Double Eagle Resort, June Lake Wedding | Nicole & Brandon

I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been extra excited for this Double Eagle Resort Wedding. Nicole and Brandon contacted me back in January to see if I was available to shoot their wedding and unfortunately I was not available. However, that did not stop the conversation and together we found a date that worked for us both. I am truly honored that they were willing to switch their original date and that I was able to capture this beautiful day.

Nicole’s dress was beautiful of course and Brandon had some awesome details including an old pocket-watch from his home town of Lancaster, PA.

For these final prep photos, I honestly wasn’t planning on shooting this dark and isolated style for neither the Bride nor the Groom, but space and time requirements had me thinking on my feet and this is where it went. I could not be happier with the dramatic and cohesive look that this set of images has. This again reassures me that thinking on your feet can almost always give you a better result (and less anxiety) than trying to plan it all out. The coolest part is that the groom photos were first and I lit them inside a cabin with a small flash, but the bride photos came next and that was all natural-light!

Brandon had a gift from Nicole to open after he finished getting ready. As soon as we pulled the box out of the pink wrapping I said to myself “Is that a photo box?” and then * ding * the light bulb went off in my head and I knew exactly what was in that photo box. I couldn’t wait for his reaction. If you know, you know.

I don’t really have a lot of words for this first look besides “perfect.” If you have ever shot with me, you know I say “perfect” from behind the camera every couple seconds, even if it’s not even close I’ll still say it. That, and “awesome.” Anyway, for this first look, I mean it. The emotions were authentic, the anticipation had been building all morning, we didn’t feel rushed, and this tree hideaway above Double Eagle made 1:30 PM looks ridiculous. Insane.

I love bright and colorful images but I love a good punchy black and white image even more. Looking at these two wedding party photos, who did it better? Nicole and her bridesmaids or Brandon and his dad along with his groomsmen?

Repeat after me, “I Nicole, take you Brandon”

“You’re Brandon,” Nicole squeezes out.

Repeat after me, “I Nicole, take you Brandon”

Brandon starts, “I Nicole, take you —”

“No! You’re Brandon!” Nicole Laughs.

Everyone had a good laugh at that. It was “organic” as Brandon said. Jokes aside, the ceremony was beautiful. Nicole’s vows even made me tear up. Everything in my viewfinder was pretty blurry and I couldn’t figure out why and then I realized “I’m not crying, you’re crying.” Congratulations Nicole and Brandon on making me cry and tying the knot. Literally!

A quick portrait session and dance rehearsal before the grand entrance. Double Eagle Resort has so much beauty but this spot is a favorite this time of day!

Nicole and Brandon had someone choreograph their first dance and they put countless hours into practicing in their living room before the wedding. The final execution was flawless and thank god the final dip was directed towards me!

The night continued with some killer toasts. The room roared with laughter more than twice. The best man closed the toast with what I wouldn’t even call a speech. It was a one man play. I was extremely impressed.

The bouquet and garter toss ended in a reverse-garter-put-on. My apologies, I don’t know what else to call it, but it was surely entertaining!

This set of dance images above is one of the last few frames of the night, and the one on the right is one of my all-time favorite images.

Thank you, Nicole and Brandon, for putting your trust in me, switching your wedding date, and being so kind during the entire process. Thank you to your wonderful families too. I wish you guys nothing but the best!

ABOUT ME: Hi! My name is Nic Hilton. I am a destination wedding photographer based in Los Angeles. I shoot many weddings in the Mammoth Lakes area as well as Southern California but I am available to travel worldwide! Contact Me today because I would love to tell your story.