engagements Archives | Elisha Braithwaite Photography

Mount Tamalpais State Park Engagements | Eunice & CY

My first time photographing around Mount Tamalpais State Park was amazing. I can’t thank Eunice and CY enough for inviting me out to experience more gems around the bay area. Being secluded on a mountaintop surrounded by vast hillside and damp mossy woods while still spotting downtown San Francisco and ocean views was an experience.

What makes these engagements truly beautiful though are Eunice and CY and the energy they brought with them. Going into the session they had a good idea of what they wanted which we communicated beforehand so we could simply show up, experience our environment, and create. We spotted deer, embraced a few silly moments here and there, and photographed well into sunset when fog rose and rain fell. They allowed themselves to feel vulnerable and interact with little guidance, while also taking my direction for any and all ideas. I can’t thank them enough for the energy and trust they brought to these engagements.

Scroll on down to see my favorites.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite
Location: Mount Tamalpais State Park, California

Pan Toll Road by Elisha Braithwaite Photography

Pan Toll Road Engagements by Elisha Braithwaite Photography

San Francisco Engagements by Elisha Braithwaite Photography

Creative Engagements in Mount Tamalpais State Park

Woodsy Muir Woods Engagement by Elisha Braithwaite Photography

Moody Mount Tamalpais State Park Engagement by Elisha Braithwaite

Special thanks to Eunice and CY for having me out! San Francisco is one of my favorite cities to visit and I love every opportunity to visit. Check out my travel dates and reach out if you’re in the bay area.

Isaac and Dawn’s snowy engagement in the mountainsengagements

Snow fell heavily in Big Cottonwood Canyon with Dawn and Isaac the other day. Once we made our way through the canyon and arrived to the spot we first took a few moments to admire the weather. Snowflakes grew thicker and heavy, blanketing the mountains surrounding us in moments. They happy embraced the conditions, living in the moment with each other and helping me create some gorgeous portraits of their loving selves. They allowed me to get to know them as a couple along with treated me like a dear friend. I’m so proud of the photographs we created together that evening and can’t wait for you to scroll down and view.

Before you check them out I want to share a few quick words from the email they first sent my way.

We love how candid and honest your photos are, it was like a glimpse into an intimate moment. In short, we’ve somehow managed to find our dream photographer before, well, anything else. But perhaps it makes sense to feel connected to you, another human being, before places or things.

That last line warmed my heart. After spending these few hours with them I’m fairly certain there isn’t a superficial bone in their body. I’m constantly grateful toward those of you who choose to work with me. Your kindness and generosity goes such a long way and makes me grateful to do what I do. Alright that’s enough rambling. Scroll on down and check out this snowy goodness.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Jordan Pines Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

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Karen and Ed’s Engagement in Albion Basinengagements

The evening I joined Karen and Ed for engagements around Alta was simply breathtaking. We barely caught the end of wildflower season so crowds were mostly gone and the mountainside was ours. Being able to roam the landscape more freely made the whole experience feel even more special for these two than it already was. They were together alone without distractions and it couldn’t have been a better night.

We began near a stream where we found a patch of surviving wildflowers and lush greens which seemed to thrive in the shadows. Karen and Ed’s version of casual was a neutral colored button up shirt and floral dress which caught the light and wind in all the right ways which I loved. After a few calm moments here we journeyed up the mountainside where they changed in to their formal outfit for big open views of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Wind blew smoke from neighboring fires into the canyon which gave us the neatest haze till the sun set over the mountains. We photographed for a little over a couple hours yet I still wish we had more time because these two were incredibly romantic and wonderful to be around.

Karen and Ed – I can’t thank you enough for coming up here and trekking through the mountainside with me! You guys are such a kind and beautiful couple and I couldn’t be happier for you.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Albion Basin, Alta Ski Resort, Utah

wedding announcement potrait in the mountains

couple relaxing in a field of wildflowers

Stunning portrait of a couple in Albion Basin

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Couple cozied up in a field of wildflowers

Natural portraits in Utah's mountains Gorgeous couple in the albion basin wildflowers

Romantic bride and groom in Utah's mountains

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Natalie and Tyler’s Engagement in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utahengagements

A few moments into Natalie and Tyler’s engagement session I found myself completely covered in a swarm of red fire ants. They immediately ran over to brush them away until they were all gone. If that’s not an indication of how kind and caring they are then I don’t know what is, but all I can say is that I genuinely enjoy being around them both. They were loving and close, they were happy and smiley. They were together and in love and it shined through so strongly as I spent these short hours with them.

We went up Big Cottonwood Canyon around the Jordan Pines Campground area to a few of my favorite spots. They kept things easy with one beautiful outfit that perfectly matched their personal style and the mountains surrounding them. If anyone is looking for engagement inspiration then I highly suggest taking some from these two.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Jordan Pines Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

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Brooke and Keaton’s Engagement in Antelope Island State Park, Utahengagements

The evening I explored Antelope Island with Brooke and Keaton left me feeling very fueled for the months to come. They were so happy to run through fields of buffalo together and interact in a way that seemed so effortless between them. Halfway through the session they even watched their mom’s proposal which was a surprise to most everyone involved. I truly had the best time with them and their loved ones and can’t believe many of the creative portraits we were able to create with the light we had to work with. Thank you so, so much you two for spending so much time and sharing how you express your love together.

xo, Elisha

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Antelope Island, Utah | Dress: Bella Elle Boutique | Hair/Makeup: Celine Earnhardt

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