Samantha + Ali - Donner Lake Elopement photos

Oh man… Samantha and I shared several stressful phone calls leading up to this day. The covid guidelines were in full effect at the time and the world was literally on fire. All of the beautiful locations for Lake Tahoe elopement photos were closed and we were struggling to figure out how to make this day happen. Thankfully on their wedding day, the skies cleared up enough to make a perfect filter for lighting and we were able to breath.

The amount of joy on their faces the entire day was absolute magic. The moment I got out of my car I was greeted by the most smiley groom I’ve ever encountered. Ali is the kind of man that makes you feel instantly seen and brings joy to every space he shows up at. I knew right away that this would not only be an amazing day, but that I was already creating a friendship. Samantha ended up being equally as magical on first impression. Just the most kind and sincere human who welcomed me with so much warmth. I am always so amazed at how incredible the clients are that I attract into my world.

I can’t forget Samantha’s sister either. This girl is a go-getter. I needed some assistance with hanging the dress outside and she was possibly the best helper I’ve ever had at a wedding. She can make things happen like no one else and does not hesitate about anything. If I could afford her, I would have paid her to go everywhere with me to make things happen!!! LOL!

And the wedding day was literal perfection. Donner Lake is obviously a very beautiful backdrop for lakefront wedding photos. We did the first look right on the pier and then went down the road to find some forest and capture some beautiful moments in the deep forest areas. All of our concerns about finding locations and dealing with smoke didn’t even exist on wedding day. Everything happened with ease and little effort.

A magical ceremony followed with some beautiful toasts before Ali and Samantha shared a first dance that is sure to give you joy all the way down to your soul. I absolutely adore these humans and I am always and forever thankful when clients choose me as their elopement photographer or to photograph a smaller wedding in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas.

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

Congratulations to you both so much!!!