KAILYN & DENZEL
LAKE TAHOE - ENGAGEMENT SESSION DETAILS
Villa Montalvo - Saratoga, Ca.
LOCATION INFO
One of the things I love about Tahoe is that we have so many different looks to work with. Depending on the feel you want, we can keep things romantic and intimate, adventurous and editorial, or a mix of both.
EMERALD BAY
Classic Tahoe. You get those sweeping views, deep blue water, mountains, and dramatic scenery. It’s perfect if you want that iconic, cinematic Tahoe look.
VALHALLA
A little softer and more intimate. Tall pines, the shoreline, the pier, and the historic property give us a really nice mix of romantic and natural images.
For your session, I’d love to narrow it down to two locations so we can create some variety without spending the entire day driving around. We can also build the session around the locations you saved on Pinterest and choose the spots that best match the images you’re drawn to.
DATE + TIME
Session Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Session Start Time: 3p - Sunset
EMBRACE THE WEATHER
October in Tahoe can be crisp and chilly, especially as we get closer to sunset, so bring a few layers and come prepared to be comfortable.
But don’t stress too much about the weather. Tahoe can change quickly, and honestly, some of my favorite images happen when the wind picks up, clouds roll in, or the light changes. Just embrace it, those little elements can add so much movement and emotion to the photos.
Meet Up Location info:
The Grove Beach Bar & Grill
1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Hours
Saturday 11:30 AM–8 PM
My Phone
408.375.4844
Our session is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM, but let’s meet here at 2:30 PM first. We can grab some coffee or snacks before we head out for the session. It’s going to be a longer shooting day, so I want you both to feel good, energized, and well-fed before we get started!
WHAT TO WEAR
When selecting your outfits, think timeless, elevated, and effortless. Tahoe already gives us such a beautiful backdrop, so the goal is to choose pieces that complement the scenery without competing with it.
For this session, I love neutral tones, warm earth tones, and soft muted colors. Cream, beige, taupe, brown, soft gray, olive, muted blue, and black can all photograph beautifully against the lake, mountains, and fall landscape. I’d avoid loud colors, busy patterns, and large logos so the focus stays on you two and the environment.
Think flowing dresses, relaxed tailoring, layered pieces, and beautiful textures. Wool, linen, silk, suede, leather, and cozy knits can add depth to the images and work especially well with Tahoe’s cooler October weather. A long dress or skirt can also create beautiful movement if we get a little wind.
I also recommend bringing two looks if you’re up for it. We can start with something a little more elevated and romantic, then switch into something more relaxed and adventurous for the second half of the session. This gives us a nice variety throughout the gallery.
And don’t feel like you need to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe. If there’s a dress or outfit you’ve been wanting an excuse to wear, this is it. Renting a dress is also a great option if you want something a little more editorial or couture-inspired without making a major investment.
Most importantly, wear something that feels like you. If you feel comfortable and confident, it will show naturally in the photos.
CAN I BRING PROPS?
My approach to photography is natural and story-driven, so I generally like to keep props to a minimum and let the Tahoe scenery be part of the story. That said, I’m always open to thoughtful details that feel personal to you both.
A small bouquet can be a beautiful addition, especially if it complements your outfits and the natural surroundings. Something simple and organic can add a romantic, editorial touch without feeling overly styled.
Since we’ll be in Tahoe, you can also consider bringing a few things that make sense for the setting, a blanket, cozy layers, a vintage picnic setup, or even a champagne-style picnic moment if that feels like you. If you’re thinking about doing something a little more adventurous, like getting in the water or incorporating a boat, I’m all for it.
The key is to keep everything intentional and true to you. We don’t need a lot of props to create beautiful images, sometimes the best photos are simply the two of you enjoying the scenery together.
If you have something specific in mind, feel free to send it my way and I’m happy to let you know how we can incorporate it.
ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE DETAIL SHOTS?
Yes, absolutely. Detail photographs are an important part of your engagement story. I will capture close ups of hands, rings, and quiet in between moments, so it is helpful to have nails neatly groomed and hair styled in a way that feels polished and effortless. These details help bring the full story together and add depth to your final collection.
WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?
Choose shoes that are both comfortable and cohesive with your outfit. Since we will be walking and moving throughout the grounds, comfort is key. I often recommend bringing a second pair of shoes if you plan to change outfits or would like the option to switch between walking and portraits.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Your engagement session is a wonderful opportunity to schedule your hair and makeup trial on the same day. Not only will this allow you to look and feel your best during your portraits, but it also gives you the chance to see how your hair and makeup translate on camera. It truly is a win on all fronts.
