Azure Skies, Emerald Firs and Sparkling Lake Tahoe: A Second Anniversary Celebration

In 2010, I was twice married — to the same groom. As if describing two seasonal palaces, my husband and I like to playfully refer to our two marriages as the ‘summer wedding’ and the ‘winter wedding’. Whereas some spouses have a difficult time remembering one wedding anniversary, we aspire to remember the date we met, the day of our engagement, and our wedding date x 2.

Wedding number one, the legal, summer-season nuptials, took place overlooking a shimmering Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Our second marriage was celebrated in the chapel of the Heidelberg Castle, before friends and family who were able to make the wintry journey to the Doctor Zhivago-esque wonderland in Germany.

This past August, with a late summer sun overhead, we celebrated our second summer anniversary among magnificent Douglas Firs and a trio of pines (Ponderosa Sugar and White) of Tahoe National Forest. We recited the Apache Blessing that was read at both of our weddings, and reminisced about our whirlwind first two years together.

“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for each other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your life together. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.”
Apache Marriage Blessing

Where in the World?

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

55 responses to “Azure Skies, Emerald Firs and Sparkling Lake Tahoe: A Second Anniversary Celebration”

Sarah Somewhere

October 21, 2012

Happy anniversary guys! I read that blessing at my friend’s wedding a few years ago, and was very excited to see it here, along with your beautiful story and images.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Hi Sarah, great to hear from you, and thanks for your well-wishes! How nice that you recognized the blessing from your friend’s ceremony. Was it in Australia?
  
  I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the Rickshaw Run unfolds. I’m excited for you, Sarah! When do you leave for India?
  
rigmover

October 21, 2012

Happy anniversary, I had to ask my wife 3 times before she said yes. Great set of shots.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Guess the third time was a charm for you two! :)
  
Trying to be Conscious

October 21, 2012

Happy anniversary, Tricia. Your photos are amazing and make me want to visit lake Tahoe!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Cécile, thank you for your kind words. Lake Tahoe was a gorgeous first place to wed and a German castle offered the perfect second wedding. There are so many beautiful options for you — New Zealand, France… Have you decided on a spot, or spots? :)
  
  1. Trying to be Conscious
    
    October 24, 2012
    
    We decided to get married in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a little village right by the sea near Nice :-)
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    October 25, 2012
    
    Such a magnificent area that is, Cécile! (I visited Monaco, Nice and Èze some summers ago and would like to explore the quieter villages someday soon.) Wishing you happy moments planning for the special day. :)
Anyes – Far Away in the Sunshine

October 21, 2012

Happy anniversary to you Tricia. Lake Tahoe does looks like the perfect place to get married and your photographs are stunning :-)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Anyes, merci mille fois for your generous and thoughtful comment! Lake Tahoe was indeed the perfect natural backdrop for our first wedding. For our second one, we opted for pretty architecture over beautiful nature, though Germany’s snowy setting did make for a warmer ambience despite the cold temps!
  
  I see that you spent some time in Bordeaux and that you’re now in Canada? How long have you lived on the other side of the Atlantic? My husband and I hope to make it to Bordeaux soon.
  
  1. Anyes – Far Away in the Sunshine
    
    October 24, 2012
    
    I was born in France and left when I was 25 years old. I have been in Canada for about the same amount of time. The first 5 years in Montreal and in Vancouver since 1992.
    Bordeaux is an amazing city, go there Tricia you and your husband won’t regret it. Vous parlez Francais donc cela vous sera plus facile. I am certain you will enjoying it. Let me know if you need anything, :-)
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    October 25, 2012
    
    Anyes, I appreciate your kind offer to lend assistance should we have questions about Bordeaux! Is this best time of year to go in the autumn?
    
    We finally made it to Montréal and Québec City this past summer during our North American road trip. We only had a short time to explore Montréal, but were lucky enough to be there for the jazz festival.
    
    Do you make it back to France much? It’s my dream to live there someday and we’re researching possibilities now.
Carole

October 21, 2012

Beautiful pictures and happy anniversary to you both!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Carole, many thanks for your kind wishes! Lake Tahoe is indeed a photogenic place. I would also love to see the treetops dressed in snow someday.
  
Gunta

October 21, 2012

So ideal and such a lovely spot for the first of the weddings. I spend many happy days meandering that area back in the 70s. Thanks for bringing up some delightful memories. May yours remain as lovely, too….

