Bride and Groom Share a Close Bond at Their Nevada City Wedding
When Michelle and Dave got engaged, they knew that they wanted a wedding venue surrounded by
natural beauty. When they visited Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City, it was the perfect location to
host their wedding ceremony and reception. “The moment we walked into the space, we fell in love
with it”, said Michelle of her experience at the venue. Dave agreed, adding that “The natural setting
made the decision easy to make.”
A day to celebrate
As they walked the grounds of Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada County, CA, Dave and Michelle knew
this would be the right fir for them. “We knew our friends and family would be there for us, but we also
wanted to find our own space where we could really relax and enjoy each other the nature around us.”
Michelle said.
We fell in love with everything about Harmony Ridge as soon as we walked in. The staff was so helpful
and kind, I could tell we would be able to relax here, and that Braden and I would be able to capture
some amazing moments during their celebration.
You will love the peaceful and romantic views in this 5-acre private mountain estate for the entire
weekend for your most heartfelt and cherished celebration. At Harmony Ridge Lodge, an event lawn,
pergola, perennial gardens, and pine forest provide the perfect backdrop for intimate weddings and
anniversaries.
It was a gorgeous spring day, surrounded by green grasses, tall trees, and bright blue skies... well maybe
not the blue sky part.
It ended up raining on their wedding day, more of a foggy drizzle, but it still required some serious last
minute changes to their plans. Michelle and Dave had planned an outdoor celebration, but the weather
just didn’t want to cooperate. Luckily, in addition to the Lodge's outdoor space, which can accommodate
150 people, Harmony Ridge also has a beautiful indoor sanctuary that can accommodate up to 100
individuals.
Dave and Michelle Share a Love you can Feel
Numerous studies have found that laughter is good for your well-being. We also know that sharing
laughs with your significant other helps keep the relationship bubbling with love.
Dave and Michelle were grinning ear to ear on their wedding day, no matter how hard the weather tried
to ruin it. They are both upbeat and funny, and their positivity and fun-loving attitude shone through on
a rainy day; their connection to each other shone through it all.
Through photographs, you can see how many smiles and how much laughter filled the day.
Couples who laugh together have a more fulfilling relationship. We can call the sound of their shared
laughter an indicator of this. These two truly enjoy one another and are meant to share a life together.
When it's love, it's uninhibited, with everything on the table. It's intimate, as if you know everything
about the other person. Real love is based on trust - to commit unconditionally to one another - they've
shaped your world and they've changed theirs.
When it's love for the right person, you can feel sure about who you are because you know the feeling is
mutual. There's no speculation, there's no guesswork, and there's no needing to hope.
Both Braden and I felt it was an incredible experience to be part of such a unique and great love and we
were honored to document it through photography.
Jana Johnston Photography is located in Colfax, California, but also provides wedding services in Nevada
City, Grass Valley, Lake Tahoe, Placerville, Jackson, Ione, Sacramento, Rocklin and Roseville, along with
surrounding areas.
We have won several awards for our work including being recognized as one of The Knot's Best Of
Weddings for photographers in Northern California and Wedding Wire’s “Couples Choice Award” 5 years
running. We are available for destination weddings and have received recognition from many other
media outlets including the Union News and also KAHI Radio’s "Voice of the Foothills'
Harmony Ridge Lodge
Peaceful Harmony Ridge Lodge, located in the Tahoe National Forest, has beautiful gardens, multiple
event spaces, and extravagant rooms for overnight stay. Suited for weekends, the venue provides an
idyllic setting for couples and their guests to get reconnected with nature and celebrate.
There are nine hotel suites and 1,400 square foot event space which includes a lofty ceiling and heated
floors. Indoor events may also be held in the Great Room, with its rich cedar paneling and cozy fireplace.
Situated in a convenient location 60 miles from Sacramento and 80 miles from Reno, Harmony Ridge
Lodge is also a historically interesting venue. In its early days, it was a home complete with an immense
horse and car barn. Before 2006, it had served as a private home, then was renovated into a retreat and
event center with a pleasant ambiance. Between the natural beauty and the relaxing conveniences,
soon-to-be-wed couples and their loved ones will feel perfectly at home here.
