Couples Session Inspiration: Sunrise Picnic Photoshoot in the Alps

Something we love about couples adventure sessions is that you can make them as simple as you want, or go big, incorporating the things you love most into your photos. For this session with Austin and Galiya, having a picnic photoshoot was perfect for them. The plan was to do a sunrise hike near the Walchensee, also known as the “Bavarian Caribbean”. At the top of the trail, we’d get some photos overlooking the lake. The day before the photoshoot, Galiya messaged me asking if they could bring a breakfast style charcuterie board as part of their sunrise session. It was a huge “heck yes!” on our part. Not only are Austin and Galiya avid hikers, but they also love good food and cooking-it seemed like the perfect idea.

The morning of their session, we began hiking around 5:30 am, the light of our headlamps guiding us along the steady uphill trail. In the trees, we could see small pockets of clear sky and stars twinkling above. It was so peaceful. Scott and I have done the hike a few times previously, so we were excited to see the look on Austin and Galiya’s faces when we popped up above the treeline. As always, the panorama in front of us did not disappoint. Sweeping views of the Walchensee and Kochelsee met us on both sides of the ridgeline. Just beyond the lakes, the Bavarian and Austrian Alps meet our eyes.

By the time we reached the top, it was just before sunrise and the sky was colored deep blue, the last few stars still visible. We took a few photos with Austin and Galiya’s headlamps before finding a spot to set up their picnic. It was a breezy morning, but daylight was quickly approaching and would warm the mountain up. Austin and Galiya started brewing their coffee and chopping up fruit for their breakfast style charcuterie board. They were ready to eat, just as the mountains began to glow orange and purple along the horizon. After food, we shot some more while soaking up every viewpoint at the top.

By 8:30 am, we were ready to pack up and begin the trek down the mountain. Our bellies were full from the picnic and the sun was warming things up. Down the ridge we hiked and back into the trees. In the daylight, we could see the yellow and orange fall colors above. Galiya and I talked about the naps we were going to take when we got home, Scott and Austin discussed heading into work. We all felt satisfied when we reached the bottom of the trailhead. It wasn’t even 10 am and we had already hiked to a mountain summit and had a picnic! 

Scroll the images below to get inspiration for your picnic engagement session or mountain couples session.