A Lake Tahoe Elopement for Kimberly & Maxime at Emerald Bay

Kimberly & Maxime are a modern couple who fell in love through a dating app. But when it comes to their mutual love of national parks, they really excel – recording their visits in a special book. So it is not surprising that they chose to wed in a national park!  Their Emerald Bay elopement is picture-perfect at the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe, with shimmering blues and greens against the blue skies. Kimberly & Maxime are perfect in boho chic. The bride’s gown is a lace-work of art. We love that Simply Eloped helped this couple create their stunning elopement vision. Find out why they were over the moon about exchanging their vows in the California mountains.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Kimberly & Maxime: We met in a very modern-day way on a dating app called Hinge. Kim’s first impression of Max was that he was funny and patient because she was 30 mins late for their date. Max’s first impression of Kim was that she was well-spoken and very smart. 

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Kimberly & Maxime: Max proposed on a mountain top in Ashville, NC, after a very long hike. It was beautiful and perfect. Kim said, “Of course!” 

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Kimberly & Maxime: We chose South Lake Tahoe after finding Simply Eloped. We thought the location was the best for us because it was a destination we had never been to that had both the mountain and the water views.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite moments about eloping there?

Kimberly & Maxime: We eloped in Emerald Bay. We LOVE national and state parks. We even have a book where we keep track of each one we have visited. We felt that exchanging vows at Emerald Bay, amongst nature, was the best way to start our marriage. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Kimberly & Maxime: Stunning! Emerald Bay is too beautiful to describe simply. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Kimberly & Maxime: We spent the day with our friends and family at a BnB getting ready. Kim was with hair and make-up artists for a couple of hours in between. We were both relaxed and excited. Eloping was really the best way for us to enjoy our wedding day fully, with no stress at all.

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Kimberly & Maxime: Simple! They put everything into motion for us, connected us with the best vendors in the area, introduced us to our team, handled everything down to the permit with the State Park. It was a breeze! 

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Kimberly & Maxime: We went out for dinner with our family and friend at Gar Woods Grill & Pier on the water. It’s a great spot for anyone in Tahoe! 

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Kimberly & Maxime: DO IT! Book the trip; elope, do what you truly want for your special day. Eloping was so special because we exchanged vows in the mountains, just like we always wanted. By eloping, we could truly enjoy every aspect of our day. It wasn’t about anyone else or what anyone else wanted. It was about us, starting our lives together just as every wedding should be.

Officiant: Meghan Ruiz
Photography by: Irina Alexandrova
Hair & Makeup: Emily Van Scoy
Florist: Rose Petals
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Emerald Bay State Park Lookout, Lake Tahoe

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.