September 10, 2020
We love traveling for engagement sessions – especially when we get to explore new areas of California! When Payton and Luke invited us to Truckee for their Martis Camp engagement session we were on board! (although, we might have been a little more hesitant if we had known a bear would be involved, but we’ll get to that…ha!)
Payton and Luke met at Brown. They both played sports (Payton, volleyball and Luke, water polo) and were introduced through a “get together” for the athletes before college started. They began dating and quickly felt comfortable together. After graduating, they moved out to the bay area where Luke is in med school and Payton is freelance writing and starting a blog that explores female entrepreneurs and provides lifestyle tips. They recently added Maisy – a sweet maltipoo – to their family!
Luke proposed on a Monday evening in their apartment. I love that he proposed in a way that felt authentic to them – keeping things intimate, low key and unexpected. They celebrated the next weekend at one of their favorite restaurants in SF and while hiking through Muir Woods.
The day of their engagement session, Payton and Luke toured us around Martis Camp (where they will be getting married). Everything was stunning! After the tour, we headed to their house so they could get ready for their session. Thomas and I sat on the back patio and soaked in the view. At one point, we heard banging on the window from inside. We were so confused. Then Luke ran to the door and said “there’s a bear behind you!” and I bolted (exactly what you’re not supposed to do…). The bear seemed startled to see us and headed off into the woods. Thomas proceeded to follow the bear down to the golf course and watch him go through some golfer’s snacks in their cart. As the session was about to begin, I returned to our car to grab something and noticed that our passenger door was ajar. And right on the door was a big, dusty bear paw print. Thankful that everything turned out okay and no one was hurt!
Payton and Luke were so fun to photograph! The day was smokey and overcast, but the sun began to peek out towards the end of the session and I just love the images we were able to capture with them (and how perfect is her polkadot dress?)! They share so much joy and have the best smiles! It is clear that they are easy going and have the best time living life together. Payton and Luke support each other as they both chase their dreams – and I think that is so special and important.
Luke and Payton, thank you so much for inviting us to Truckee! We loved spending the afternoon with you both – getting to know you and taking engagement photos. You both have such a warming energy that puts people at east. I hope we get to meet Maisy soon. Can’t wait until we’re back together celebrating your marriage!
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We are a husband and wife Lake Tahoe wedding photography team. We strive to capture joyful moments. We use film and digital cameras to capture your wedding with a timeless, fine art approach.