A Beautiful October Wedding at Palisades Tahoe: Ryan and Nicole’s Stunning Day
When I got the message to DJ Ryan and Nicole’s wedding at Palisades Tahoe, I knew I was in for something special. Palisades is a stunning location, especially in October when the crisp mountain air meets the vibrant fall colors. This wedding was packed with personality, from the carefully curated music choices to the fun and lively atmosphere Ryan and Nicole created for their guests, their day had an elegant yet down-to-earth vibe, perfect for a couple who wanted a memorable celebration for themselves and their loved ones.
Let me take you through their amazing wedding day, from the Bridgerton-inspired ceremony to the dance party with a little something for everyone.
The Ceremony – A Touch of Bridgerton with Stunning Views
The ceremony kicked off at 4:00 PM, but the music started playing at 3:30 to set the mood as guests gathered outside on the deck and lawn. The playlist was all about those dreamy, romantic vibes, inspired by the Bridgerton soundtrack. Think soft strings and that magical, vintage elegance.
Champagne was served as guests took in the views, and Ryan’s sister captured everything on her phone. This was an unplugged ceremony, meaning guests were asked to be fully present (no phones), except for Ryan’s sister, of course, who made sure the moment was caught on camera for the couple to relive later.
Being the thoughtful groom, Ryan wanted to honor his parents in a special way. He walked them to their seats while “A Million Dreams” played softly in the background. The same instrumental song continued as the wedding party descended the aisle. It was a sweet and sentimental moment as each pair of friends walked.
Next up were the ring bearers, who brought all the charm with their entrance to a string version of “Here Comes the Sun” by Stringspace. Nicole’s big moment came when she walked down the aisle with her dad to the cello version of “Golden Hour” by JVKE, timed just right to hit that sweet spot about 45 seconds in. (#perfectlytimed) It was a beautiful entrance that brought all the feels.
When it was all said and done, the couple sealed the deal and made their grand exit as newlyweds to Natalie King Cole’s classic “This Will Be.” It was the perfect upbeat song to kick off the celebrations.
Social Hour – More Bridgerton Vibes with Palisades Tahoe for the Backdrop
While Ryan and Nicole slipped away for a few photos, the guests enjoyed a relaxed social hour. Sticking with the Bridgerton-inspired playlist, the vibe was all about keeping it classy but lighthearted. I love seeing how different playlists can set the tone for a wedding day, and this one brought a touch of whimsy to the event.
Introductions – Making It Fun and Light
Once everyone was seated, it was time to introduce the wedding party. Instead of individual introductions, Ryan and Nicole opted for a group entrance to Daft Punk’s “One More Time” (a total crowd-pleaser). The room buzzed with excitement as everyone got into party mode.
Then, it was time for the newlyweds to make their entrance. They came in to Harry Styles’ “Music for a Sushi Restaurant,” hitting that perfect high-energy mark at 1:05 of the song. I introduced them with a simple, “Introducing the newly married Ryan and Nicole!” the room erupted in cheers.
Dinner – Good Tunes and Great Vibes
Dinner was a laid-back affair, with a playlist featuring a blend of Billy Joel, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Bruno Mars. It was a fun mix that kept the energy up while letting people enjoy their meals and chat. There wasn’t a formal blessing, so after the welcome speech, everyone dug in.
Toasts – Sharing the Love
Toasts are always a personal part of any wedding day, and Ryan and Nicole’s were no different. The maid of honor and best man both gave heartfelt speeches that had everyone laughing and tearing up. There wasn’t an open mic, but these two speeches were all that was needed to capture the love and friendship surrounding Ryan and Nicole.
Cake Cutting – Sweet and Simple
When it came time to cut the cake, the couple chose “Sweet Love” by Myles Smith as their background track. It was low-key and intimate, not a big spotlight moment but just a sweet part of the evening that flowed naturally into the rest of the night. Not spotlighting the cake cutting has been trending lately.
Formal Dances – A Mix of Sentiment and Fun
Ryan and Nicole chose “Perfect for Me” by Brady Marshall for their first dance. It was one of those moments where you could feel the love in the room. I faded the song out at just the right time to keep the flow of the night going.
The parent dances were also incredibly touching. Nicole danced with her dad to Jax’s “Like My Father,” while Ryan and his mom swayed to “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Brent Morgan. These songs added so much emotion to the night; you could see how much these moments meant to everyone involved.
Then, for the first slow song open to all, I went with “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos. I love this song.
Let’s Dance – Pop Rock, Classic Hits, and Everything In-Between
The dance floor opened up with a mix of pop rock, classic rock, and some good old 90s hits that had everyone from the young folks to the older guests up and moving. Ryan and Nicole were all about creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere where everyone could enjoy the music. From 6th grade dance throwbacks to country tunes and early 2000s hits, I played a little bit of everything. Green Day, Britney Spears, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen, Kool and the Gang were all part of the mix.
For the bouquet toss, the couple went with “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” by ABBA. Everyone was invited to join in the fun, which made for a lively moment before the night started to wind down. I’m a fan of all the women participating in the bouquet throw. This is so much better than calling out all the women who are not married.
Last Song – Going Out With a Bang at a Palisades Tahoe Wedding!
Instead of a grand exit, Ryan and Nicole planned an after-party at Rocker, so we closed the night out with Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” It was the perfect high-energy finale of a day filled with love, laughter, and so many great memories. Much love to Ryan and Nicole for having me DJ their wedding.
Vendors
Planning - https://www.wildandlovelyevents.com
Photography - https://www.sierrashayphotography.com ˜
Ryan and Nicole’s wedding was everything a Tahoe wedding should be—stunning views, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of fun. If you’re planning your own wedding in Lake Tahoe, or anywhere really, and want a DJ who’s all about creating the perfect vibe for your day, I’d love to help make it happen. Send me an email - matt@someonesaidyes.com