this early september wedding had all the feels of mid-summer vacation by the river. views of colorful sunbrellas, picnic blankets, kayakers, and swimmers dotting the russian river shore were visible from the room where lea was getting ready. beyond the river were evergreen trees and blue skies.
this was my first time at the historic highland dell lodge, and i fell in love with its charm. it's located in the tiny (pop. 1,000!) town of monte rio, california, sitting along the bohemian highway not far from the ocean. (i've stayed just outside the town mid-january in a woodstove-heated cabin and it was the coziest winter retreat... i highly recommend that too!) but summer into fall is all about wading in the water and floating down the river. or just bathing in the sun, which is a welcome respite if you live on the foggy sf coast like i do.
lea and tristan were the sweetest humans, bursting with excitement to marry each other. their ceremony was held in a little grassy nook between the lodge and river. afterwards we headed out front with their adorable pup to greet their family, and as they were hugging grandparents and siblings, a warm breeze shook pine needles from the trees that felt like it was raining confetti... a moment that felt truly magical. the day ended with a dinner party upstairs as the sun was setting over the river. quite an unforgettable wedding day with people i absolutely adored.
for more river/lakeside wedding spots i love: molly + ian in lake tahoe // erica + tom in 3 rivers