Craig and Allara's Lake Tahoe Wedding at Palisades Tahoe
Craig and Allara’s summer Lake Tahoe wedding at Palisades Tahoe was a magical day that perfectly combined breathtaking scenery, heartfelt moments, and an unforgettable dance party. As a Lake Tahoe wedding DJ, I was honored to provide the soundtrack for this beautiful couple’s special day. If you’re planning your wedding in the Tahoe area, this recap will give you an idea of how we helped create a seamless and memorable experience for everyone involved.
The Ceremony: A Personal and Unplugged Experience
Their wedding ceremony began at 4:00 PM, surrounded by the natural beauty of Palisades Tahoe with the tram as the backdrop. It was stunning. I’m never sure how many guests have visited Palisades previously, but I am sure many are awestruck by the visuals. Craig and Allara opted for an “unplugged” ceremony, meaning guests were encouraged to be fully present without the distraction of phones or cameras. As a Lake Tahoe wedding DJ, I’m seeing more couples choose this option, which enhances the moment's intimacy. I'm a fan, and prefer to share this with your guests vs. your officiant. Ask and I'll explain why I'm the better option.
For their pre-ceremony music, the couple wasn’t tied to anything specific but leaned toward instrumental or orchestral versions of pop songs. They loved the idea of using strings, like the ones you might hear from the Vitamin String Quartet. Not familiar with this style? Think the music from Bridgerton. This playlist is ideal for an elegant Lake Tahoe wedding, where the natural backdrop calls for something timeless and classy. If you’re looking for pre-ceremony music inspiration for your Lake Tahoe wedding, going the orchestral route with pop covers is a great choice! Check out my profile on Spotify. I have a few playlists you might find inspirational! Here’s the link – Someone Said Yes on Spotify
Craig’s father, Mike, led the party processional, consisting entirely of family members—a sweet and personal touch. They walked to “The Architect” by Kacey Musgraves, which set a calm, yet emotional tone. When Allara made her entrance with her parents, Jon and Pauline, they chose “Strawberries” by Caamp, and I created a custom edit to capture the perfect moment for them. As the DJ for their Lake Tahoe wedding, I aimed to ensure that these songs reflected the couple’s unique story while complementing the stunning Tahoe landscape.
Allara’s brother, Nick, gave a heartfelt reading during the ceremony, adding to the family-centered vibe. And when it came time for the recessional, I timed it so that “Don’t Wanna Be Without Ya” by Penny & Sparrow softly started just as the officiant wrapped up his final words. When Mike, Craig’s dad and the officiant, announced the newlyweds, I turned up the volume, and Craig and Allara walked back down the aisle to cheers and applause.
As soon as the ceremony ended, the couple had immediate family photos, and since it was a small group, we didn’t need to make any announcements. That’s another advantage of having a Lake Tahoe wedding DJ who can help keep everything running smoothly without unnecessary interruptions. As a professionally trained MC, I’m focused on what I say, when I say it, and how I say it.
Cocktail Hour: Relaxed and Scenic
Lake Tahoe weddings offer some of the most stunning views for cocktail hour, and Craig and Allara’s was no different. We collaborated on a Spotify playlist with artists such as Hozier, Lord Huron, Tom Petty, and The Lumineers keeping things low-key. At the same time, guests enjoyed drinks and the mountain scenery.
As a wedding DJ in Lake Tahoe, I’ve learned that this area lends itself to relaxed, easygoing vibes during cocktail hour. The natural beauty of the mountains really shines through, so having a laid-back playlist allows guests to appreciate the view without distraction.
Craig and Allara wanted a low-key introduction back into the reception, so we kept it simple. After cocktail hour, I reintroduced the couple before dinner started, setting the tone for the next phase of the evening.
Dinner and Toasts: Personal and Heartfelt
Dinner began with a welcome from Craig, who then introduced his brother Sam for a blessing. This moment was another example of how family-centric Craig and Allara’s wedding was. As their Lake Tahoe wedding DJ, I ensured the background music was an extension of the cocktail hour playlist—easygoing and unobtrusive—so that guests could focus on their conversations and the heartfelt toasts that followed.
