A Colorful Lakeside Wedding at Lake Almanor

Weddings
Written By Jen Peterson
Wedding collage: bride and groom kiss on a lakeside dock with mountains behind; close-ups show her lace dress, bouquet, rings, and shoes.

Cassey + Mook

Some wedding days are beautiful because of the setting, some because of all the thoughtful details, and some because of the people. Cassey and Mook’s Lake Almanor wedding somehow had ALL THREE!

From the moment Matt and I arrived, we knew this was going to be such a special day. Even though we hadn’t met Cassey and Mook in person before their wedding day, it felt like we had known them forever. And it wasn’t just these two! Their entire family was so incredibly sweet and welcoming. By the end of the day, we genuinely felt like we were photographing the wedding of old friends, and that made being a part of their celebration even more meaningful.

Their wedding took place at a family member’s private residence right on Lake Almanor, and we truly couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for these two. The lake, the mountains, the beautiful property, and all of their favorite people gathered together made everything feel intimate and personal.

And can we talk about the COLOR?! Cassey and Mook chose the most gorgeous mix of blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and pinks for their wedding day. The combination was colorful and joyful while still feeling completely at home in the lakeside setting. Every little detail added so much life to the day!

Cassey wore a stunning Arava Polak gown that she found at Renee Atelier, and it was MADE for her. It fit her beautifully and felt like the perfect dress for an elegant lakeside wedding. Seeing everything come together with the colors, the natural setting, and Cassey in her gown was just incredible.

Before the ceremony, Cassey and Mook chose to share a first look together. They were BOTH so nervous as they were getting ready for it, which honestly made the moment that much sweeter. There is so much anticipation leading up to finally seeing your person on your wedding day!

Their first look took place out on the dock, right over the waters of Lake Almanor, with the lake and mountains stretching out behind them. EPIC doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But the best part wasn’t just the view.

It was watching those nerves disappear as soon as they were together.

Once Cassey and Mook had a chance to see each other, hug, and have a little time together before the ceremony, you could almost feel everything settle. They were together, they were ready, and it was finally time to go get MARRIED!

The rest of their celebration was filled with so many beautiful moments with the people they love most. One of those special moments was when Papa Thane joined Cassey mid-way down the long aisle and walked her the rest of the way. I literally had tears flowing, as did a majority of the family and friends. 

And just when we thought Lake Almanor had already given us everything it possibly could for their portraits, the evening ended with the most breathtaking sunset. The light over the lake was absolutely unreal and gave us one last incredible opportunity for epic portraits and some incredible dance floor shots. 

Cassey and Mook, thank you for trusting Matt and me to capture such an important day in your lives. We were truly honored to be your wedding photographers. Your families welcomed us so warmly, and we left Lake Almanor feeling like we had gained new friends. We are SO excited for you two as you begin this next chapter together. Congratulations!

Now enjoy just a few of our MANY favorites from this incredible Lake Almanor wedding! 🤍

