Adventure Wedding Photographer | A Lake Tahoe Mountain Wedding Twelve Years in the Making
Some love stories begin with a grand gesture. Nicki and Jed's began on a chairlift. When they exchanged vows high above Lake Tahoe, surrounded by mountain views, lifelong friends, and the place that brought them together more than a decade ago, it felt like the most natural next chapter in a story that had been unfolding for years. As an adventure wedding photographer, I have the privilege of documenting weddings in incredible places, but this celebration reminded me that the most meaningful locations aren't always the most dramatic - they're the places that hold our memories, shape our relationships, and feel like home.
For Nicki and Jed, that place was Kirkwood, a ski resort located about thirty-five miles south of Lake Tahoe.
In This Article
The unexpected way Nicki and Jed first met
How a ski trip turned into a lifelong love story
Why Kirkwood Mountain Resort was the only place they wanted to get married
Highlights from their unforgettable Lake Tahoe wedding day
Why adventure weddings create such meaningful experiences
Frequently asked questions about adventure weddings
From a Chairlift Ride to Forever
Ask Nicki and Jed how they met, and you'll probably get two different versions of the story.
Nicki remembers riding Chair 6 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, chatting Jed's ear off before hopping off the lift with an enthusiastic, "Okay, bye!" Jed remembers meeting her that same season on Chair 11. The details may be fuzzy, but what they both agree on is that somewhere on that mountain during the winter of 2014, a friendship began.
At the end of that ski season, Nicki received an unexpected invitation from Jed and his friend Kyle: a long weekend ski road trip through Utah and Colorado. Having only known them for a few weeks, she called her roommate and asked what most people would consider a very reasonable question: “Are these guys serial killers, or would they make good road-trip buddies?" 😂 Her roommate's answer was immediate,"I'd trust those two with my life." So two hours later, Nicki climbed into the car and went.
What followed was the kind of adventure that sounds almost too ridiculous to be true. They drove from Tahoe to Snowbird, got pulled over in Nevada by a police officer who accused them of driving 5mph below the speed limit, and eventually continued on their trip after telling the officer they were simply tired skiers looking for a place to nap. They skied at Snowbird in Utah, then got back on the road to head to Colorado
Then came the moment neither of them could have predicted…
At two o'clock in the morning somewhere on a Colorado highway, Nicki found herself driving while Kyle slept in the backseat. Jed sat in the passenger seat listening as she launched into a passionate rant about fidelity and relationships. Somehow in that moment, Jed thought,"This is my person."
After finishing out their trip at the Kirkwood Ski Patrol party, the three friends went their separate ways for the summer. Nicki was heading off to work for Outward Bound. Jed would spend the summer traveling and working, and Kyle would be working as a wildland firefighter. Before they parted ways, Nicki jokingly told Jed,"Write me a postcard."
He did. All summer long. Nicki still has every single one. The funny part? She thought they were just becoming really good pen pals. 😂
That fall, they began spending more time together. Then, early in ski season, Nicki was hit by another skier and suffered a serious concussion. While she recovered, Jed showed up every day after work to check on her.
Every day. Not because he had to. Because he wanted to. As Nicki tells it, that was when she finally realized he liked her.
They spent Christmas together (with her mom being the ultimate wing-woman). Five days after later, Nicki decided to stop waiting around and asked him if he'd be her boyfriend.
But their story doesn't stop there.
Jed had always had a love for animals and became a second handler for his friend’s dog, Althea. Althea was an incredible dog, and Jed took her to several dog schools and was a big part of her day to day life. Years later, the couple decided they wanted to get a dog and train it to be an avalanche rescue dog. They knew exactly what they were looking for, a dog just like Althea. When Althea turned three, she got pregnant, and Nicki and Jed were there for everything.
They were there for the pregnancy, the vet appointments, and for the birth. They even made friendship-bracelet-style collars to help tell the puppies apart. Jed didn’t get the memo that they were using colors of the rainbow for the collars, and decided to make a brown collar.
And then something unexpected happened. The puppy with the brown collar chose them.
They named the puppy Esha, and raised her to be an avalanche rescue dog. She has become one of the most respected rescue dogs in the region, helping locate buried victims and assisting with avalanche safety efforts throughout the mountains Jed loves so much. During her test, she was given fifty minutes to clear a 90’ x 90’ area with three buried people and several pieces of clothing and gear, and she found it all in just eleven minutes! Esha still works every single day alongside Jed. He is passionate about snow safety and keeping people safe while skiing, and working with Esha is his dream.
