An Intimate and Gothic Inspired Lake Elopement, Utah
This morning’s shoot was one of those mornings where nothing was working out. We tried something it, didn’t work. Then we tried something else, and it clearly was supposed to happen that way instead!
We had planned on shooting in two other locations, but one had been blocked off because of forest fires, even though I checked the location the night before. The other was blocked off for another reason that I’m not sure of. But luckily, I had one more location in mind. At that location the sky was completely clear, except for one cloud that was hanging low above the trees. I’m SO GLAD it was there because it clearly changed the whole mood!! Give me moody and foggy over clear and sunny any day.
I was thanking my past self for being prepared because prior to every shoot I get paranoid that something like this exact scenario will happen. Usually I show up at least 1-3 days before to make sure the locations I had in mind are still accessible. You never know, when you are shooting in the mountains! It’s popular for certain trails to be blocked off for multiple reasons such as landslides, too much snow, hiking hours, seasonal closures, fires, etc.
Even though we are based in Utah, this shoot was taken in Idaho, in the Sawtooth mountain range. You guys know how much I love Idaho, but Utah has many locations similar to this one. So, if you’re looking for a similar vibe, but want to stay in Utah, no worries! I listed some epic mountain lake elopement locations for you below.
Another important note to elaborate on. This couple was AWESOME! The bride literally told me she was buzzing her head for the occasion, so you BET I was stoked. Not to mention that this shoot was at sunrise, which meant they had to be completely ready before the sun was even up! They were chill and went with the flow perfectly! Thank you to this amazing couple!
Speaking of sunrises…I have never had a couple that regretted doing a sunrise shoot. Let me quickly list the pro’s and con’s. PRO’S. No crowds, higher chances of moody weather, better light, getting sneak peeks back sooner, and still having the rest of the day to enjoy after your shoot is over. by the time your shoot is over! CON’S. You have to wake up early ;)
Top Mountain Lakes In Utah
Tony Grove; Cache County — Cecret Lake — Mirror Lake; Duchesne County — South Willow Lake — Deer Creek Reservoir; Wasatch County — Strawberry Reservoir; Wasatch County — Jordanelle Reservoir; Wasatch County — Fish Lake; Sevier County — Flaming Gorge Reservoir; Daggett County — Navajo Lake; Kane County — Lake Powell; Garfield, Kane & San Juan counties
Vendors
Bouquet - Historia Florals
Note* If you want to increase the chances of shooting a session with a background of fog floating above a body of water, go at sunrise when it’s cooler. Try going in the fall or springtime to get that well loved moody weather! Going early in the morning not only increases those chances, but crowds also decrease, which is a BIG PLUS.
Testimonial from the couple: “I hope you guys had as much fun as we did! It’s the first shoot where I wasn’t totally uncomfortable! 😂”