Split image of a lace wedding dress displayed in a bright room beside a close-up of gold wedding rings with a sparkling diamond, romantic tone.
Wedding inspiration board with invitations, flowers, jewelry, makeup, and mountain elopement photo beside a romantic lace bridal dress.
Close-up of a diamond engagement ring nestled among white, pink, orange, and blue flowers, creating a romantic, celebratory mood.
Elegant wedding details: white bridal shoes and a vibrant peach-and-blue bouquet beside red gemstone earrings on delicate lace, romantic tone.
Delicate white floral lace beside vibrant red, peach, and orange poppies, greenery, a dated card, and ornate gold frame create a romantic scene.
Sparkling diamond engagement ring resting on soft blue and white flowers, creating a delicate, romantic wedding mood.
Split image of vintage gold jewelry with lockets, chain, heart ring, and jeweled brooch among white and orange flowers on soft fabric.
Split image shows a bride preparing with makeup artist, then admiring her lace wedding dress in a bright, elegant bridal room.
Split wedding portrait: bride in a lace gown holds a colorful bouquet, while a black-and-white scene shows her embracing a woman.
Split wedding scene: a smiling bride greets an older woman in grayscale, while three bridesmaids in blue dresses welcome her in color.
Split wedding portrait: bride in lace gown with bouquet and bridesmaids nearby, then a close-up as one adjusts her necklace; joyful, tender mood.
Bride in a lace wedding gown prepares with three bridesmaids in blue dresses, surrounded by flowers in a bright room; joyful, tender mood.
Split-screen wedding preparation: smiling bride puts on an earring, while a bridesmaid helps fasten her lace gown or shoe.
Split wedding portrait of a serene bride in a lace gown holding a colorful bouquet, seated beside a piano and antique dresser in a bright room.
Bride in a lace wedding gown stands between two women adjusting her dress in a bright room, creating a joyful, tender bridal-preparation scene.
Bride in a lace wedding gown holds a vibrant bouquet of roses and wildflowers; collage shows her posing in a bright, elegant room.
Smiling bride in an off-the-shoulder white lace wedding dress poses in an elegant room, conveying joy and bridal elegance.
Split image: a silver dive watch with black bezel rests on wood, while a man in a beige suit stands thoughtfully beside a lakeside dock.
Split wedding portrait of a groom adjusting his sunglasses and tie in black and white, beside a color close-up of his beige suit, floral tie, and boutonniere.
A group of people stands on a lakeside dock near a forest, with floating platforms, rocky shore, and calm water creating a peaceful tone.
Six well-dressed men in suits stand on a small bridge outdoors, chatting and smiling against a lush green wooded backdrop.
Wedding collage: smiling groom in a tan suit and red tie, lakeside dock with wedding party and mountains, and boutonniere being pinned.
Six men in coordinated blue and tan suits pose as a formal wedding party on a lakeside dock, with mountains and calm water behind them.
Bride in a lace wedding gown walks along a wooden lakeside pier, her train trailing behind, with mountains, water, and groom ahead.
Bride in a lace wedding dress stands on a lakeside dock, looking toward a groom in a beige suit, with mountains and calm water behind them.
Split wedding scene: bride in lace gown stands on a lakeside dock with flowers, while groom waits by the water and mountains.
Bride and groom hold hands on a lakeside dock, smiling in wedding attire, with sailboats, pine forest, and mountains creating a romantic scene.
Bride in a white gown and floral bouquet stands on a wooden lakeside dock, with calm water and green mountains creating a serene, romantic scene.
Split wedding photo: bride and groom embrace on a lakeside dock; color scene and black-and-white portrait convey romance and tenderness.
Newlywed couple in wedding attire smile at each other on a lakeside dock, holding a colorful bouquet, with mountains and calm water behind them.
Newlywed couple in elegant wedding attire embrace on a lakeside dock; a wide view and close-up convey a serene, romantic mood.
Newlywed couple embraces and kisses on a wooden lakeside dock, bride in a lace gown and groom in a suit, with mountains behind them.
Smiling bride and groom embrace beside a lake; she holds a colorful bouquet in a lace gown, while he wears a beige suit.
Newlywed couple shares a romantic first dance on a lakeside dock, with the bride in a lace gown and groom in a tan suit, mountains behind them.
Bride and groom hold hands on a lakeside dock, surrounded by calm water and forested mountains in a serene wedding scene.
Newlywed couple embraces beside a mountain lake, the bride holding a colorful bouquet as they share a tender, romantic moment.
Newlywed couple embraces on a wooden dock over a mountain lake, bride in a lace gown and groom in a tan suit, creating a serene, romantic scene.
