Erik and Alexa’s only fault seems to be that they live out town and that makes the possibility of a catch-up dinner rather difficult. But the time we spent together up through their “I Do’s” was total joy!

A Relaxing Morning With the Girls

We began Erik and Alexa’s warm fall celebration just a short drive away from their venue, Lost Hill Lake, in the bridal suite of the Pinemark Inn. In true Alexa fashion, I walked in to find the picture of calm. Ladies floated about the space with laid-back ease, offering to tidy spaces, zip dresses or lend a hand whenever they saw a need.

An Intimate First Look

Erik and Alexa share a quiet magic, and I deeply admire all the ways they cultivated private moments throughout their wedding day. While the rest of their crew stayed behind to finish getting ready, Erik and Alexa snuck away early to their venue for a mini ceremony alone. They began with an intimate first look by the water, alone without distraction. It was beautiful to witness how giddy they were to both see each other for the first time, and begin what would be a steady stream of happy tears.

Private Lakeside Vows

One of the most emotional moments of the day was also one of the more unique. After settling into the reality of the day, they took a moment to share private vows together. As the sounds of their voices slipped away, they were fully in a world of their own, but even from a distance you could see them fully come alive. Aside from the occasional bursts of laughter breaking through the bubble, the happy emotions on their faces were clear.

For two already-reserved souls, witnessing these intimate moments unfold, even from afar, felt like a rare privilege to behold. the bond these two share is evident and deep, && I just love the power the other’s presence holds for each of them. 

A Warm Fall Haze

For the tail end of September, Erik and Alexa’s wedding was unseasonably warm (a summer-like 80°) but wonderfully overcast for a bit of a dramatic mood. Fall colors were only just beginning to appear at the edges their beautiful outdoor venue in Lost Hill Lake, so we were blessed with lush summery greens to play with for solo and couples portraits as we waited for their wedding party to arrive for group pics by the lake. We honestly could not have asked for a more beautiful day!

A Short + Sweet Ceremony

With vows already shared between them, Erik and Alexa’s ceremony was a breeze. Guests laughed unsurprised when the officiant revealed that these two shy souls opted for private vows and a quick ceremony, but it was sentimental all the same. Bubbles filled the air as they made their way joyfully back down the aisle hand-in-hand.

A Family-Style Reception

Once the marriage license was signed, the night just unfolded at its natural pace. After a sweet first dance together under the string lights everyone shared dinner under at long family-style tables, mingling about and catching up with old friends. Erik and Alexa managed to sneak away for another private moment to cut and savor their first bites of cake before returning to their guests, smiles wide.

venue/decor/coordination | Lost Hill Lake Wedding + Events
photo | Kara Hoganson Photography +Design
florals | Sisterchicks Flowers + More
HMUA | Abigail Joy Hair + Makeup Artistry
catering | Salt + Smoke
dress | Justin Alexander via Bridal Extraordinaire
suits | Men’s Wearhouse

Love the dreamy setting of this wedding?
See more work from Lost Hill Lake here!

Dreaming of artful + candid wedding images like these?

I LOVE helping couples document their love story in their own way. Click to learn more about the unique wedding + elopement experience I provide, or get in touch about your day HERE!