Backpacks, beers, and bears – Ashlee + Tanner’s hiking engagement photos were so fun in Big Sky! Okay soooo there weren’t actually any bears, though we were actively on the lookout. Though there was absolutely a backpack of beer, a scenic hike in the mountains of Montana, kisses next to an alpine lake, and even a secret stash of snow at the top (the best surprise for these two east coast beach babes)!
Ashlee + Tanner both went to college in Wilmington, NC, but didn’t officially meet until they both relocated to Charlotte. One Instagram message and a night out with mutual friends put them in each other’s lives forever. And a trip to Montana with their families brought them to me! They were already engaged when the trips were planned, so they felt they couldn’t miss a chance for some mountain engagement photos while out west. They found me on my good friend Google, inquired with me, and the rest is history!
When we chatted about what they wanted, they knew they wanted to plan more of an experience than just a photoshoot. They were spending plenty of time with family, so this was a chance to go off and explore just the two of them. And when in Big Sky, why not get some hiking engagement photos?
Before we headed off for their adventure couples shoot, we took a minute to take some photos with their family (because how often is your whole fam together??) and then up we went! The hike was steep, but manageable, and not steep enough to deter Tanner from pulling out some beers from his well-stocked backpack. We sipped (well, they sipped, my gluten and ethanol allergy unfortunately doesn’t allow me to partake) and we chatted about how we’re all obsessed with our Oura Rings (we deserved to be sponsored from how much we love them) and of course, we took photos as we moved along.
We made it to the top for the best surprise for two people from the Southern east coast – SNOW! Tanner + Ashlee had enough cell service to FaceTime their family and make them extra jealous of the snow and alpine views. At this elevation it’s a bit difficult to breathe if you aren’t used to it, so they took a bit to run around the lake and through some fields before their sea-level lungs had enough and we headed back down. The beer made a reappearance as we were on high alert for bear activity, but our furry friends never popped out for a visit. It was a laid-back, fun-filled engagement photoshoot with no real planning, but my gosh the photos prove you just don’t need to overthink it!
Before their shoot, they mentioned that they really wanted to look back on their time engaged and know they filled it with ease and spontaneity. Rather than be stressed or overwhelmed, they really wanted to relish in just how incredible it is to be in this phase of life. This day was a true reflection of that attitude. If you take anything away from Ashlee + Tanner’s hiking engagement shoot, let it be a reminder that your love for each other is serious, but the wedding planning phase doesn’t have to be!
Looking for light-hearted adventure photos like theirs for your engagement, elopement, or wedding? Count me in, friend! You can learn more about my approach to photography & how I work right here.