Newlywed couple embraces by a serene lake, with distant mountains behind them; the bride holds a vibrant bouquet, creating a romantic mood.
Newlywed couple embraces on a marina dock over a lake, surrounded by pine trees; the bride holds flowers, creating a romantic mood.
Wedding party poses on a sunny lawn at a forest lodge, with the groom and five groomsmen in suits and bride and three bridesmaids in pastel dresses.
Bride and groom kiss beside a colorful bouquet, while their smiling wedding party poses outdoors by a rustic cabin in a forest.
Outdoor wedding party poses on a sunny lawn near a red cabin, with bride and groom surrounded by smiling bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Outdoor wedding collage: bride and bridesmaids in blue dresses pose by a cabin, beside a close-up of a colorful floral bouquet.
Smiling bride in a lace gown holds a colorful bouquet with three bridesmaids in blue dresses and flowers on a sunny green lawn.
Split wedding portrait of a bride in an off-shoulder lace gown on a sunny lawn, holding a colorful bouquet; full-length and close-up views.
Bridesmaids hold lush pastel wedding bouquets of roses, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and greenery, creating a soft, joyful, romantic mood.
Bride in a lace wedding gown holds a colorful bouquet on a sunny forest lawn, with a red cabin and tall evergreen trees behind her.
Bride in a lace wedding gown holds a pastel flower bouquet in a sunlit garden; two portraits show her serene, joyful bridal look.
Six men in suits pose on a grassy lawn beneath tall trees, with a red lodge behind them; the scene feels cheerful and relaxed.
Six smiling men in blue and beige suits pose outdoors at a rustic lodge, wearing boutonnières; a cheerful wedding-party portrait together.
Rustic willow arch covered in colorful flowers stands beside a lake, framing green mountains beneath a bright blue sky; romantic and joyful.
Rustic wedding arch adorned with colorful flowers, shown close-up and beside a lake, mountains, and blue sky in a bright, romantic setting.
Split image of an elegant lakeside wedding table with white linens and chairs, paired with wildflower centerpieces, candles, and table number 1.
Triptych of romantic wedding details: colorful flowers and candles, a framed menu on a grassy lakeside lawn, and floral table décor.
Outdoor lakeside wedding reception with guests mingling at white-clothed tables, mountain views, trees, and bright summer sunshine.
Groom and his mom descends stone steps at a rustic outdoor wedding venue, surrounded by smiling guests, string lights, trees, and warm sunlight.
Split photo of two elegantly dressed couples walking through a forested garden wedding venue as seated guests watch, creating a joyful mood.
Wedding party walks along a garden path beside a forest lodge, with men in navy suits and women in gray dresses carrying bouquets.
Bride in a white gown walks between two men in blue suits at an outdoor forest wedding, with guests, string lights, and a rustic lodge.
Split-screen wedding scene: groom and groomsman stand by a lake, while a bride in lace walks with flowers past guests at a lodge.
Groom in a tan suit and five groomsmen in navy stand by a lakeshore, calmly posed beneath cloudy skies at an elegant outdoor wedding.
Outdoor forest wedding at a rustic lodge, with the bride walking toward guests among stone landscaping, string lights, and greenery.
Split wedding scene: groom in a tan suit stands by a lake, while a bride in lace walks with an older man through a decorated garden.
Black-and-white wedding photo of a bride in a lace veil embracing an older man with a cane and flowers, with guests and tables behind them.
Split wedding scene by a lake: bridesmaids hold bouquets beside a floral arch, while the bride and groom exchange vows outdoors.
Outdoor lakeside wedding ceremony with floral arch, bride and groom, wedding party, and seated guests overlooking mountains and water.
Outdoor lakeside wedding ceremony: bride and groom exchange vows beneath a floral arch, surrounded by officiant, attendants, and guests.
Bride and groom embrace beneath a flower-covered arch by a lake, while a bridesmaid and older man watch during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Newlyweds celebrate by a lakeside mountain venue: the bride raises her arms beneath a flower-covered arch, then kisses the groom joyfully.
Family poses beneath a flower-covered arch by a lakeside, with mountains behind them; the group smiles in a joyful, celebratory scene.
Joyful wedding party poses beneath a floral arch by a lakeside, with bride and groom surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, mountains behind.
Split image shows colorful appetizer skewers with tomatoes, olives, cheese, and meat beside a person holding a pink drink outdoors.
Split wedding photo: woman in colorful dress and sunglasses holds a purple abstract shoe; laughing groom chats with guests in black and white.