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Gunta, on the day of ouf summer wedding at Lake Tahoe, we met a couple who had married in the same spot many years before. We thought this was a nice sign. :)
  
  It’d be fun to see how the area has changed in these past decades since you explored it. I’d love to hear more about your adventures.
  
  Thanks for your warm wishes and hope you’re having a wonderful afternoon.
  
  1. Gunta
    
    October 23, 2012
    
    I lived in Placerville (just down the hill from the Lake) for roughly five years. It’s where I met my husband. We had close to thirty wonderful years together (how’s that for another good sign?)
    
    At this time, I’m retired and living in SW Oregon. I loved the Sierras, but I love this area even more. I hear that Placerville has grown beyond all reason and I suspect that Lake Tahoe has done the same. But your photos captured the beauty of the lake really well. I enjoyed the armchair visit very much.
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    October 25, 2012
    
    :) A good sign indeed.
    
    I’ve only been to Lake Tahoe twice – the day of our wedding, and then to celebrate it two years later, so I’m not familiar with Placerville. I’d love to see the forest dressed in snow someday though.
    
    Your mention of OR reminds me to get working on my posts of our time there. You’ve been lucky to live in some extremely scenic spots, Gunta!
pwtravelblog

October 22, 2012

Absolutely beautiful pictures and congratulations:)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Many, many thanks!
  
Bashar A.

October 22, 2012

Does your husband have to get an anniversary gift twice? If not, I’m all about having 2 anniversaries in the same year; otherwise….. :) lol

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  I’m with you, Bashar! We try to gift experiences for the two special days, and not presents. We found ourselves celebrating our first summer anniversary at an inviting restaurant in Germany, and the first winter one in Cambodia (following a long day’s bus ride, in a new neighborhood lacking restaurants) at a very local place with some unidentified types of meat that we didn’t order. Both made for memorable anniversaries. :)
  
travelgardeneat

October 22, 2012

What a beautiful blessing! ~ Kat

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Kat, I hadn’t heard it before our first wedding, but appreciated it so much that we decided to include it on the programs for our second one. It helped weave the two ceremonies together quite nicely and it was particularly fitting in the American west!
  
marinachetner

October 22, 2012

Happy Anniversary! These shots are so serene! My husband and I also have two wedding anniversaries – we wed in Beverly Hills and in Sydney. I love my memories of each but the Aussie wedding is the ‘remembered’ anniversary ;)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Marina, Shawn and I debated the question of which one to celebrate as our real anniversary because each was important in its own way. Definitely, those who attended our winter wedding remember that one, but our private ceremony was special too. How far apart were your two ceremonies? I haven’t yet been to Beverly Hills or Sydney, but I think it’s safe to say that you chose two gorgeous locales. Guess you’ll be closer to the first one soon, in fact, you’re probably road-tripping as I type. Enjoy! :)
  
  1. marinachetner
    
    October 24, 2012
    
    Dear Tricia – we got married in January of 2010 in Beverly Hills, and in May of 2011 in Sydney. Lots of logistics played into the Sydney wedding – Ali had to get baptised; I was planning from NYC as well! I loved the intimate ceremony for so many reasons – it was SUCH a beautiful day and I bawled. In Sydney, it was a fun day and while I gripped my dad’s hand for the 45 mins it took to drive to the church, my nerves were calm (even though I nearly tripped during the Russian Orthodox ceremony). I agree with you – each anniversary is different. I feel we share the May one with so many, but the Beverly Hills one is more ‘ours’. :)
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    October 25, 2012
    
    Both ceremonies sound ‘perfect’ (despite the near tripping moment). I can’t imagine having planned a wedding from afar though! My hat off to you, Marina! We’d considered having our second wedding in Greece or Peru, but in the end looked up at the lovely castle on the hill in our own city and said, why not? :)
Sid Dunnebacke

October 22, 2012

I wish you 2x2x2x2x2x2 more years of happiness. And I like the sphinx cloud!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Sid, you have such an eagle eye; I hadn’t before noticed that it resembled a sphinx. :)
  Many thanks for your warm wishes too!
  
belocchio

October 22, 2012

I’m such a hopeless romantic Tricia. What a lovely post. Virginia

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Me too, Virginia, and with such a gorgeous spot and fond memories, I think it was hard to go wrong with this one. Were you married in British Columbia?
  
