After a proposal in Iceland, Mallory and Susan married at Lake Tahoe, surrounded by nature and a handful of their loved ones.
Tell us about the proposal.
We planned an epic trip to Iceland for Susan’s 30th birthday, but Susan also had proposal plans. So Susan secretly called Mallory’s parents and told them she wanted to propose under the northern lights. She told them, “The northern lights are considered a phenomenon, and Mallory is my phenomenon to me.” Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the northern lights, but the proposal was perfect and simple, on the side of an empty road surrounded by mountains, peace, and just the two of us.
Talk us through your wedding day.
Mallory– I remember feeling so overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation to see Susan in her wedding dress. We had been waiting for this moment for so long, and I couldn’t wait to see her.
We planned on doing a “first look” and pictures before the ceremony, and I was so excited. I put my dress on immediately and tried to calm my nerves until she was ready. The rain had cleared, the sun peeked through the clouds, and we walked into the trees. We were holding hands around a giant tree and laughing at the pinecones stuck in the lace of our wedding gowns. The moment we both saw each other, pure joy and happiness flowed through my entire body, and I felt a sense of calm. I knew, with Susan by my side, we could do anything,
We chose Mallory’s aunt to officiate our wedding. We wanted a strong female who we look up to, to represent our love story and join us in our union. So we both walked down the aisle with our fathers to a guitar version of “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles.
After the official ceremony, we walked excitedly down the aisle, hand in hand, to a back corner of the venue and cried a lot of happy tears together. WE DID IT! IT’S DONE!
All the stress and waiting were gone. It was now time to celebrate our love with all the people who supported us and showed up for us every day.
Advice for other couples planning a smaller wedding?
DO IT! As much as I would have loved seeing my entire family and sharing such joy, having a smaller wedding allowed us to celebrate in a very intentional and meaningful way. We could have fun with everyone and not stress the little things. We were also able to surround ourselves with the people who impact our lives every day and who genuinely support the people we have grown to be.
Photography by Emma Wynn Paul Photography
Cake Delicious Designs Reno
Cake Topper Etsy
Catering Blend Catering
Cinematographer Peter Paul Films
Dress Boutiques Radiant Bride, Swoon Bridal
Dress Designers Essence of Australia, Rish Bridal
Entertainment DJ Josh Scott
Florist & Stylist Quality Event Design
H&MU Salon Be
Invitations Minted
Officiant Mallory’s Aunt
Planner Heather Scott
Signage Etsy & DIY
Venue Valhalla
