A Lake Tahoe Wedding with Storms, Sunlight, and Sweet Caroline: Kyle + Kassi at Palisades Tahoe.

As a Lake Tahoe Wedding DJ, I’ve witnessed my fair share of incredible days—but Kyle and Kassi’s wedding on July 26, 2025, at Palisades Tahoe stands out as one for the books. Not just because of the amazing people or the custom music choices, but because of what the sky had in store for us—and how we responded.

Sarah and Nic's wedding ceremony at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Arrival: Rain, Clouds, and Hope

When I arrived at Palisades Tahoe around 1:30 PM, it was raining. Hard. The clouds were thick and dark, hanging over the valley in that heavy, moody way that makes you question every outdoor plan. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being a part of countless Lake Tahoe weddings, it’s that the weather here can turn on a dime—and miracles are always possible.

The ceremony was originally scheduled for 4:00 PM, but with the rain still coming down by mid-afternoon, Kyle and Kassi made the call to delay the start until 4:15. It wasn’t an easy decision, but they were holding onto hope that the skies might clear. And at 4:10 PM—almost like it was scripted—the clouds started to part, the rain stopped, and the sun broke through. It was one of those "goosebumps" moments. The team at Palisades Tahoe immediately got to work drying off the chairs, and five minutes later, the ceremony began. Shout out to Emi and her team for handling everything with finesse and style.

Cue the song: “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. No joke. It was the family processional track, and the timing could not have been more perfect.

The Ceremony: Joy, Family, and a Remote-Controlled Car

As the guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted. There was still a trace of drizzle in the air, but no one cared. It felt like we were all part of something a little bigger that day.

Kyle walked down the aisle with his parents, Jeanne and James, followed by Kassi’s mom, Lynette, and her brother, along with four grandparents. The music selection here was special—“Here Comes the Sun” isn’t just a classic, it’s a message. A reminder that joy comes after uncertainty.

Next up was the wedding party, gliding down the aisle to “Amber” by 311, setting a relaxed, almost beachy tone. I love it when a couple selects a non-tradional ceremony song. I love "Amber" and the choice couldn't have been any better. Think bold, unique, and what music resonates with you when selecting your wedding music.

And then, one of the most fun moments I’ve ever seen at a wedding ceremony: the ring bearers arrived in a remote-controlled car. Guests were laughing, pulling out their phones, and cheering—total magic. I know, this was an unplugged ceremony, but how can you resist the photo op?

Kassi’s walk down the aisle was backed by the timeless “Canon in D,” escorted by her two brothers. The ceremony began with a warm welcome, led by Kyle’s father, Jim Hanley, who also happened to be the officiant. It was his first time officiating a wedding, and he absolutely nailed it—personal, heartfelt, and full of charm.

For the recessional, we went with something high-energy and unexpected: the instrumental version of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys. It was loud, bold, and full of personality. Just like the couple.

Cocktail Hour: High Vibes and Mountain Views

After the ceremony, guests made their way to cocktail hour while the mountain air still held that fresh, post-rain crispness. The playlist here was curated to match the energy: think Maggie Rogers-inspired "good vibes" with a blend of indie-pop, soul, and feel-good throwbacks.

There’s something about a Lake Tahoe wedding cocktail hour that just hits different. With the trees, the towering mountains, and the sunset creeping in—music just feels better up here..

Grand Entrances: Celebration, Energy, and “Higher Love”

Once guests were seated for dinner, it was time to bring in the wedding party. The entrance song? “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. Can’t go wrong. The wedding party came in pairs, hyping up the room one duo at a time.

Then, we turned the energy all the way up for Kyle and Kassi’s grand entrance as “the newly married Kyle and Kassi Hanley.” Their song? A modern favorite—“Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston, one of Kassi’s all-time favorites. It was joyful, emotional, and totally unforgettable.

First Dance and Speeches: Intimate and Impactful

We rolled straight into the first dance—a powerful moment backed by “In Your Love” by Tyler Childers. The music faded out gracefully at the right time, and the love in the room was undeniable.

Following that, Kassi’s mom Lynette gave a heartfelt welcome speech, kicking off an emotional set of toasts from close friends and family. Desirae, Melissa, Jay, Tom, and Andrew each brought their own stories, laughs, and tears. Then Kyle grabbed the mic for a quick thank you that wrapped everything up beautifully.

Dinner and Cake: Country Vibes and Sweet Moments

Dinner started at 6:20 PM, blessed by Kassi’s grandfather, Ted Burdine. The playlist here leaned country and pop-country—think Zac Brown Band, Kelsea Ballerini, a little Luke Combs—just the right mix for sunset dining in Tahoe.

After dinner came one of my favorite cake-cutting moments in recent memory. Kassi’s cousin Britney gave a surprise speech right before the cake was cut to “Cake by the Ocean”, and guests were already out of their seats, vibing along.

Family Dances and First Slow Jam

Around 7:45 PM, we kicked off the formal dances. Kyle danced with his mom, Jeanne, to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Then Kassi shared a beautiful moment with one of her brothers—to “I Hope You Dance.” The whole room was tuned in. It was quiet, respectful, and full of love.

Then came the official first slow dance of the night for all guests: “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac. Absolute classic. It was like flipping a switch—the dance floor filled up fast and didn’t empty until the end of the night. This is also a song that defines my relationship with my wife. I’ll never say no to playing this one. 

Reception Dance Floor: Custom Setlist and a few Throwbacks

From the start, Kyle and Kassi wanted their music to strike a balance: mainstream hits everyone knows, throwbacks from before the 2000s, and just enough curveballs to keep it fresh. That’s exactly what we delivered.

They gave me a ton of creative freedom, with just one absolute must-play: “Mr. Brightside.” It hit hard, right around the time the party was peaking, and the energy didn’t drop after that.

Last Dances and Formal Exit: Sunsets and Sentiment

As the night wound down, we had one last crowd singalong with “Sweet Caroline.” The entire room—young, old, and in between—was shouting, clapping, and loving every second of it.

Then came the private last dance, just for Kyle and Kassi. The song? “Prayed For You” by Matt Stell. A quiet, tender moment away from the crowd that let them soak everything in before their formal exit.

From there, it was off to the after-party at Rocker, where the celebration continued into the early morning hours.

Final Thoughts: Why This Lake Tahoe Wedding Hit Different

Weddings in Lake Tahoe already have a special magic to them. But this one? This was something else. The rainstorm, the miracle of sunshine just minutes before the ceremony, the remote-controlled car for the ring bearers, and the perfectly curated music from ceremony to after-party—it all worked.

As a Lake Tahoe Wedding DJ, I always say it’s not about just playing music. It’s about creating the right moments, reading the room, and building a soundtrack that fits your story. Kyle and Kassi trusted me to do that, and it was an honor to be part of a day that was equal parts beauty, unpredictability, and joy.

Whether you’re planning your own Palisades Tahoe wedding or looking to book a Lake Tahoe DJ who understands how to navigate the mountain weather and the dance floor—let’s talk. From full sound coverage to your favorite vinyl classics to personalized playlists, I’ve got you covered.

Rain or shine, your day is going to be unforgettable.

Planning Your Own Lake Tahoe Wedding?

If you're looking for a Lake Tahoe Wedding DJ who shows up rain or shine, reads the crowd, and brings unforgettable energy to every part of your day—from the ceremony to the final song—I’d love to connect. Every couple is different, and your music should reflect you.

Let’s talk about your vision, your vibe, and how we can make your Lake Tahoe wedding feel like the best party of your life.

Reach out here to check availability and get started → Matt@SomeoneSaidYes.com