The picturesque town of Truckee, California became the backdrop for the enchanting love story of Bridget Meaney and Mark Schlifske in June of 2022. As the couple exchanged vows at the Lahontan Golf Club, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Tahoe region, their destination wedding unfolded as a dream come true.

The couple’s journey began during their first year at Stanford Business School. Friendship paved the way until a class trip to Vegas, where everyone donned ’70s outfits, and sparks finally ignited. 

For Bridget and Mark, the decision to have a destination wedding in Lahontan held profound significance. Bridget’s family had a home in the area for over 15 years, becoming a haven for the couple during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The destination wedding was an easy choice, a nod to the place where they found solace and decided to embark on a lifelong adventure together.

Selecting The Par 3 at Lahontan Golf Club as their ceremony and reception site, the couple faced the challenge of building everything from the ground up. With the assistance of wedding planner Merrily Rocco and support from Lahontan, they navigated the challenges seamlessly, turning potential hurdles into stepping stones for a flawless celebration.

Despite living in San Francisco, Bridget and Mark managed to plan their wedding from afar. The distance proved no obstacle, thanks to their dedication and the charm of Truckee.

“We live in San Francisco so we’re only a few hours away and lucky to be able to come up quite a bit,” the couple says. “We mixed ski trips with wedding planning trips, so it was hard to complain!”

The couple incorporated traditions throughout the weekend, balancing the significance for both families. The “Milwaukeefest” themed Welcome Party on Friday night paid homage to Mark’s roots, creating a joyful celebration filled with lederhosen, Alpine hats, and a German Oompah band.

“We ended up having the reception on a soccer field near Bridget’s family’s home in Lahontan,” Mark says. “It ended up being a bit more of an undertaking than expected since we had to build everything from the ground up. Having a great planner and support from Lahontan helped us avoid any major issues.”

The wedding ceremony and reception were adorned with personal touches and special moments, making it truly unique. Bridget expressed her gratitude to her florist, Holly, for adding charm to the event. DIY projects, Etsy finds, and personalized details became the heart of the decor:

• Flip flops with cute bows and tags reading “Let the Adventure Begin”
• Cocktail napkins with amusing facts about Bridget and Mark
• Hand-drawn signature cocktail signs framed at each bar
• Bike ride and hike-themed table signs
• Surprise seat signs with nicknames for each other
• A cherished tradition involving a cake knife passed down through generations
• Bridesmaid gowns by Dessy in different hues of the couple’s color palette

The ceremony itself was a standout, featuring handwritten vows exchanged in special booklets.

Reflecting on their journey, Bridget and Mark offered advice to future couples. They emphasized the importance of picking a few essential elements to focus on, allowing the rest to fall into place. 

“Decision fatigue is real so just pick and move on,” Bridget says, “unless it’s on your ‘super important to me’ list!”

Bridget and Mark’s Truckee destination wedding was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of love, family, and the beautiful connection between two souls. As the echoes of laughter and joy linger in the Tahoe air, their magical day will forever be etched in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness it.

Vendors: Photographer: Scott Sikora Photography; Wedding Planner: Merrily Rocco of Merrily Wed; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Par 3 at Lahontan Golf Club; Florist: Holly Turville; Stationery: Oblation Papers; Cake: Cornerstone Bakery; Hair & Makeup: Nicole of Bella Vita & Jennifer Ergut of Kiss & Makep; Gown Designer: Mira Zwillinger; Bridesmaids Clothing Designer: Jenny Yoo & Dessy; Catering: As You Wish Catering; Band: Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment; Videography: Hit Maker Films