Man Braves Four-Hour Road Trip For A Blind Date Photoshoot And A Shot At ‘Happily Ever After’

Would you drive 240 miles for love? This man did

Jesse

• Published in News
• November 4, 2024

Love stories often begin in the most unexpected ways—a coffee shop glance, a mutual friend’s party, or, in the case of Baleigh Richards and Lane Hersha, a blind date photoshoot orchestrated by a photographer with a knack for serendipity. 

Imagine driving four hours, fueled by the thrill of a potential “fairy tale ending” with a complete stranger! Lane’s journey to meet Baleigh, whom he’d never seen or spoken to, wasn’t just a leap of faith—it was a dash toward a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Baleigh, a spirited model from Medford, Oregon, pitched the idea of a “blind date photoshoot” to Traci Hume. The plan was to capture a moment of romance through the lens, even if just for the day. 

Intrigued, Traci scouted for the perfect match, a gentleman who could make this whimsical idea come to life. After many applicants, Traci found Lane, who was willing to make the four-hour drive to meet a girl he’d never seen—all in the hopes of capturing that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Baleigh and Lane’s story didn't start with a candlelit dinner or a chance meeting in a crowded café—it began with a daring drive, a blindfold, and a dream for a happy ending.

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When two strangers meet on a country road, you know something exciting is about to happen

When the blindfolds came off, the spark was instant. “Thank goodness you’re tall,” was Baleigh’s first impression, a playful nod to her own height. 

Baleigh was pretty specific about what she wanted, and as it turned out, Lane checked all the boxes

The shoot started with a bit of nervous laughter, but by the end, any anxiety had melted away, replaced by genuine joy and connection.

With each click of the camera, they grew more comfortable as their laughter filled the quiet countryside where the photoshoot took place. 

There was definitely a hint of nervousness in the air, but the magic kicked in after a few minutes together

Baleigh’s truck and a cozy blanket added to the rustic charm. Under the golden skies and sunlit fields, you could feel the start of something beautiful blossoming. The photoshoot was nothing short of magical. 

A hug that feels like home, set against the golden fields of Oregon.

A forehead kiss because some things don’t need words.

He’s her cowboy, and she’s his wild rose

From intimate embraces to soft smiles, Traci’s photos perfectly captured the essence of their budding connection. 

Their chemistry lit up social media, and viewers were just clamoring for more. It garnered over 1.5 million views on TikTok which led to a legion of fans rooting for their “happily ever after.”

A horseback adventure with a hint of old-fashioned charm—romance in the wild!

Okay, this is just too cute. The chemistry is undeniable!

As the online buzz grew, so did their connection. The duo even enjoyed a date at a country fair, where they tried games, shared laughs, and watched a concert under the stars—another picture-perfect day.

Riding into the sunset, like a scene straight out of a love story.

But as with many stories, real life had other plans. The distance between them and their busy lives eventually steered them toward friendship—but Baleigh and Lane have no regrets. 

Their bond lives on, even if in a different form. They both feel grateful for the magical memories they were able to create together. 

Check out some of the hilarious and heartfelt reactions to the viral blind date shoot.

Move over, dating apps—there’s a fresh new way to find ‘the one’

And really, who can blame them?

Absolutely stunning

They really do!

They’re picture-perfect together

Yes girl, manifest your own fairy-tale ending!

The shippers really went in hard

Take chances on love, but safety first, folks

Baleigh also formed a deep bond with Traci, her trusted photographer, who she says will be there to capture all her future milestones.

While Baleigh and Lane may have set out for a “fairy tale,” they found a different kind of happy ending—one that’s true, unique, and deeply meaningful.

Jesse