Planning a surprise proposal is exciting—and doing it in the middle of a beautiful snow-covered valley makes it unforgettable. This groom-to-be chose a wide-open space framed by snowy peaks, as the setting for their winter proposal in Truckee.
He wanted something quiet, natural, and meaningful. And he wanted their dog to be a part of the story. As a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer who loves capturing real, unscripted moments, this was exactly my kind of shoot.
How He Pulled Off the Surprise
When he first reached out to me, he had a general idea. He wanted to propose during a weekend getaway in Tahoe. From there, we worked together to find the right spot. Ideally, somewhere scenic but not crowded, and with enough space for their pup to be part of the moment. With a snowy forecast for the week, it also had to be near their hotel at Northstar Ski Resort.
I helped coordinate the timing and lighting, and sent him videos that showed the correct parking location and trailhead. I also arrived early and placed a subtle landmark at the most picturesque spot. All of this was so that I could discreetly capture the moment without interrupting it.
The Moment She Said Yes
Once they arrived, I casually followed behind them along the trail. When the moment came, it was perfect: emotional, quiet, and personal. Their dog wagged excitedly nearby as he got down on one knee. These kinds of authentic, unscripted moments are why I love proposal photography!
After the proposal, we took time for a short walk and some relaxed portraits in the snow. I don’t over-pose my couples. Instead, I prefer to give a little direction and let things unfold naturally. That way, the images reflect who they are. The light was soft, the snow created a beautiful, clean background, and the connection between them came through in every frame.
Snowy Portraits with Their Pup
Their dog was a huge part of the day, and we made sure to include him in some playful and affectionate portraits. I love when couples bring their pets to sessions. It adds a sense of home and familiarity to such a big moment. Especially when your pet is an important part of your family.
In the photo below, I love how their pup is looking at them excitedly as they soak it all up.
I often include a few black and white edits in the final gallery. In winter, the snow creates striking contrast with the mountains and shadows. It also helps to highlight expressions and emotions.
Why Truckee Is Perfect for Winter Proposals
Truckee is ideal for couples who want the beauty of Lake Tahoe without the crowds. Martis Valley, in particular, is peaceful, scenic, and great for winter shoots. Whether you’re planning a proposal, engagement session, or elopement, it offers a mix of mountain views, meadows, and space to breathe. As a Truckee and Lake Tahoe engagement photographer, it’s one of my favorite hidden gems.
One of the best parts of this session was seeing how happy they were—not just in the moment, but again when they saw the photos. That’s always my goal: to create a relaxed experience, capture real emotion, and deliver images that feel like you.
Thinking About Proposing in Tahoe?
If you’re planning a proposal or looking for a Lake Tahoe engagement photographer, I’d love to help. Whether you’re envisioning something simple or need help coordinating the logistics, I’m here to document it in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and completely true to you. To see more examples of my work, check out my Lake Tahoe surprise proposal portfolio here. And shoot me a message on my contact page to check my availability!
