzgeralds and we did their photos the very next day, same location! Trade the two little girls for one little girl, one rambunctious little boy – sitting still, not an option! Sand, sticks, water, rocks… see ya! (Reminds me very much of someone in my own family…)


A beautiful family, and priceless expressions on the kids…

…came to their Northstar cabin, and we went down to the golf course for some family shots; best of all, there were golf balls to be found!

Alli, Andrew and their two adorable daughters met with me at Sand Harbor on a perfect morning for some family photos. Within minutes the first one was by the water, playing in the sand and getting her dress wet, adding the true Tahoe feel to the shoot. The girls were super cute and did pretty well; of course the best part was when they could finally have some snap peas…

The day after the wedding I took Andrea out for a trash-the-dress session by an old dilapidated barn and cabin, along with my second shooter Brandi and Andrea’s friends Michelle and Jennifer. We had a lot of fun, most of all Andrea – she said, “every woman should get to do this!” (Ladies, that’s a HINT!)

To top it all off, Andrea went into the lake – after sunset!

In a breathtaking setting up at Heavenly Andrea and Jim said their I-dos in an intimate ceremony, with Jim’s 3 daughters and 2 sons standing up for them, along with Andrea’s long-time friend Michelle. Everything was picture perfect, from the tiniest detail to the sunset – including custom designed Tahoetinis! Andrea and Jim met working together in Florida, he as a cardiologist, and she as a physician assistant, and after a ski trip to Heavenly they decided to take the next step in their relationship – and to get married on that very mountain!

The fabulous vendors and details:


ceremony and reception location: Heavenly Lodge

event coordination: Kerry and Rebecah / Blue Sky Events

flowers and event design: Thran’s

hair and make-up: Lulu’s Salon / Harrah’s

videography: Jason / Video Quest

harp: Anne Roos

band: Radio Active

cake: Cakes by Grace

…came out from Texas for their annual Tahoe vacation, and wanted photos that were all about the kids – not a problem, with such a handsome bunch!