Inside, you'll find the spacious dining room and foyer that is perfect for those celebrating at weddings.
There is also a screened-in porch outside with enough room for 50 of your guests.
But we also loved that it was small enough to feel intimate for our closest friends, but big enough to still
make us feel like a wedding.
Advice from our photographer
While it’s easy to get caught up in all of your wedding day details, don’t let a little rain ruin your day. As
a wedding photographer who has photographed dozens of weddings in my 15 years as a professional
photographer, I have a few suggestions for how you can stay calm if rain interrupts your outdoor
wedding ceremony. First, try to remain calm throughout it all. I know that’s easier said than done, but
staying positive and cheerful is important for both you and your guests.
What should your guests do when it rains at your wedding? Consider adding a note to your invitations
about in case of rain and add the necessary info to your website. They will be grateful for the notice.
Whether the forecast for the day indicates there will be a light drizzle or heavy downpour,
it is always a good idea to go through with your plan in anticipation of rainy weather. Even if the forecast says there
will be sun instead, invest in wedding insurance as you will need it to make sure that everything is set to
go. The one thing you don't want on your wedding day is to be stressed, since everything wont go as
planned.
Work closely with your vendors.
Make sure you ask your vendors about what will happen on a rainy day. Will the live DJ or musician still
perform? The important thing to know is that you've hired a group of professionals – trust they will do
their job and deliver a memorable wedding.
As your wedding photographers at Jana Johnston Photography, we take hundreds of photos throughout
your day. These photos capture all the little moments you’ll want to remember—the big smile on your
fiancée’s face as he meets you at the end of an aisle for the first time as husband and wife, crying tears
of joy when you see each other for the first time after you’ve both said “I do!”, sipping champagne
together on your honeymoon... don't worry about the weather, the love will outshine the clouds.
The best way to enjoy a rain-filled wedding is to just embrace it! Planning an outdoor wedding means
accepting all kinds of nature, including rain. It may not be controllable, but you can feel however you like
about it. A wedding in the rain is among the most romantic a couple can hope for. In fact, your wedding
may never be forgotten because of that particular scene. And what’s more romantic than sharing your
love with those closest to you? If you can’t control Mother Nature, then don’t worry about it. You have
everything else under control: food, flowers, music... and each other.
Vendor Contacts
Venue:
Harmony Ridge Lodge Wedding
18883 Hwy 20
Nevada City
(530) 478-0615
http://www.harmonyridgelodge.com/nevada_city_wedding_venue/
When considering an intimate mountain wedding, Harmony Ridge Lodge should be the first venue that
comes to mind. Situated near Tahoe National Forest and lushly wooded, it's an idyllic mountain escape.
With an event lawn, perennial gardens, and pine forest, the lodge is ideal for an intimate wedding, small
meeting, or workshop.
Photography:
Jana Johnston Photography
Services Northern California, especially the Greater Sacramento area
Website: janajohnstonphotography.com
Address: Colfax, CA 95713
Phone: (209) 304-9235
You're crazy about him, he's in love with you.
You've planned a once-in-a-lifetime event for the most special day of your life.
Today will forever be filled with memories that you'll cherish for the rest of your life.
Choosing the right photographer will be one of the most important decisions you make in regards to
your wedding day.
Who will capture your memories for you?
Who will tell your story...
If this is you, we need to talk! Send me an email and tell me all about what your perfect wedding looks
like, or better yet, give me a call! I can't wait to hear what you have planned.
Catering:
Smokey's Kitchen
Website: smokeyskitchen.com
Address: 12036 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
Phone: (530) 582-4535
Previously competing as High Pointe Catering and Smokey's Kitchen Catering, the two companies have
merged to become one entity dedicated to providing the best catering experience in the Truckee/Tahoe
area.
It doesn't matter if you have a group of five or five thousand – we can accommodate your event
anytime, anywhere. Just let us know what you need, and we'll deliver!
Smokey's Kitchen Catering is a company run by Chef Mike Lathbury. With 18 years of catering
experience, Mike can serve you for your event in the Lake Tahoe, Reno, and surrounding areas. He may
be small, but his staff will impress you with their professional enthusiasm and talent for great service.