If you need any validation that your wedding can be as simple, laid-back, and relaxed as you want it to be, you’re in the right place — look to Shanna and Duncan’s wedding as proof that weddings don’t need to be intricate, complex, or traditional in order to be right for you. This cozy cabin micro wedding on Pinecrest Lake will have you craving your very own outdoorsy weekend at a lakeside cabin, surrounded by only scenic mountain views, breathtaking lake shores, and the people you love most.
Shanna + Duncan’s Cozy Cabin Micro Wedding on Pinecrest Lake
An outdoorsy weekend at their family cabin
Shanna and Duncan were one of the many couples whose wedding day was affected by COVID back in 2020, but I’d say it ended up helping more than hurting them! Originally, they had planned to have a group camping weekend at their family cabin in Pinecrest before their actual wedding in 2020, but with the reschedule into 2021, they decided to host the entire celebration at the cabin instead—giving it the most cozy, nostalgic, and somewhat unconventional vibes that matched their relationship perfectly. Being a super outdoorsy couple that spends their time rock climbing and hiking deep into the mountains, it only made sense that they would get married in the outdoors + that their day would revolve around a sense of adventure, inspired by nature and the natural beauty of the Pinecrest area they loved so much.
Pinecrest was extra special to Shanna and Duncan not only because of its beautiful lakeside environment in the Sierra Nevadas, but because as a couple, they’ve spent an extensive amount of time there over the years. The family cabin was very much like a second home for Shanna and her family. 40 of their closest family and friends arrived by boat or via the lakeside trail over from the campground where most of them stayed for the weekend, which made it super easy for everyone to spend quality time together. This meaningful location really created the most heartfelt, sentimental energy throughout the day; it felt like a backyard wedding at their home, where they could look back on fond, nostalgic memories all the while creating brand new ones. Such a special weekend for everyone involved!
Feeling inspired by the intimate microwedding vibes? Don’t miss my guide to How to Plan An Epic Micro Wedding in Northern California.
Sentimental touches through and through
Speaking of sentimental energy, Shanna and Duncan truly poured so much love into their wedding day, including meaningful little touches throughout that fostered a really intimate, personal atmosphere. From the chains of photos strung up around the cabin that highlighted key moments in their relationship + special moments with their loved ones, to the customized cake topper that showcased a silhouette of the two of them in the mountains with their pup (who was the real star of the day), to the mini flashlights provided as favors to their guests. . . everything was intentional and thoughtfully curated for a day that felt just like them.
A minimalist timeline for a laid-back celebration
Remember how I said that this day is the perfect example of just how laid-back your wedding can really be, if that’s more your vibe than a strict, detailed itinerary? I meant every word—Shanna and Duncan literally barely had a timeline for the weekend, and it was perfection! Instead of planning out every part of the day down to the smallest of details, their day-of timeline simply included the following:
4:30 – Ceremony
5:00 – Cocktail hour
6:00 – Dinner
And after that, the rest of the evening was marked simply by “campfires, games, and swimming.” I adored how they let the day flow as it may, allowing space for them to mingle with their guests as much as they wanted to, and to be present in the moment rather than worrying about whether the next part of the day would be starting on time. I hope this is an encouragement that you can do something really simple, at a place that isn’t even an official “venue,” and still have it be beautiful and filled with such special moments!
Wedding weekends are my absolute favorite — see another incredible multi-day celebration here.
A private first look + ceremony in the woods
After getting ready separately in the cabin, Shanna and Duncan met up in the middle of the woods for a private first look—well, nearly private, seeing as though they had to have their pup join, of course! The sun was shining down on them as they saw each other in their wedding attire for the first time, taking in the stunning lakeside scenery and each other as they prepared to read their vows. Guests arrived before the ceremony to relaxed lakeside hangs, rather than a time of stressed and busy pre-ceremony preparation — loved how they all got to spend quality time together even before Shanna and Duncan tied the knot.
They did such an amazing job with their ceremony location, creating a beautiful space on the hillside of the backyard where their friends and family could gather and watch as they exchanged their vows. It felt so cozy and intimate, the spot tucked away between massive granite boulders and towering trees; ever the romantic and outdoorsy atmosphere that Shanna and Duncan were dreaming of for their day.
A backyard + beachside reception on Pinecrest Lake
Shanna and Duncan’s reception was no different than the rest of the laid-back day had been — picture coolers filled to the brim with beers, endless trays of snacks, and nostalgic lawn games. Dinner took place right on the deck of the cabin, and then in lieu of dancing played gameson the beach with their guests. They had told people to bring swimsuits and casual clothes in the hopes that folks would go swimming and boating in the evening; essentially all the typical things they would do hanging out at the cabin on a normal weekend. It was so much fun watching them head out on the boat with their friends at the end of the night after enjoying a delicious taco dinner, and having some informal time around the campfire once the sun went down. What a perfect way to end this cozy cabin wedding on Pinecrest Lake; truly a dream come true to capture this celebration for Shanna and Duncan!
Trying to decide if a big wedding or a smaller one, like Shanna and Duncan’s, is right for you? Check out my guide to How to Choose Between A Big Wedding & A Small Elopement.
Pinecrest Lake Wedding Vendors
It was really important to Shanna and Duncan that they supported local with their wedding, so shoutout to all the local vendors they hired!
Dress | Mariana SN Novias
Florals | Sweet Lilac Studio
Catering | Tacos de Nieve
Cake | Alicia’s Sugar Shack
California Wedding Photographer
So, was I right? Are you craving your own outdoorsy micro wedding now, where you’re surrounded by your closest loved ones for a totally laid-back weekend? Get in touch now about booking your own micro wedding or elopement in California—I can’t wait to connect with you and hear all about your vision!
If you’re searching for more California wedding inspiration and/or resources to help you plan your special day, here are a few recent blog posts I think you’ll love:
