Lakeside Romance at Sunnyside Resort: An Intimate Lake Tahoe Celebration
A moment that perfectly captures the joy and romance of the day — the groom lifting his bride on the shores of Lake Tahoe, framed by soft autumn light and the still beauty of Sunnyside Resort.
On a golden September afternoon, Lake Tahoe shimmered like glass — the perfect backdrop for Carleigh and her husband’s romantic lakeside wedding at Sunnyside Resort in Tahoe City. With its easy blend of relaxed charm and elevated mountain elegance, the venue offered the couple exactly what they envisioned: an intimate, joyful celebration surrounded by the people who matter most.
High school friends turned forever partners, Carleigh and her husband first met in English class as teenagers in Sacramento. Years later, after college and countless adventures, their story came full circle as they stood hand in hand overlooking the lake, ready to start the next chapter of their lives together.
For the couple, Tahoe has always represented peace, privacy, and pure beauty — a place that feels both grounding and awe-inspiring. Choosing Sunnyside Resort allowed them to create a deeply personal experience that felt effortless and true to who they are.
The Details
Designed and planned by Jálie Design & Events, the wedding blended organic florals, relaxed textures, and timeless elegance. A Floral Affair brought the lakeside setting to life with blooms that echoed Tahoe’s natural tones, while The Cru Salon and Sarah Lefebvre crafted the bride’s effortlessly radiant look.
Dinner and speeches flowed like an intimate dinner party — full of laughter, heartfelt toasts, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the night ends. Guests were treated to an unforgettable lakeside experience, complete with late-night chicken strips and fries — a nod to the couple’s playful spirit and their desire to make every moment feel warm, relaxed, and real.
Captured by Kirsten Zarek Photography
Every frame from Kirsten’s lens beautifully told their story — the serenity of the pier, the glow of sunset over the deck, and the laughter that filled the air as the night unfolded. Her work captured the spirit of Tahoe perfectly: calm, luminous, and full of heart.
Their first look — a quiet exchange of vows on a secluded pier — was the most emotional moment of the day. It was their only time truly alone, surrounded by still water and open sky. As the sun set and music filled the deck, the night transformed into the best kind of celebration — unfiltered, joyful, and full of love.
Before the ceremony, guests were invited to pour sand into two jars — later combined into one vessel as a symbol of unity and shared legacy. A nearby table displayed wedding photos from their parents and grandparents, honoring the marriages that came before and the foundation that shaped their own.
Every moment of Carleigh and her husband’s day felt like Tahoe itself — serene, timeless, and unforgettable.
Venue: Sunnyside Resort
Planning + Design: Jálie Design & Events
Photography: Kirsten Zarek Photography
Floral Design: A Floral Affair
Hair: Sarah Lefebvre Hair
Makeup: The Cru Salon
DJ + Entertainment: Music in Tahoe
Catering + Venue Team: Sunnyside Resort
A timeless celebration brought to life by an incredible team of Lake Tahoe wedding professionals.