Craig’s friend Garrett VanSickle and Allara’s uncle John Reddan gave toasts. Both speeches struck the perfect balance between humor and emotion, adding to the warm atmosphere of the evening. Since they opted not to have an open mic for toasts, we moved smoothly into the next part of the night without any hiccups.
Craig and Allara also decided to avoid spotlighting the cake-cutting, which is becoming more common at Lake Tahoe weddings. It’s all about what works best for the couple, and their focus is on keeping the flow of the night natural and relaxed.
The Dance Floor: From First Dance to Full-On Party
As a Lake Tahoe wedding DJ, I always look forward to the first dance. Craig and Allara chose “Manchester” by Kishi Bashi for theirs, and we invited the guests to circle the couple as they danced. This setup creates such a warm, intimate vibe—especially in a setting like Palisades Tahoe, where a beautiful copper fireplace is the background for a couple’s first dance. It felt like the couple was sharing a special moment with each other and everyone there.
One of the unique aspects of their wedding was that they opted not to have parent dances, which I thought was a great decision. It kept the focus on the couple and their guests, allowing for a smooth transition into the open dance floor. The general trend for weddings is less traditions and more social and dancing time.
For the first open dance song, they chose “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. (This is also my wife and I’s wedding recessional song) It was the perfect track to get everyone up and moving. From there, we kept the energy high with a mix of the couple’s must-plays: classics like “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and modern throwbacks from the early 2000s. If you’re a bride or groom planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe, making sure your playlist reflects both your personal style and songs that everyone can enjoy is key to keeping the dance floor packed all night long.
Craig and Allara’s request to avoid line dances or instructional songs kept the vibe more spontaneous. They also didn’t want guest requests, which allowed me to stick to the playlist we had worked on together. Having a clear plan with your Lake Tahoe wedding DJ makes a big difference in the flow of the reception.
The couple also asked for a mix of dance floor hits and throwbacks as the night went on, which is a great way to keep the energy up and bring a little nostalgia to the party. Some crowd favorites included “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston and “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.
Wrapping It Up: A Private Moment and a Perfect Exit
For the final group dance, I played a combo of “Mr. Brightside” and Blink’s “All The Small Things,” leaving everyone on a high note before the private last dance.
One of the highlights of the evening was Craig and Allara’s private last dance. They chose “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift. As their Lake Tahoe wedding DJ, I made sure that moment was uninterrupted and magical.
Of course, the party wasn’t over just yet. They headed to the after-party at the Dubliner, a local favorite in Lake Tahoe, to keep the celebration going well into the night.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Lake Tahoe Wedding
Craig and Allara’s wedding was everything a Lake Tahoe wedding should be—fun, relaxed, and full of love. From the unplugged ceremony to the epic dance floor, every part of the day reflected their personalities and their love for each other. If you’re considering a wedding in the Lake Tahoe area, I highly recommend working with an experienced Lake Tahoe wedding DJ who understands the unique blend of laid-back vibes and energetic celebration that the region is known for.
It was a true honor to be part of their day, and I can’t wait to help more couples create unforgettable Lake Tahoe weddings like this one!
Shout out to everyone at Palisades Tahoe for always creating a beautful wedding experience for their clients.
Looking for a wedding planner for your Lake Tahoe wedding? Check out the best in the game: Wild and Lovely Events. How about a photographer? Nelly Noel is amazing and has a ton of experience at Palisades.
Looking for a video from their wedding day? Check out my wedding day recap on my IG here – Craig and Allara!
I’m a wedding DJ based in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. Are you looking to learn a little more about wedding DJs and Lake Tahoe weddings? Check out my website – www.SomeoneSaidYes.com
Thank you!
Matt @ Someone Said Yes DJ and Photo Booth Co.
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