Emerald Bay State Park Engagement Photography
One winter afternoon, Manpreet called me to say that she and her family were coming up to visit Lake Tahoe California. They had never been to Emerald Bay State Park before, which is located on the West shore of Lake Tahoe. I suggested a few locations that we could go to for their pre-wedding engagement photos. Out of the many beautiful vistas around Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park is one of its gems.
Vikingsholm Trail and Fannette Island
We met at the Vikingsholm trail entrance, one of the places around the lake that you can see a clear view of Fannette Island.
Built in 1928 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. She wanted to build a summer home that would compliment the magnificent natural surroundings. Emerald Bay beach reminded her of fjords she had seen on her travels to Scandinavia. She decided to commission her nephew, Swedish architect Lennart Palme, to design the home.
Vikingsholm was completed in the fall of 1929. The exceptional summer home was enjoyed by Mrs. Knight and her guests, until her death at the age of 82 in 1945. It is now a part of the Harvey West Unit of the Emerald Bay California State Park. The house is open for tours during the summer months and the magnificent scenery can be enjoyed all year round.
Engagement Photo Session Planning
For their Emerald Bay California State Park engagement photography session, we had prepared a few outfits beforehand. Manpreet + Gurvinder came dressed in the most beautiful, vibrant red dress and tie, which provided a stark contrast to the blue of the lake. It was a sunny winter day and the conditions were cold but vibrant. I asked if they were down to go hiking in their fancy clothes, and of course they were.
We clambered up the top of rocks and over snow piles to get to the ledge overlooking Fanette Island. Gurvinder brought a bouquet of red roses, surprising her with them as they got to the top. It was the cutest. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding celebrations!
See more photos for this surprise proposal at Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe!

About Starscape Studios
Kimmi Cranes is a South Lake Tahoe wedding photographer. Her style combines color, vividness, and authenticity to capture genuine smiles and moments to remember during your wedding day or photography session. Servicing locations around Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Reno, Los Angeles, San Francisco and the greater SF Bay Area, Available for travel to destinations worldwide.
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