There’s something truly special about capturing love in a place that already holds so many memories. The stunning location we chose for this Idaho engagement session, Bogus Basin, was right in my backyard as a kid growing up in Boise. To me, Bogus isn’t just a beautiful mountain backdrop—it’s a place woven into my own story, a piece of home. So when Sami and George chose this spot for their engagement session, it felt like everything aligned perfectly.
As an engagement and wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to capturing couples in places that feel like an extension of their love story. Sami and George are the kind of people who radiate warmth and adventure. They both are so free spirited and deeply connected to nature. Sami, a yoga instructor and George, an avid rock climber and pottery enthusiast, I thought Bogus Basin would be the perfect mountain backdrop to best suit their energy as a couple. Their love feels like the mountains themselves: serene, natural, and wild.
One of the sweetest parts of the session was that they brought along their beloved pup, Bondi. It was important to them to capture photos as a family, and Bondi was more than happy to be part of the adventure. Whether bounding through the tall grass or snuggling up with them as the sun dipped lower, Bondi added an extra layer of love and joy to the session.
As the sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the sweeping view and vibrant trees, we wandered through some familiar trails, letting the landscape guide us. The way the last light of day caught in Sami’s curls and lit up George’s easy smile—it was pure magic. They twirled, laughed, and embraced against a backdrop of pine trees and open sky, completely at ease in the wilderness. Every frame felt like a perfect reflection of who they are: untamed, adventurous, and so deeply in tune with one another.
Bogus Basin gifted us the most beautiful environment for their session, with the sky painted in a warm summer orange as we wrapped up the session. It felt less like a photoshoot and more like an evening spent soaking in the beauty of the moment—just the way Sami and George wanted it.
Not long after their engagement session, these two said “I do” in the stunning coastal beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. As a destination photographer, I had the honor of documenting their wedding day in such an incredible setting. Their wedding day was located above the clouds on a mountaintop overlooking the Carmel Valley, nothing short of breathtaking.
Sami and George, thank you for trusting me to capture your love in a place that means so much. Your energy, your laughter, and your adventurous spirits made this session unforgettable. If you’re looking for an engagement or wedding photographer to document your love story in a place that feels like home, let’s connect and create something just as magical.