When I first shared that I was going to start offering “adventure sessions”, this is exactly what I had in mind. Daniel & Emma used up every second of our time together — in the most meaningful and intentional way possible to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Emma is a photographer herself. We met at a photography retreat over the summer last year in Joshua Tree, CA. With all of the shoots and activities going on we didn’t get to talk much, but the little time we did have to talk we both enjoyed. We both love the outdoors, traveling, and trying new things.

After the retreat, we connected on Instagram. Months later, Emma reached out to me asking about booking an adventure session to celebrate her and Daniel’s fifth wedding anniversary in 2021. I was so thrilled when I received her email. I had no idea I had even made an impression on her!

They knew exactly what city they wanted to celebrate in. They’ve gone to Mammoth Lakes year after year to snowboard, hike, and just enjoy nature. They couldn’t imagine having this session anywhere else. They have so many meaningful spots and trails that they love, we had a tough time narrowing it all down into four hours. Eventually we landed on starting their session at the Airbnb they were staying in, making a pit stop at a local coffee shop they love, off-roading to a popular lake, and wrapping up for sunset at an incredible overlook.

Just a few months before their session, Emma reached out to me with some exciting news to make this experience even more meaningful. She was pregnant! Emma is tough, so she didn’t mind still incorporating some light hiking and adventure. We were able to stick with the plan overall, with just a few adjustments.

The day couldn’t have gone any more perfect. We managed to hit every location that was special and important to them, the four of us (my husband included) had a blast together, and they were able to celebrate five years married together, in the most incredibly authentic way to them.

This is why I love what I do. Couples like Daniel + Emma — that value photography, want a memorable experience, and love just being together — are who I was born to photograph. I could go on and on about this subject, but I’ll just leave it here. The photos from their Airbnb I felt are more private for them to enjoy, reminiscing Emma’s pregnancy, so I didn’t include them here. But enjoy this adventure-filled session!