South Lake Tahoe quickly stole my heart on the first road trip, and I knew that we would be back. The first time there, I was reminded so much of the Colorado ski towns I grew up going to, with a small town, “everyone knows everyone” kind of vibe to it. I am mesmerized by the views, especially the one when you drive just over the last hill before Tahoe and the lake suddenly comes into view. Each time I cannot help but say, “Oh my gosh it is so pretty!” Every. Single. Time. I cannot help it, it makes me genuinely happy each drive in to Tahoe. I haven’t even mentioned the best breakfast burrito I have ever had was in Tahoe, so there’s that too.
This trip in particular, we threw around the idea of doing a shoot for a couple days, and on our trip to Bend I finally pulled the trigger and began to brainstorm. There is a feeling when creating content, especially for others, that I still have not been able to put it into words. I get giddy thinking about what the shoot will look like, how people will react, and shopping for each item to create a vision. Let’s be honest though, I am a procrastinator at heart when it comes to my own visions. This is something that I have tried to work on, buuut it does not always mean that I still don’t procrastinate everything. Somehow the shoots always come together, even with the stress that I put on myself (and those around me… sorry Elle. I love you.)
This day started for me at 3 o’clock in the morning… yes 3. In. The. Morning. I think I was so tired that I was a little numb, but anything for Tahoe! As soon as I landed, I was off to find items for the elopement. I walked about a mile and a half with my big backpack full of everything I thought I needed for the shoot. I realized that 1. Reno, Nevada is hot as hell and 2. Bring a backpack into Home Goods and the workers will follow you around to make sure you are not stealing, no matter how many times you smile and seem innocent. Once I got to TJ Maxx I was sweaty, hangry, tired from being up at that point for 9 hours already, but ultimately excited for my vision to come to life. Those who always think these trips we go on are not for work, make me giggle because of days like this.
Once everyone else arrived I could finally be excited for Tahoe, and to meet all the amazing vendors that I had been communicating with. Again, there was that feeling of nervousness for the end result of what everything would look like put together. I cannot shake this feeling and it is there every shoot and wedding day. Nonetheless, the vision came together better than I had envisioned it, and my heart was happy.
Each time visiting Tahoe I am reassured that I am in the right career path. Whether it is helping with shoots, planning my own, or hopefully one day watching someone actually elope on this ledge. I leave feeling more inspired, and content than ever before. When I have doubts about my ability or passion, I think back to this spot in Tahoe, the amazing sunsets we’ve witnessed, and the many many mosquito bites we’ve gotten all while making memories.
I am so thankful for all of the kind/selfless souls who collaborated on this project with me. They saw my vision, and had enough trust in me to reassure me of my doubts. I am so beyond thankful for the time in Tahoe with all of you, and cannot wait to go back!
Coordination, Planning, + Design: Madison August Event & Design // Instagram: @madisonaugusteventdesign
Photographers:
Elle Harper // Instagram: @harpergracephoto
Lora Wagener // Instagram: @lorawagenerco
Kelsey Robinson // Instagram: @robinson_photo_images
Lauren // Instagram: @loashleyphoto
Florist:
Camryn Lane // Instagram: @helianthusfloral
Models:
Lauren + Jordan // Instagram: @lulu_harrison @jordan.alpinemedia
Hair + Makeup:
Haley Nichole // Instagram: @loveisinthehair_haley
Hair Salon:
RAH Hair Studio // Instagram: @rahhairstudiotahoe
Dress:
Sarah Haimes // Instagram: @sewromanticdesigns
