South Lake Tahoe Marriage Proposal

Let’s begin with this special setting…

This dock is one that Corey and Lauren hike to with their dogs frequently and can you blame them? It’s just off the beaten path enough to feel private and it’s easy to spend hours soaking in the view, the sun and all that we love about lake life.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! Not an ounce of wind, crystal clear skies and a reflection that made it feel other-worldly. In between some overcast and snowy days, mother nature provided such beauty for these two!

When Corey reached out, told me that he’s planning to propose and would I help capture the moment, I was ecstatic! Corey is a fireman alongside my better half which means he and Lauren are family. Hearing his news and where he wanted to go, the decoy fell right into place.

When capturing proposals, it’s usually the first time I am meeting the couple and it’s easy to blend in as a random beach-goer or fellow tourist. Since Lauren knows me and that I’m a photographer, it made the most sense to be out there working and randomly bumping into each other. Corey agreed!

On this particular day, it was Lauren’s mom’s birthday and there was a dinner planned that evening with family to celebrate. Corey wanted to make sure mom was a part of the big moment. It was an easy setup! Mom, in on the plan, wanted to head out on this particular hike before they got ready for dinner. If mom wanted to go, Lauren was all for it!

Tucked away near the dock, I would be just wrapping up a shoot when they arrived. My dear friend, Elsa, assisted in the decoy by bringing out some of her mom’s beautiful jewelry designs for us to be shooting for her portfolio.