Forests, mountains, lakes, and oceans: some of my favorite places to capture weddings. After having to change plans multiple times due to Covid, I was elated when Kaitlin and Kyle were able to have their elopement take place in Tahoe. Out of all of the beautiful places California has to choose from, there is something truly extraordinary and healing about Tahoe. A place to get away, to relax, and to take in the spectacular mountains, practically in our California backyard. Kaitlin and Kyle’s day was nothing short of amazing, and I’m proud to help tell this beautiful chapter in their love story.

When Kaitlin, Kyle and I first met, they planned on having a traditional, larger wedding. Before we knew it, Covid hit, and plans were changed. The wedding was postponed to Summer of 2021, however, they wanted to play it safe and have their marriage earlier, so they looked into eloping in Hawaii. With travel restrictions at the time, they decided to have their elopement in Tahoe. With it being a short drive, and taking place in such a beautiful landscape, it was hard to imagine wanting anything more.

The elopement day came in Fall of 2020 and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The ladies toasted with bubbly in their suite as the gentlemen sipped Kyle’s favorite whiskey. Two main themes for the day: relaxing + fun. I always encourage my couples to plan their wedding day, large or small, in a way that will make it will feel relaxing and fun for them. Let me just say, Kaitlin and Kyle nailed it. I can’t express how pleasant it was to have a private room where the bride had her two closest ladies by her side to get ready with, while my second photographer, Kai photographed Kyle getting ready with his closest friend. After plenty of party/celebration moments, and beautiful portraiture, it was time to load up and head out to capture the nature shots on a lovely, woodsy trail. But, what about the first look? We decided to blindfold Kyle so we could capture it at our first stop!

We arrived at the trail and Kyle remained blindfolded for his love while being led to the perfect spot. Kaitlin and Kyle were overjoyed when they first laid eyes upon one another. As they looked into each other’s eyes, there was no pressure or bothersome distractions, just the sweet aroma of the Autumn forest. After lots of fun portraits of the couple and their stylish wedding party, it was time to head further up the mountain to their ceremony lookout location.

We drove up the mountain, complete with panoramic sunroof, good music, and the best of friends. As we drew closer to their spot and the majestic mountains filled our view, we could barely contain our excitement. The bluest lake I’ve ever seen, complete with a magnificent mountain range of evergreen trees as far as the eye could see. If you haven’t explored every edge of Lake Tahoe yet, I highly recommend it. There is something special in every corner.

Through an abundance of laughter, tears rolled down cheeks and touching vows were spoken. A gentle pine-filled breeze circled about the bride and groom. There wasn’t a single cellphone (or tablet) in sight. It was simply the bride, groom, and their closest friends living in the moment of a serene forest wedding. Capturing their romance gave a whole new meaning to the term “magic hour.” The soft, warm glow of sunlight through the trees transformed the moment into a bright, golden dream. The sun-flairs were on point. The lovers danced, kissed, and cuddled to their heart’s content while golden hour morphed into blue hour, setting a moody, romantic atmosphere.

All of my couples, including Kaitlin and Kyle of corse, have enjoyed their intimate weddings beyond expectation. When you’ve never tried something before and have only gotten inspiration online, it’s hard to know if you’ll like it in person. I can say with full confidence that I ADORE elopements and intimate weddings. They bring together your closest family and/or friends (depending on what mood you’re going for), it helps save on wedding costs (more money to upgrade that honeymoon you may have had to compromise on), and they focus on the reason for the event: YOU and YOUR LOVE. That’s why I decided to specialized in weddings. I do enjoy a fun family portrait session, but my passion is in a couple’s love story and my part in helping to tell it.

Where is your favorite place to travel? Where have you always wanted to go? If you’re currently planning your wedding, think about what makes you happiest: a huge wedding or an intimate one? Do you imagine it taking place in the city or in the middle of the wilderness? Glitz and glam or majestic nature? There’s no wrong answer, just the answer you want. If you do decide on an intimate wedding, definitely hire the pros, as you otherwise would for a larger event. This includes hair, makeup, florals (especially if you want to include your animals or children in your ceremony), DJ or musician, officiant, etc. I have a list of very talented, very easy-to-work-with vendors who I’ve really enjoyed working alongside in the past. If needed, I’ll happily connect you with anyone of them. Just reach out and say hey!

I’m incredibly grateful for all of the couples who’ve stuck it out and continued their wedding planning with me. I know life can throw challenges our way, but it’s my mission to succeed in making the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were little into a reality, and a fun adventure at that! I’ve been called a cheerleader on multiple accounts, so let me cheer you on during your special day. Be wild! Tell me what special place you and your love have in mind and let’s go make it happen!

Congratulations, Kaitlin and Kyle! I look forward to seeing where your love story takes you in your next chapter. Here’s to LOVE. LOVE truly conquers all.

Second Photographer: Kai Skye