Every styled shoot needs a couple who can bring the vision to life, and for our “Something Tahoe Blue” shoot on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, we found two of the most genuine, joyful people you could hope to meet. Bride- and groom-to-be Kelly & Dylan came to us through their own wedding coordinator’s recommendation, and once they heard the shoot would be in Tahoe, they were all in. For Dylan, who grew up in the Sierra Nevada and spent much of his childhood at the lake, the theme struck a personal chord. He shared that he learned early on how important it is to leave the lake as pristine as you found it, and that keeping Tahoe blue matters to everyone who comes to enjoy it.
Their love story began with a lost phone at a Sacramento music festival. Kelly’s friends found it, invited Dylan to another festival in Los Angeles, and the two hit it off on the way there. Five years later, Dylan surprised Kelly with a proposal during a weekend getaway in Sonoma County. From sandy lakeside portraits to a chilly but unforgettable sunset sail across the lake, these two made every moment of the day look effortless. As Kelly put it, modeling with her best friend “felt organic,” and Dylan called it a core memory he’ll never forget. We’re so grateful they said yes, and we’re cheering them on as they plan their own celebration in Granite Bay! Keep scrolling to hear more from Kelly & Dylan in their own words.
Above Photos: On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
On Kelly: Earrings by Renewable Jewels // Gown from De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedo // Shoes from DSW
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO MODEL FOR THIS PHOTO SHOOT?
Kelly & Dylan: Our amazing wedding venue coordinator, Kelle from Granite Bay Golf Club, encouraged us to sign up to be considered. We thought it would be so fun to do since we knew our own wedding day would be hectic. Once we were selected and found out the shoot would be in Lake Tahoe, we were totally on board. .
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MODELING EXPERIENCE AT THIS SHOOT.
Kelly: It was so fun, but I was a little nervous! It was amazing watching the team work behind the scenes to make everything happen because couples don’t really get to see that during their real wedding. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and it set the vibe for the day and calmed my nerves. We couldn’t stop talking about it on the way home!
Dylan: It was an awesome experience! Everyone had great vibes and a lot of energy, which made the day very easygoing and fun. I loved the whole setup: the venue, the outfits, the florals, the scenery, really everything! Editor’s Note: we caught Dylan fishing before the shoot and we loved it—so perfect for Lake Tahoe, right?!
Above Photos: On Kelly: Earrings and Veil by Azazie // Gown from Bridal Box // Shoes from DSW
On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
HOW WAS MODELING WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
Kelly: It was easy to model with Dylan because he’s my best friend. Everything felt organic. It was so fun joking around with him, and it makes me so much more excited for our big day!
Dylan: It was very enjoyable modeling with my fiancée Kelly. Every time we’ve done photo shoots, it’s been an absolute blast, and this one was nothing short of amazing. Being side by side with my favorite person in such picturesque settings is a core memory that I will never forget.
Above Photos: On Kelly: Earrings by Adora by Simona // Gown from Bridal Box
On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
DID YOU RELATE TO THE CONCEPT/THEME?
Dylan: Yes, 100%! I grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains and spent much of my time in Tahoe—I learned the importance of keeping the lake as pristine as when we arrived and have seen firsthand the impact not doing so has on the community, the wildlife, and the surrounding nature. I believe keeping Tahoe blue is paramount for anyone going there to enjoy it.
Above Photos: On Kelly: Earrings by Adora by Simona // Gown from De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedo
On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE SHOOT?
Kelly: My favorite part was being on the sailboat for the sunset photos. Although it was super chilly around that time, it was an amazing experience to do so in Tahoe and just admire the lake, mountains, and, of course, the sunset…a true dream!
Above Photos: On Kelly: Earrings by Azazie // Gown from Bridal Box // Shoes from DSW
On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY. HOW DID YOU MEET? WHAT WAS THE PROPOSAL LIKE?
Kelly: Dylan went to a music festival in Sacramento and lost his phone, and my friends at the time found it. Through messaging, they asked Dylan if he would like to attend another music festival in Los Angeles, which I was going to. Crazy enough, Dylan said yes, and we met on the way there. We instantly got along, and everyone saw how we became friends so fast. Five years later, Dylan planned a weekend trip to Sonoma County in which he told me we had a wine tasting. We were told to wait and walk around, and as we did, Dylan got down on one knee and proposed.
Above Photos: On Kelly: Earrings and Necklace by Renewable Jewels // Gown from De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedo
On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY.
Kelly: Our wedding day is on the way, but we are so excited to get married in Granite Bay at the Granite Bay Golf Club. We can’t wait to celebrate with our family and friends and for me to marry the love of my life. We have put so much effort and love into making our day just as we want. Although things might not work out as planned, we are both 100% sure that it will be the best day of our lives!
Above Photos: On Kelly: Earrings by Ellee Couture Boutique // Gown from De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedo
On Dylan: Suit, Shirt, and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
IF YOU COULD OFFER ANY ADVICE TO ENGAGED COUPLES WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Kelly & Dylan: Take advantage of the wedding expos that are offered! We had such a great time as an engaged couple exploring each venue and meeting vendors that helped us envision what we wanted for our wedding. Without Real Weddings Magazine, we wouldn’t have found our venue and our vendors.
Special thanks to our real couple models, Kelly & Dylan, and to all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
Click here to see more from our “Something Tahoe Blue” styled shoot!