Newlywed couple in wedding attire hold clear drinks together; bride wears a lace gown and groom a beige suit, creating a warm celebratory mood.
Newlywed couple on a rocky lakeside shore: bride lifts her veil beside her groom, then they embrace, smiling in a romantic wedding portrait.
Newlywed couple walks hand in hand along a rocky lakeshore, smiling beneath pine trees, with mountains and a dock in the background.
Split-screen wedding portraits show a bride and groom embracing by a lakeshore: a timeless black-and-white pose beside a tender color kiss.
Newlywed couple walks hand in hand along a wooded lakeshore, groom in a beige suit and bride in a lace gown with flowing veil.
Newlywed couple in elegant attire embraces in a close portrait and walks beside a lake, conveying tender joy among trees and mountains.
Newlywed bride in a lace wedding gown and veil looks back at her groom as they hold hands outdoors among tall trees.
Newlywed couple embraces on a rocky lakeshore, with wedding attire, calm water, mountain views, and tall evergreens creating a romantic mood.
Split portrait of a confident groom in a tan suit and patterned tie, posing by a calm lakeshore in a bright, elegant wedding setting.
Groom in a tan suit, red tie, and boutonniere stands thoughtfully on a lakeshore, with a dock, trees, and hazy hills behind him.
Black-and-white wedding portrait of a bride and groom kissing beneath a flowing veil, embracing in lace and formalwear with a romantic mood.
Newlywed bride and groom get their food from potato bar at an outdoor wedding reception by a lake, surrounded by pine trees, conveying joy and celebration.
Split image of a smiling bride and groom behind a floral “MR & MRS” wedding table, beside a plate of steak, greens, and bread.
Outdoor wedding dessert display with powdered pastries on a tiered stand beside a white cake topped with a colorful floral bouquet.
Quiet lakeside marina with empty floating docks, kayaks, forested shoreline, and hazy mountains under a warm, peaceful sky.
Wedding party celebrates outdoors at sunset: joyful groomsmen cheer together beneath a floral arch while bridesmaids pose in elegant gowns.
Newlywed couple kisses beside a pink lake at sunset, with mountains behind them; the romantic scene feels tender and joyful.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment beneath a floral wedding arch beside a lake at sunset, with pink clouds and mountains behind them.
Newlywed couple dance beside a flower-covered wedding arch overlooking a pink sunset lake and mountains, creating a romantic mood.
Newlywed couple embraces beneath a flower-covered arch by a pink lake at sunset, with mountains behind them, creating a romantic wedding scene.
Wedding couple kisses by a pink lake at sunset; a second view shows the groom dipping his bride beneath a floral arch, romantic and joyful.
Newlywed couple embraces beneath a flower-covered wedding arch on a lakeside terrace, as pink sunset skies and mountains create a romantic mood.
Two joyful women dance beside a flower-covered arch on a lakeside terrace at sunset, with mountains, water, and pink clouds behind them.
Mother and son dance by a lakeside floral arch at sunset; one poses in sunglasses and a pastel dress, while the other claps joyfully.
Mother and son dance beneath a flower-covered wedding arch beside a lake at twilight, with mountains behind them and a joyful, romantic mood.
Newlywed couple dances by a lakeside at dusk: groom in a cream suit and sunglasses, bride in a lace dress with arms raised.
Joyful bride and wedding guests dance outdoors at night, smiling and reaching toward the camera under string lights in a festive setting.
Newlywed bride and her grandfather dance beneath a colorful floral arch at night, surrounded by wedding guests on a warmly lit stone terrace.
Joyful wedding guests dance under a floral arch at night, raising their hands on a warmly lit patio in a festive celebration.
Black-and-white outdoor wedding reception: guests dance beneath a floral arch while a DJ performs lakeside under dark mountain silhouettes.
Newlywed couple cuts a flower-topped wedding cake, then shares a tender kiss beside a decorated reception table under glowing string lights.
Black-and-white wedding photo of four smiling adults posing outdoors under string lights, including a bride in lace and her wedding photographers at a reception.

Wedding Vendors

The Dress Shop | Renee Atelier
Dress Designer | Arava Polak
Makeup Artist | Anna Humphrey
Hair Artist | Blooming Beauty by Alexis Aguon
The Venue | Private Lakeside Residence
Wedding Coordinator | Ginny Hargrave
Bartender | Twist Bartending Service
DJ/Entertainment | Brandon Entertainment
Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie

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Jen Peterson

Hello There! I’m Jen, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Northern California. I love capturing the personal connections between my clients in a bright, fun, and creative way. 

http://jenpetersonphotography.com
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