Since it's way-crazy-super-freezing-cold over much of the country, we figure it's the perfect time to share this striking winter engagement session from Taralynn Lawton. Valerie and Vince are adorable (not to mention their sweet pup!) and together they perfectly pulled off a relaxed-chic winter wardrobe for the shoot. We love the whole thing and, for a second, are embracing the cold. Enjoy!

From the Bride: About a year after Vince and I met, we were skiing in Homewood at Lake Tahoe, which has some of the most incredible views in the area. I was struggling with the whole skiing thing, basically just cartwheeling down the mountain, which isn't nearly as athletic-looking as it sounds (trust me). Exhausted and exasperated with snow in my eyelashes, I sat on the verge of tears overlooking the lake when he came and sat next to me, commenting on my "interesting technique" for getting down the mountain, making both of us laugh. We knew then that we'd be together for a long time.

Six years, three apartments, and one puppy later, he was taking me to the Chateau Char Marron peony gardens in the hills of San Jose during peak blooming season, knowing peonies are my favorite flower. We were making our way through fields of blooms the size of softballs when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. It was our puppy running toward us through the gardens. I was both excited to see him and confused as to why he was there, when Vince untied a satchel from his collar and got down on one knee. The details from that point on are pretty fuzzy (my memories are through eyes filled with happy tears), but I must have said yes because he slipped the most beautiful vintage engagement ring on my finger and pointed to my parents making their way out of the bushes, joined by his mom who had flown in from Colorado. Buckets of tears ensued. It was a perfect day.

From the Photographer: I knew that Tahoe was a special place for Valerie and Vince, having bonded on skiing trips early on in their relationship, so I wanted to take them back there to spend an afternoon exploring the natural wonders of the area. And it seemed only fitting that we include their adorable pup named Ribs, who played a vital role in bearing the ring for Vince's proposal! We caught an insanely gorgeous time of year, just days after the first snowfall, which made for an exciting mix of crisp late-Autumn and a magical winter wonderland. We strolled through different trails in the South Lake Tahoe region, stumbling on an array of beauty from fields of fresh snow to gorgeous Aspen groves, and finding a few patches of golden leaves hanging on from Fall. Valerie and Vince's easy and adventurous spirit made them a joy to shoot, and they were such troopers braving the chilly air and stomping through the snow for me. I can't wait to be back in the Tahoe area next year for their wedding!

Photography: Taralynn Lawton // Style and Design: Bride-to-be