  1. belocchio
    
    October 24, 2012
    
    There’s a good story here. I had heard on and off for about a year about this chap who gave up his high paying job in advertising to go to NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Wyoming . I wanted to meet this man that followed his passion for the outdoors. My Mother was visiting me and I took her to a charming little pub for a drink. I saw this interesting looking chap with some people I knew. I sauntered by, stroke up a conversation, and gave him my business card. He was that man I wanted to meet, and we celebrated our 32nd anniversary last summer. We were married in our home province of Saskatchewan.
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    October 25, 2012
    
    Belated congratulations on your 32nd, Virginia, and here’s to many more! I always enjoy hearing how others meet their sweethearts. Yours is a fun tale – glad you had the courage to hand over your card to the handsome chap. :)
  3. belocchio
    
    October 24, 2012
    
    There’s a good story here. I had heard on and off for about a year about this chap who gave up his high paying job in advertising to go to NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Wyoming . I wanted to meet this man that followed his passion for the outdoors. My Mother was visiting me and I took her to a charming little pub for a drink. I saw this interesting looking chap with some people I knew. I sauntered by, stroke up a conversation, and gave him my business card. He was that man I wanted to meet, and we celebrated our 32nd anniversary last summer. We were married in our home province of Saskatchewan.
travelerlynne

October 22, 2012

Beautiful story and blessings to you both. Happy Anniversary. We are at 48 years and lovin’ every bit of it.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Lynne, 48 years? Congratulations to you and Ron! In 46 years, I hope we’ll be exploring and traveling as much as you two do. What great role models you are. :) Thank you for your kind wishes.
  
corneliaweberphotography

October 22, 2012

Beautiful post Tricia!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Thank you, Cornelia. I’m guessing since you’re (relatively) close to Lake Tahoe, that you’ve been there? Of course, you have tremendous beauty in your own backyard!
  
  1. corneliaweberphotography
    
    October 24, 2012
    
    I have been there about 25 years ago, would love to back there sometime in winter, since I don’t have a real winter here, but yes there is beauty here all over. In fact last sunday went swimming again in the Ocean in a little cove in ,Laguna Beach, temperature was heavenly. Oh nothing to be jealous of, sorry!!!
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    October 25, 2012
    
    With freezing temps here in Nevada, that ocean swim sounds so enticing, Cornelia. Lucky you!
    
    Soon, we’ll be off to Oberammergau, where I hear there’s already snow on the mountains. I’m looking forward to seeing the quaint city dressed in snow for Christmas.
Travelbunny

October 22, 2012

Happy Anniversary! Gorgeous shot of nature and smiling happy people, lovely :)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Thanks, Suzanne. It’s fun when scenic places hold such special memories too. The next time we head to Tahoe, I’d really like to hike the beautiful hills.
  
aleafinspringtime

October 22, 2012

To a beautiful couple! Happy Anniversary! May happiness, health, abundance and smiles be yours today and always. Hugs, Sharon

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 23, 2012
  
  Thank you so much, dear Sharon! Sending a return hug your way too.
  
Rachael

October 24, 2012

Congratulations! I love that Apache marriage blessing :)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 25, 2012
  
  Many thanks, Rachael. I’m surprised – it seems to be widely known on many continents!
  
lauratheexplorer89

October 28, 2012

What a beautiful post! Congratulations, happy couple!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 31, 2012
  
  Many thanks, Laura. It’s a pleasure to connect with you, a fellow globe-trotter. I look forward to reading more of your adventures. :)
  
Madhu

October 30, 2012

What a beautiful Apache blessing! Congratulations on your anniversary :-)

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  October 31, 2012
  
  Many thanks for your kind wishes, Madhu.
  
janedwellable

January 20, 2013

Hi Tricia,
My name is Jane and I’m with Dwellable.
I was looking for blogs about Tahoe Vista to share on our site and I came across your post…If you’re open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
Hope to hear from you!
Jane

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  January 21, 2013
  
  Greetings Jane,
  I just sent you a message via your email address.
  All the best,
  Trish
  
Kavita Joshi

February 25, 2013

wow..loved reading your post Tricia…thanks for sharing…and for visiting my post

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  February 25, 2013
  
  My pleasure, Kavita… Have you visited Lake Tahoe?
  
  Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!