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.