Leighton and Zach’s wedding at White Wolf Tahoe is still one of my all-time favorite weddings I’ve ever photographed. Not just of 2021 — of EVER. It was just that good.

On top of being a hell of a wedding day, Leighton and Zach are some of the most down-to-earth, genuine humans around. Hilarious, easygoing, a match made in freaking heaven. Between you and me? I’m obsessed with them. No shame.

Get to Know the Couple: Leighton & Zach

Zach and Leighton worked together, which is how they became best friends first — and if a couple STARTS as besties, you already know it’s the forever kind of love. The more they hung out, the more Leighton worked up the courage to finally tell Zach how she felt. Eight months later she did, and the rest is history.

Together they love the outdoors, laughing, and being around family. They’re self-proclaimed foodies whose go-to snack is “bitchin’ sauce,” which is exactly as iconic as it sounds. Leighton’s from the midwest, Zach’s a Tahoe boy, and they’ve since planted roots in Bend, Oregon. But Tahoe is such a huge part of Zach’s story that there was really only one place they were ever going to get married.

Why I’m obsessed with White Wolf Tahoe

Real talk: White Wolf is my favorite venue in the area, hands down. It sits tucked up in the Sierra Nevada between Alpine Meadows and Palisades, all glacier-polished granite, towering pines, and a private lake. It’s the kind of place that feels completely removed from the world the second you arrive.

And the photos? Unreal. I’ve had people look at images from here and straight up ask if they were taken in Yosemite — that’s how epic this place is. Ceremony on a granite ridge with the whole Sierra behind you, a private lake, forest in every direction. If you want a Tahoe wedding that feels wild and elevated at the same time, this is THE spot. You can absolutely still get married here, and if it’s calling to you, I’d jump on it — the good venues book up fast, especially for a place this special.

Every Detail Surrounding White Wolf Tahoe

To begin their day, Zach got ready with his boys at his mom’s house. Leighton got ready at a large Airbnb they had booked for the occasion. The Airbnb also just so happened to be right across the street from White Wolf Tahoe – perks all around! During getting ready for photos, Leighton and Zach’s wedding party was the ultimate hype crew. The entire time you could tell how much they cared for the couple and wanted nothing but the best for them!

Once we got to the venue it was time for all the magic to happen. Surrounded by their closest family and friends (and their dogs!!), L & Z said “I do!” and sealed in forever together. Their ceremony was officiated by their dear friend Tammie and she made the whole experience so special and thoughtful.

Like I said earlier, L & Z are big foodies so they chose two of the most epic foods for their wedding meal: Pizza & Sushi! I don’t know about you, but I think that is fucking amazing! Who says that you can only have chicken and beef for your wedding food!?

Experiencing the Special Moments

As I captured the other moments of their day, I was hyperfocused on the ones that included Leighton’s mom. Who, had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers.It was super important to Leighton & her fam that I capture all the things having to do with her mama and I was committed to making that happen for them.

Capturing moments like this are why I freakin love what I do. Your wedding photos represent so much more than just you getting married. Your wedding day is one of the only times in your life where all of the people you love come together in one place, and it’s the best opportunity to truly capture all of the memories with those who mean the most.

A party for the books

Another highlight: everyone got a shot of peach schnapps and did the Ziggy Zaggy — an old Austrian tradition with a chant before you throw it back. Watching the whole crowd get into it and then absolutely let loose on the dance floor was so much fun.

And when Lucky Devil’s Band wrapped their set for the night, Leighton and Zach broke out headphones for a silent disco to keep the party rolling — a genius workaround for the 10pm quiet hours. 😉

Dreaming of your own White Wolf Tahoe wedding?

If everything about this — the granite, the pines, the private lake, the wild-but-elevated energy — is speaking to you, let’s make it happen. White Wolf is genuinely one of my favorite places on earth to photograph a wedding, and I’d love nothing more than to document yours here. Inquire and let’s talk about your day.

WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer: Yours Truly, Dani Rawson Photo

Dress: Bhldn at Anthropologie x Willowby Collection, Watters Designs

Suit: Mens Wearhouse

Florals: Boho Bouquets

HMUA: PNW Beauty Co

Food: Starkey’s Food Truck

Drink: Rolling Spirits Reno (formerly Wild Sage Picnic Co)

Planner: Tahoe By Design

Band: Lucky Devils Band