// I Love You To the Beach & Back

After Haley, Taylor, myself and my husband hung up our FaceTime call – We instantly felt as though we’ve known each other for years! I was hoping that they would reach back out letting us know that they would like to move forward with me capturing their elopement! Haley and Taylor are from Oregon and were looking into tying the knot sacredly together in South Lake Tahoe. They weren’t able to find too much information online on how to elopement in Lake Tahoe and were wondering if I offered any additional services. My husband Drew actually got ordained and felt honored to officiate their ceremony! This was so special and he did so amazing! I definitely got misty eyed while documenting this amazing day for them.

I helped put together the decor that they had brought with them for the balcony of the home where the ceremony took place along with some decor that we were able to provide to help bring their vision to life! Her beautiful bridal hair and make-up was done by @shadowstyles.jules – Haley had her hair styled in an elegant low bun embellished with subtle pearls along with a romantic soft glam make-up look. I served a charcuterie board that I brought, popped open a cider for her while she was getting ready and continued capturing her getting ready photos while she wore the cutest bride open toe furry white slippers! Drew was wonderful and actually went to go document Taylor getting ready at the hotel before officiating. This was so incredible to be able to witness their excitement and deep love for each other first hand. The intimacy of elopements is so incredibly beautiful and I love everything about them.

Once they were all ready, I texted Drew and he drove Taylor over to us at the private home. Taylor waited outside in the backyard surrounded with an Aspen tree backdrop while I captured the last few photos of Haley in her Rish Sophia gown and about to walk out to the backyard for their first look. The embroidery work on the gown was so unique with geometric shapes making out the floral design with a jaw dropping train. It was so beautiful to see how excited and anxious Haley was to be finally be close to Taylor so we went ahead and walked her out there, arranged her gown and let their first look happen organically! Taylor had the biggest smile and basically ran over to Haley with all his love, admired her front to back and couldn’t stop kissing his soon to be wife! They sealed their first look with a shot of tequila they brought with them and were all ready to get married!

The ceremony was absolutely magical. It was just the four of us beneath the Lake Tahoe glistening canopy and sun with Mt. Tallac in the backdrop. It was perfect weather, perfect everything. Being a part of someone’s most intimate and best day of their life is something I can’t really explain (I’m not the best at words regardless, hence, why I am a photographer), taking in all that the couple has put into planning every detail then hearing the most beautiful stories and vows as they begin this chapter of their lives is why I love what I do. I love to be able to provide this service to my couples, while creating friendships and being able to help them in anyway I can to make this the most meaningful day of their lives that they’ll remember forever and will be passed down for generations.

We drove down to Kiva Beach where I captured their bridal portraits – barefoot in the gritty temperate sand, sunset subtly burning across the horizon among the mountains, gentle waves breaking on the shore.. Couldn’t have been a more amazing way to end this dreamy incredible day. We continued shooting and hanging out into blue hour – Tahoe was showing off more than ever. My husband and I met in South Lake, making this area such a special place to continue to capture the love of others! This was actually Haley + Taylors very first time to Lake Tahoe – Drew and I provided them a curated list of things to see and do during their quick stay from kayaking, checking out breweries, tattoo shops and other close by beaches!

I captured some 35mm film shots and polaroids throughout their ceremony and beach portraits – I truly enjoy the connection I make with a film camera, allowing me to slow down, opportunity to continue to develop my understanding of light and composition and to plan the shot, then pause to think about the next shot. Polaroid film is full of imperfections; however, this is what makes it such an exquisite medium. The dust, light leaks, soaking imperfections create the accidental beauty in the final images. In my opinion the colors can’t be replicated. It is such a unique craft and timeless art. I value the mastery required to create beautiful film imagery. Film is a wonderful add-on to any of my packages!

It was bittersweet to say our goodbyes at the end of the evening; although promised to visit them in Oregon next year! 🙂 We are so grateful to have crossed paths and for this new wonderful friendship. Wishing the Blums a lifetime of happiness and joy! <3

xo

Kat

Wedding Venue: Private Residence & Bridal Portraits at Kiva Beach

HAMU: @shadowstyles.jules

Floral: Lings Moment, Etsy & Amazon

Wedding Gown: Rish Bridal

Boutique: Blue Sky Bridal

Suit: Banana Republic

Jewelry: Jackson Jewelers & Harry Ritchies