Which brings us back to Kirkwood.
When it came time to choose where to get married, there was never really another option. As Nicki shared with me:"It's where we met. It's where our hearts lie. It's where the people who are the closest to us are."
Twelve years after a brief conversation on a chairlift, Nicki and Jed stood together on that same mountain surrounded by the people who had witnessed their journey. To them, it was so much more than just a beautiful place. It was where their entire story began.
A Windy, Wild, and Beautiful Lake Tahoe Wedding Day
If you've ever spent time in the mountains, you know they have a way of doing things on their own terms.
Nicki and Jed’s wedding day included plenty of wind, chilly temperatures, and the kind of breathtaking views that make you stop what you’re doing to just take them in.
Guests carried lawn chairs to the ceremony site and settled onto rocks and patches of grass overlooking the mountains. There were no elaborate decorations competing for attention. The landscape did all the talking. And somehow, it felt perfect. The wind tugged at dresses and jackets. The mountains stretched endlessly into the distance. Friends and family gathered close. And Nicki and Jed stood together in the place that started it all.
One of the most memorable moments happened during the ceremony when two bald eagles soared overhead as the couple exchanged vows.
I wasn't able to capture them on camera because I was completely focused on the emotion unfolding between Nicki and Jed, but it felt like one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that everyone present will remember forever. The kind of moment that reminds you some things are just bigger than photographs.
Why This Was an Adventure Wedding Photographer's Dream
I'm fortunate to photograph weddings in some incredible places, but what made Nicki and Jed's celebration so special wasn't just the mountain views or the journey to the ceremony site.
It was the meaning behind every part of the day. The chairlift where they first met. The postcards that turned a friendship into something more. The friends who had witnessed their relationship grow over the last twelve years. The avalanche rescue dog that became part of their family. The mountain they both consider home.
As a photographer, those are the stories I connect with most.
The most memorable weddings aren't always the most elaborate. They're the ones that feel deeply personal. From the moment Nicki shared their story with me, I understood why Kirkwood mattered. This wasn't just where they chose to get married - it was where they met, where they built friendships, where they grew up together, and where so many of their favorite memories were made.
By the time they stood together exchanging vows on the mountain, surrounded by the people who knew and loved them best, it felt like the most natural next chapter in a story that had been unfolding for years. And honestly, those are the kinds of weddings I'll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Weddings
What is an adventure wedding?
An adventure wedding is a wedding celebration that prioritizes meaningful experiences, unique locations, and authentic moments. These weddings often take place outdoors and are designed around what feels most true to the couple.
Do adventure weddings have to be small?
Not at all. While many adventure weddings are intimate, they can absolutely include family and friends. Nicki and Jed's wedding was a beautiful example of gathering loved ones in a meaningful place while still embracing an a unique setting.
Is Lake Tahoe a good location for an adventure wedding?
Absolutely! Lake Tahoe offers stunning mountain views, alpine lakes, ski resorts, hiking trails, and incredible outdoor locations for couples who love nature.
What should couples consider when planning a mountain wedding?
Weather, accessibility, guest comfort, transportation, and backup plans are all important considerations. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so flexibility is key.
Why should I hire an adventure wedding photographer?
Adventure weddings often involve changing weather, unique lighting, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. An experienced adventure wedding photographer knows how to document both the epic scenery and the meaningful moments that make your day unforgettable.
Planning an Adventure Wedding of Your Own?
Whether your dream wedding takes place on a mountain peak, beside an alpine lake, or somewhere that simply feels like home, your story deserves to be documented with care.
My approach is rooted in connection, storytelling, and helping couples feel comfortable enough to be fully present on one of the most meaningful days of their lives. If you're planning a wedding in a place that means something to you, I'd love to hear what you're dreaming up!
About Lisa Hause Photography
Lisa Hause is an Austin-based wedding photographer serving couples throughout Texas and destinations around the world. Known for her warm, calming presence and heartfelt approach to storytelling, Lisa creates imagery that feels timeless, emotional, and true to the people in front of her camera.
Whether she's documenting a black-tie wedding weekend or a mountaintop adventure, her goal is always the same: preserving the moments that matter most.
Curious what it's actually like to work with Lisa? Read this post to take a closer look at her approach and experience.
