Rainy Crystal Creek Reservoir Elopement on Pikes Peak

Zoie and Alex came to Colorado from Missouri to get married on the side of a mountain, with their people, their playlists, and a whole lot of heart.

They had a permit in hand and a plan in mind… an outdoor elopement at Crystal Creek Reservoir, just off the Pikes Peak Highway near Colorado Springs. The lake behind them, clouds overhead, and everyone they love standing close. Sounds like the perfect day, right?

Then, Colorado did what it does best, and gave us some turbulence on our afternoon plans.

A Day That Didn't Go to Plan

The rain rolled in early, quiet and steady at first, and then harder. By the time we were all gathering at the reservoir, it was hailing. Thunder, cold wind, a total shift in what the day was supposed to be.

We tucked into the tiny gift shop to regroup. The kind of space that smells like postcards and sunscreen, filled with strangers trying to find dry places to stand.

Zoie and Alex stayed calm. No panic. No drama. Just patience.

We were going over plan B’s and C’s and at one point the shop manager said, “You can do it in here if you need to, we’ll close down.” Oh heck no. I wasn’t going to let them get married in a gift shop when we had the entire beautiy of Pikes Peak around us. We waited. We all know how Colorado can roll. Weather moves, quickly.

Making Space for What the Day Wanted

While we waited, I pulled them aside for a few photos, just the two of them. Zoie wore a locket with her father’s ashes around her neck, and Alex looked at her like she was the only person in the world. Jeezer, friends. What a love.

We found a quiet rhythm there, just for a moment. In the middle of the chaos, the rain, the uncertainty of what might unfold, they had that calm.

Eventually, the storm eased up. Not gone, but gentler. Enough that we could step outside and make our way down to the water. The chairs stayed in the vehicles that brought them, with the ground too wet to use. No one minded. Everyone just stood close and showed up. Each person fiding their spot on the shore, Pikes Peak large and snow-capped in front of them.

The Ceremony

Their friend married them by the edge of Crystal Creek Reservoir, with the mountains quiet in the distance and clouds hanging low.

No aisle. No arch. Just love and soft rain, and people pulled in close.

Zoie and Alex wore custom Chucks. Their crew was tattooed, wild, and joyful, a chosen family kind of crowd. The kind that shows up big, supports loud, and loves hard. The kind of group you’d want behind you in any kind of weather.

What the Storm Gave Us

This spot is usually a hard one for light, too harsh during the day, too backlit from the west. But that storm? It gave us cloud cover. Texture. Soft light. Color. Mood.

What was supposed to be a sunny mountain wedding turned into something deeper. More honest. The kind of day you remember not because it was perfect, but because everyone rolled with the imperfection and leaned on each other to find that silver lining.

If you’re planning an elopement in Colorado Springs, or looking at Pikes Peak wedding locations, this is one of those spots that can be as moody as it is magical.

Not every elopement goes to plan. But some of them become more than you expected.

Zoie and Alex didn’t get the weather they were hoping for. But they got something better: intimacy, presence, and a reminder that sometimes love shows up strongest when nothing else is going right.

If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels like you, no matter what the forecast says, I'm here for it. Let's plan something real, wild, and fully yours.

Romantic Sunset Couples Session in Lake George CO

A Sweet Sunset Session for Ivie and Nick

When Nick's mom first reached out to book this session, I could already feel how loved these two were. Ivie and Nick are young, fresh into their college years, but the commitment and tenderness between them runs deep. Nick is currently attending West Point in New York, and when he was accepted, his family relocated to Colorado Springs. Ivie, choosing love and a leap of faith, moved with them. She's now living with his family and attending college here, which says so much about the trust and connection they've built, not just with each other, but across their families, too.

There’s something so special about photographing couples at the very beginning of their story. Everything feels fresh, tender, and full of possibility. This wasn’t just a milestone session, it was a love letter to who they are right now, and to everything they’re building together. And that’s something I feel so honored to witness.

Escaping the Storms for Mountain Calm

We chose Lake George for their session, tucked about an hour and a half up into the mountains from Colorado Springs. While the city had been drowning in one of the rainiest stretches I’ve ever seen, we managed to slip away from it, trading grey skies for glowing light and stillness. That escape felt like a gift. The air was clear and cool. The lake shimmered just enough. The mountains stood tall behind them like quiet witnesses.

Ivie had asked for water and mountains, and Lake George gave us both, with wide open space to run and play, soft fields that caught the light just right, and the kind of hush that makes it easy to sink into each other. It’s one of my favorite places for a reason.

Mountains, Wildflowers, and a First-Time Dip

Ivie wore cream and soft tones, grounded with an earthy wildflower crown she found on Etsy, a delicate touch that felt both whimsical and grounded, perfect for the open fields and lake views. (If you're looking for a similar crown for your own session, here’s one I love on Etsy.)

One of my favorite moments from the session was when I asked Nick to dip her. He laughed and said he never had before, so I walked him through it, step by step. And there, in the field with the mountains glowing behind them, he dipped her for the very first time. The way Ivie beamed, it was pure magic. That single moment, caught forever in golden light, felt like a promise, a beginning, a little piece of joy they’ll carry with them.

