Colorado Springs Family Session on Air Force Academy Land
A Snuggly Family Session at the Air Force Academy
Celebrating a milestone with Cassidy, Ryan, and Solomon
Okay, friends, this one was special. Cassidy had just finished her master’s degree (cue the confetti), and instead of a cap-and-gown photoshoot, she wanted something even better: a cozy, joy-filled session with her little family. We made our way onto Air Force Academy land in Colorado Springs (a rare gem of a spot!) to celebrate this huge life moment with snuggles, sunshine, and a whole lotta love.
Now, a little heads-up: the Air Force Academy recently changed their entry rules. You have to have a military ID to access the property now, guest passes are a no-go. Which is a bummer, because this place has so much to offer. But if you’re one of my folks with an ID? Yes, yes, yes, we can totally go here and soak it all up.
A Tiny Old Soul, A Mama’s Joy
Let’s talk about Solomon for a second, this sweet boy was giving “wise old man” energy in the best possible way. His expressions? Everything. From the big-eyed stares to the smirky little grins, this kid gave me every face in the book, and then melted into his mama like only toddlers can. You could feel the bond between them, and it’s exactly the kind of thing I live to document.
We started out by tucking ourselves away in the trees, chasing shade and soft light. There was this beautiful flowering bush that felt like a secret garden moment. Later, as the sun began to dip, we moved into an open meadow, and that’s when the magic happened. Golden light spilled over the mountains like honey, wrapping everything in that dreamy, glowy feel that makes the images look like memories you can touch.
A Bonus Adventure at Hotel Polaris
Cassidy, Ryan, and I actually met at the brand-new Hotel Polaris (which is right outside the Academy gates), and I got to ride in with them. It felt like the beginning of a mini adventure, one of those sessions where you’re not just showing up to take photos, you’re making a little memory together. Even when we had to reschedule, Cassidy took it all in stride with the kind of grace and warmth that made everything flow. Beauty in the making, friends.
Celebrating More Than a Degree
This wasn’t just a family session. It was a celebration of hard work, growth, resilience, and love. It was about honoring not just the milestone Cassidy achieved, but the life and family she’s building along the way. The soft moments, the laughter in the trees, the wind in Solomon’s hair, the way Ryan looked at his wife, this is what it’s all about.
Cassidy, thank you for inviting me in to hold this chapter with you. I’m still smiling thinking about that sunlit meadow and the stories you’ll tell when you look back on these.
