Lindsay & Andrew’s Meaningful Lake Tahoe Ceremony

General, Real Elopements,

4 min read Oct 14, 2020

Choosing a destination to share your vows can sometimes be a tough decision, but for Lindsay and Andrew, they knew just the place. After living in Lake Tahoe for a short while after one of his deployments, Andrew found himself feeling relaxed and tranquil, and has a strong connection to the place to this day. They knew that a Lake Tahoe elopement was exactly how they wanted to start their forever together. Read all about their elopement – and the details leading up to it – below!

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

We started out just talking, but Andy was going on a month-long cross country ski trip and I had just bought a one way ticket to Boca Raton. We both figured we’d text here and there but would probably never see each other again.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

It was pretty funny, actually. We were having our first small argument and he said something along the lines of, “If that’s the way you feel, why are you even hanging out with me?,” and I said “Because I think I might love you or something!”

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Again, pretty on brand for us: we had been talking about [getting engaged] for quite a while, and one day, he decided he was going to buy a second car. I said “Don’t you think I should get a ring before you buy another car?,” and his response was, “Yeah, we should probably do that,” and off we went to buy a ring!

What do you love about your partner?

Our relationship has really been built on a solid foundation of love and mutual respect, and that’s important. But one of the greatest things about us is that not a day goes by that we don’t laugh with or at each other!

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

We’re a team. We’re always there for each other good times, and we deal with whatever comes our way together.

Why did you decide to elope?

Honestly, we were being a little bit selfish and didn’t want to get lost in all of the planing and stress of a big wedding. We knew that if we eloped, it would be stress-free and all about us. We’d be able to be fully present in the moment. We’d be able to focus on what our wedding day is really about without having to worry about all things that go along with a more traditional wedding.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Google. The reviews were amazing!

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

We definitely did our research. We read so many reviews and followed so many couples’ stories. Everyone was so happy – you could just see it on their faces. We knew eloping was what was right for us.

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

Andy just retired after 20+ years of military service. Many years ago, after one of his deployments, he took some time and moved to Tahoe to relax, to ski, and get back to a normal life. He has a strong connection to the area, and it seemed like the perfect spot to start our life together.

What activities did you do before the wedding? How did you prepare? How did you feel leading up to the moments of your elopement?

Nothing! That was the best part! We had tacos and some champagne with dinner the night before and went to bed stress-free! We both slept like babies! The day of he went to the pub for a burger and a beer while I had a mimosa as I was getting my hair and make up done. When he got back we got dressed and headed off to get married! It was so easy and perfect!

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

It was absolutely amazing. The communication was wonderful, and the coordination and attention to detail was unreal. I was so very impressed with every aspect of the behind the scenes process.

How did you celebrate after?

With a romantic dinner and a very nice bottle of wine. And cake! Lots of cake!

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

Do it! The day should be about you and your love and starting your life together. Eloping puts all the focus on just that.

Planning: Simply Eloped
Officiant: Margie Byrne
Photographer: Casey Simon
Hair & Makeup: Pink Chique
Flowers: Rose Petals

General Real Elopements

Written by Karen Norian

Karen Norian is an elopement photographer and has photographed over a hundred elopements. Karen has also worked as an elopement planner for Simply Eloped. She's been quoted in the New York Times, Brides, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Yahoo, and more.