Serene Lake Tahoe Engagement Session

Whale Beach’s shimmering blue waters and a mesmerizing trio of mountain ranges make up this classic and casual engagement session from Emily Alyssa Photography. Sarah and Hunter are natives to breathtaking North Lake Tahoe and are more than well aware of the easy-going and laid-back vibes the area brings. They wanted to reflect that in their session and–we love them for this–primarily, they wanted to let the majestic beauty of Lake Tahoe shine. Can’t blame them for it!

How did you meet?

We met at a holiday party years ago, where Sarah’s dog was the host (Santa Dog of course). Hunter kept making excuses to be closer (taking pictures of Mason, Santa Dog, or slowly gravitating towards where Sarah was mingling by the bar) in hopes of an excuse for an introduction. Unbeknownst to Hunter, Sarah thought she had met Hunter before (in a bad setup) and was avoiding him. Once his ride left him behind and he was waiting for a taxi, we started talking, Sarah realized we’d never met before, and we made plans to go for our first date – a snowy hike with the dog,

What is your proposal story?

Flash forward seven years from our first meeting, we were hiking on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, Rubicon Trail. This trail is amazing – a dozen miles along the gorgeous shoreline and up into the trees of the National Forest. The goal of our hike was to have a picnic at our beloved Mason’s favorite spot in his memory, with our new puppy in tow. Hunter dropped the ring in the lake (we found it!), though it is still unclear if he actually asked or if Sarah just excitedly took the ring and said yes! 

Tell us about the ring/band.

The ring is my favorite thing ever! We knew for years I wanted a ring from the 1920s (our grandparent’s birth decade), an old European or Mine cut, set in a very delicate and intricate setting. Unbeknownst to me, Hunter for years had searched across the country for an authentic, art-deco, engagement ring in vintage, antique, and pawn shops. He found the ring in a tiny mining town in Nevada City, California.

After having the ring restored (the band was breaking apart, little bubbles were forming in the metal, and the prongs were broken), the ring is stunning. It was restored by a specialty vintage broker in Boise, Idaho. There are little wheat grass carvings all around the band, a delicate birdcage that looks like the Eiffel Tower from the side, milgrain detailing, and a bezel/prong setting that is so delicate and feminine. The stone has a blunt bottom (this is how Old Mine Cut diamonds typically are), is 1.25 carats, and F color clarity. I just absolutely love that this ring was worn and loved by another before it was lovingly gifted to me.

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