Hostess with the Mostess®

We have a gorgeous new Real Weddings feature for you today!

This Whimsical Wedding for Kali and Tommy, photographed by Jillian Bisinger and coordinated by Paige Galla, set stage atop the breathtaking mountains of Lake Tahoe, California. Shades of vibrant green and punchy pink juxtaposed the galvanized steel and natural twig accents to set the tone for a fresh, playful celebration under the Big White Tent.

Read on for tons of great pics and all the details, as told by Paige…

“Kali and Tommy’s wedding was a destination celebration in Truckee, California– a special location for the bride and groom, who have snuck away from the busy Bay Area for weekend retreats since their days in college.

The wedding style was fresh, bright, whimsical, punchy, and playful.

There were natural accents (twig escort cards, wheatgrass planters), homemade touches (table toppers hand-sewn by the mother of the bride and cultural heritage cookies baked by the grandmothers), and abundance of color (candy bar, centerpieces, lanterns) paired with clean, crisp white linens and tent lining.

Nuptials were held in traditional Catholic manner at the Assumption Church in downtown Truckee.

The bride carried a bouquet of pillowy white peonies, finished with a hankie from her great grandmother (something old & something blue).   In addition to her glitzy gown, she wore an heirloom diamond ring and fabulous Kate Spade shoes.

The reception was held on the verdant and picturesque golf course at The Lodge at Tahoe Donner under their big white tent.

Cocktail hour featured a  signature “Truckee-tini” made with midori and vodka, to stay consistent with the color theme.  The bride went one step beyond personalized cocktail napkins by incorporating the matching swizzle sticks with the couples initials.

The cocktail table centerpieces were galvanized steel “planter boxes” with wheat grass and bright blossoms atop hand-sewn polka dot toppers.

The escort cards were handmade and incorporated the natural twigs, pink ribbon and illustrated entrée indicators that carried the theme on the letterpress invitation. Cards were displayed in a trough of wheat grass.

The newlyweds offered a limoncello lemon drop shot in personalized shot glasses to give gratitude to their guests before dinner. A departure from the traditional champagne toast, it gave a nod to their college days at University of the Pacific, where they met.

Serpentine tables added to the whimsy of the candy bar. Bright candies were displayed in the bride’s collection of apothecary jars, adorned with ribbon and buttons.

Heritage cookies were a sweet addition: the groom’s grandmother baked three varieties of his favorite Italian cookies; the bride’s grandmother baked a variety of her favorite Portuguese cookies, and the bride’s extended family brought her all-time favorite Spanish cookies all the way from Texas.

Dinner was delicately prepared and professionally executed by The Lodge team.  It was served plated and beautifully presented.

Toasts by their nearest and dearest friends and family members brought tears, laughter and heartfelt warmth.”

*****

Here are a few more fun shots that I couldn’t resist including. This reception looks like such a great party!

We should all be having as much fun as this guy, right?!

A few more details…

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Resources and Credits:

Photographer: Jillian Bisinger Modern Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Paige Galla, Paige One Events

Florist: Lisa Fairchild, Blossoms by Lisa

Location: Tahoe Donner Lodge