What an exciting session. Seriously. I mean, I was a ski racer in high school so my love for the sport and the race hill are embedded in me. When Carolyn first emailed me inquiring about her wedding I was THRILLED. I had known of her and Stevie through racing, because let’s face it, they’re AMAZING. And then she says… “Do you travel for weddings? We’re getting married in Lake Placid.” OH, no big deal, only one of my favorite places on this side of the country.

So, here is their story… Carolyn told me they wanted to do engagement pictures at either Mountain Creek or the National Winter Activity Center (Formerly Hidden Valley Ski Resort), as they both grew up racing I agreed this was an absolute MUST. They met on a ski trip, somewhere, location unknown, when they were toddlers. Like 3 years old, guys. I mean, how awesome is this already?

They both now coach high school ski teams and on one particular race night Stevie pretty much begged and pleaded Carolyn to do a free run with him at the end of the race. Since it was extremely cold she persistently said no, time and again. But Stevie apparently won the battle because a few minutes later they were heading up the mountain on the lift. When Carolyn refused to shut up Stevie finally yelled at her to stop talking as they neared the top and popped the question, with the box upside down and all. =) I can’t think of a better way or better place for these two to get engaged. In 7 months, we will be lakeside, in the freezing cold (happily), for their wedding, and I can’t think of any better way to spend a weekend.

So, about this…. here’s how this happened, per Carolyn’s story:

“We found a rusted, old and broken latter next to the start shack. It probably was not the smartest idea I’ve ever had to climb it, but it was totally worth it. I went into American ninja warrior mode instantly. Our photographers were hesitant whether or not we would successfully make it up and down unharmed lol. I insisted we get to the highest one possible. Stevie was scared and I must say it was a bit sketchy. As we were getting off the lift a piece of wood broke off from underneath us. I’m not sure when this lift was last ran and unfortunately I don’t know how much longer it will be there. I’m so glad we got the chance to be on it one last time. And I did put the bar down until Stevie made me put it back up.

I could not have done it without our photographers for holding the broken latter in place and for capturing yet another adventurous moment in our relationship.”

And then I picked up some milk weeds without knowing what they were and got sticky milk ALL over me. But it was worth it cause I love this shot. That light though! Holy smokes, thank you New Jersey, for giving us such an incredible sky that night!

Man, I miss these days. Carolyn and Stevie, thank you for spending the evening with me and Scott– and Scott, thank you for shooting this session with me and holding the ladder and assisting- you rocked it! We are so unbelievably excited to be documenting your wedding- it’s going to be absolutely unbelievable.

To see their full session click here: http://yourstory.imlauralee.com/carolynandstevieengagement/