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Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. This area sees all types of weather, from thunderstorms in summer to snowstorms as late as June. When hired to stage a wedding ceremony and reception there, Hensley Event Resources, based out of San Francisco, Calif., was tasked with finding a solution that would allow guests to enjoy the area’s dramatic scenery while being fully protected from the elements. The solution was this stunning 18-by-35-meter Atrium tent by Shelter Structures, featuring a sophisticated 12-meter center section flanked by elegant 3-meter wings on both sides.
“The installation created a breathtaking glass conservatory effect positioned dramatically on the edge of Lake Tahoe,” says Hanna Bermúdez, the account manager for Hensley Event Resources who managed this project. “The tent’s floor-to-ceiling transparent walls and crystal-clear glass ceiling offered the event’s 170 guests unobstructed, panoramic views of the lake throughout the celebration.”
The structure showcased a striking carbon grey metal framework with refined metal details throughout. One of the most impressive elements of the installation was the way the metal framework appeared to dissolve into the natural landscape, creating an almost invisible barrier between the elegant interior and the spectacular outdoor setting.
“The transparent architecture allowed guests to feel completely immersed in Lake Tahoe’s natural grandeur while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a fully appointed event space, truly creating the effect of dining and celebrating within a floating glass palace suspended between earth and sky,” says Bermúdez.
Towering pine trees framed the structure on both sides, while the ceremony space opened directly onto the emerald green lawn that flowed seamlessly to the lake’s crystal-clear waters and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains beyond.
As day transitioned into evening, the tent transformed into a glowing jewel against the darkening sky, with the lake’s mirror-like surface reflecting both the warm interior lighting and the last golden rays of sunset.
Challenges
“This Lake Tahoe installation presented unique logistical complexities, the most significant of which was executing the load-in across Edgewood Tahoe’s active golf course during the four days of installation and three days of teardown,” says Bermúdez. “This demanded careful timing by Hensley’s 14 team members to avoid disrupting play while safely transporting the substantial equipment and materials across the terrain to the
17th green.”
Additionally, the remote lakeside location presented the typical travel logistics challenges that must be navigated for destination events, including coordinating crew accommodations, equipment transportation across mountain terrain, and ensuring all materials arrived on schedule despite the distance from the company’s San Francisco base.
Custom details
The event featured an extensive collection of custom elements that the Hensley team collaborated on with Jenn Robirds Events to transform the 17th green into a luxury celebration venue. Hensley provided a sophisticated subfloor foundation topped with rich faux sisal covering that added warmth and texture beneath guests’ feet. “Our custom fabrication team created stunning pieces including a dramatic stage backdrop featuring soft neutral colors and velvet fabric to anchor the band, along with a stage proportioned for the tent’s soaring glass ceiling,” says Bermúdez.
The space was tied together by their Grace Collection’s oval bar—a stunning sculptural element with vertical wood detailing that became a central gathering point, complemented by overflowing florals from The Posh Posey. Custom curved oval dining tables created intimate clusters that took full advantage of the panoramic lake views. The ceremony was elevated with Hensley’s Grace pavilion, serving as a chuppah, positioned to frame the dramatic mountain and water backdrop, creating an unforgettable setting for the couple’s vows with Lake Tahoe stretching endlessly beyond.