I always recommend having your makeup trial on the day of your engagement session. Hair trials, however, can be more dependent on the style you envision for your wedding day. If you are planning on wearing your hair in long, soft waves or a relaxed style, this can be a beautiful and seamless option for your session. If your wedding look involves a more formal updo, you may prefer a softer, more romantic hairstyle for your engagement photos instead.
Whenever possible, I suggest working with the same hair and makeup artist for both your engagement session and wedding day. While your final wedding look may be more elevated, your engagement session is a great way to build trust with your artist and get a feel for their style and approach.
For your session, you may opt for a natural, polished makeup look paired with a casual blowout, beach waves, or a soft ponytail. The benefit of having a professional handle your hair and makeup is that they understand how to balance everything for photography. They know exactly how much product to apply so that you look radiant on camera while still feeling like yourself.
When you feel your best, it shows in the photos. That confidence and ease will come through beautifully in your final images.
Please do not forget to book your hair and makeup trial appointment in advance so everything is perfectly timed and stress free on the day of your session.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT
Whether this is your first time working with a professional photographer or not, my goal is to create an experience that feels intentional, elevated, and genuinely meaningful. These images are more than photographs. They are memories that deserve to be preserved in a way that allows you to relive the emotion, connection, and love you feel right now, not just today, but for generations to come.
Your engagement session is an opportunity to simply be yourselves. To slow down, feel present, and lean into the environment and the moment you are sharing together. There is no pressure to perform or be anything other than who you are. The most beautiful images come from authenticity and connection.
My photographic style is centered around real moments. Nothing forced. Nothing overly posed. Nothing that feels unnatural. I will gently guide you throughout the session so you never feel unsure of what to do, but the focus will always be on capturing genuine interactions, natural movement, and the quiet in between moments that make your relationship unique.
This is a collaborative process. The way I photograph, interact, and edit is thoughtfully tailored to reflect who you are and how the experience truly felt. Every artistic choice I make is intentional and made with your story in mind. These are your memories, and I approach them with care, purpose, and respect. I prioritize quality over quantity so we can create something timeless that you will value for a lifetime.
At any point during the session, if something feels uncomfortable or if there is a particular pose or idea you love, please share it with me. Open communication is essential. I want you to feel heard, supported, and confident throughout the experience. This is a shared creative process, and your input is always welcome.
Together, we will create something beautiful, honest, and enduring.
AFTER OUR SESSION
I know how exciting it is to see your images, and I promise I will share a sneak peek with you as soon as possible. Your full engagement gallery will be delivered within four weeks of your session date, thoughtfully curated and carefully edited to reflect the emotion and beauty of your experience.
I absolutely love when you share your images with friends and family. When posting online, I kindly ask that you credit and tag me, as it allows me to see which moments you loved most and helps others discover my work through your story. It is always a joy to celebrate these images with you.
To preserve the integrity and artistry of your photographs, I also ask that no additional filters be applied when sharing on social media. Each image is professionally edited with intention, and adding filters can alter the color, tone, and overall feel of the final result.
Thank you for trusting me with your memories. I cannot wait for you to relive this chapter through your photographs.
ALBUMS + PRINTS
In a digital world, it is easy for photographs to live quietly on hard drives and devices, rarely revisited. Even when images are printed, colors often look different than they did on screen, which can be disappointing after investing so much heart and intention into your session. Your engagement photographs deserve more than that.
These images tell a story. They capture a chapter of your life that is meant to be celebrated, revisited, and shared. There is something truly special about holding your memories in your hands and experiencing them in a tangible, lasting way. I am a strong believer in printing both my professional and personal work because nothing compares to the feeling of turning the pages of an album filled with moments you never want to forget.
ALBUMS
I offer a curated selection of heirloom quality albums that have been carefully chosen after extensive research and comparison. Each album is crafted with exceptional materials and attention to detail, designed to stand the test of time. My standards are uncompromising when it comes to quality, because these photographs are deeply personal and deserve to be preserved beautifully for a lifetime.
PRINTS
To make the process seamless, I provide direct access to professional printing through your online gallery. This ensures your images are printed on premium papers with true to life color and exceptional clarity. It is the easiest way to turn your favorite moments into artwork you can enjoy every day, knowing they are printed exactly as they were intended to be seen.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
LET’S CONNECT
I’m all ears! Let me know if there’s something I missed that you’re still wondering about! Other than that, I can’t wait to create some beautiful memories with you!