Sessions like these are a reminder of how sweet young love can be when it’s given the space to grow, supported and held by the people around it. I can’t wait to photograph them again someday, maybe for a milestone, maybe just because. Whatever it is, I know it’ll be full of heart.

Planning a Session at Lake George?

It’s one of my favorite locations for a reason, mountain views, open space, and gorgeous light almost every time. If you’re dreaming of a golden-hour session in the mountains, I’d love to help bring it to life.

Rocky Mountain National Park Proposal Photographer

A Surprise Proposal in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sarah and Kenji came all the way from Texas for a vacation in Estes Park, dreaming of the wild beauty only Rocky Mountain National Park can offer, and maybe just a few romantic photos to remember it by. What unfolded instead was a surprise proposal at Sprague Lake that none of us will ever forget. As a Colorado photographer who knows these trails like old friends, I helped guide them through a last-minute location pivot and witnessed one of the most heartfelt moments I’ve ever photographed. ✨

Sarah booked a session with me for their trip to Estes Park, dreamy Rocky Mountain vibes, romantic forest paths, snow-kissed peaks. Originally, we were aiming for Brainard Lake, one of my favorite tucked-away spots, but June in Colorado can still hold surprises of its own. When I scouted the area the day before, the gate was still locked. So we pivoted. Lucky for all of us, I’d been photographing a wedding the day before in Rocky Mountain National Park and had just spent time at Sprague Lake. I sent them some photos of the spot… and it was an immediate yes. So on June 11, we met at Sprague, not knowing just how special this evening would become.

Planning Around Nature’s Curveballs

Mountain sessions always come with a little “choose your own adventure” energy. But one of the biggest gifts I bring to the table is that I know these spots, where to go when Plan A is iced over, how to adjust when the weather turns or the gates don’t open. I’m always scouting, always watching light, always tuning in.

For Sarah and Kenji, that flexibility turned into a blessing. Sprague Lake gave us peaceful trails, reflections on still water, views that stretched and shimmered. And it gave Kenji a quiet pocket to pull me aside, whispering that he had a ring burning a hole in his pocket and he was ready to propose.

Vacationing in Estes Park? Let’s Make It Magical

Sarah had no idea. Like, no idea. She even packed an outfit change and thought nothing of it. I’d only spoken with Kenji briefly during our video consult (yes, all my couples get one so we can vibe and prep!) but hadn’t had a moment alone with him until he grabbed me in the parking lot, heart pounding. While she was adjusting, we quickly made a game plan. I helped him pick the perfect spot, tucked just far enough into the trees with that iconic lake view behind them.

When it happened… whew. The surprise on her face. The tears. The laughter. The YES. It was raw and real and filled with all that big love energy that makes my job the best in the world.

Why Sprague Lake is Perfect for a Proposal

Want to know why this spot worked so beautifully? Here's what you need to know:

• No wedding permit required for photo sessions

• Easy trail loop = accessibility without sacrificing views

• Dreamy sunset light with water reflections + epic mountain views

• Close to Estes Park, so perfect for vacationers

• Bonus: it’s quiet, romantic, and feels tucked away

If you're planning a surprise proposal or engagement session in Colorado and don't know where to start, I’ve got you. This isn't just point-and-shoot photography. This is location scouting, timeline planning, emotional support, and storytelling.

Helping You Plan a Mountain Engagement Story

Here’s the thing about Rocky Mountain proposals: they’re intimate, personal, and yes, a little unpredictable. But when you’ve got someone by your side who knows the land, the light, and how to navigate the chaos with calm, the experience becomes unforgettable in the best way.

I help you choose the perfect spot. I guide you through the process. I capture the look on their face when they realize what’s happening. And I hold space for whatever unfolds after. Whether you’re dreaming of a surprise like Kenji’s or planning a mountaintop elopement with all the logistics dialed in, I’ve got your back.

Ready to Pop the Question in Colorado?

You don’t need to know every detail. You just need to know you love them, and you want the moment to feel like you. I’ll take care of the rest, from the permits (or lack thereof), to the Plan Bs, to the slow breath you take right before you drop to one knee.

Let’s create something wildly beautiful together.

Heartfelt Colorado Wedding at Pinecrest Weddings

Some love stories are so beautifully woven together that you can’t help but be in awe of the journey that brought two people to their wedding day. Jess and Philip’s story is one of those, filled with adventure, faith, and a deep-rooted love that spanned continents before bringing them together at Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center in Palmer Lake, Colorado, for a breathtaking December wedding.

A Love Story That Crossed Continents

Jess and Philip’s love story wasn’t born from swiping right or casual meet-ups, it was something far more intentional. Their families had known each other, and in a world where love can sometimes feel fleeting, their story was anything but. When the time was right, Philip traveled all the way to Turkey just to meet Jess for their very first date. Imagine that, flying across the world just for a chance to see if there was something real between them. Spoiler: there absolutely was.

What followed was a long-distance relationship that tested their patience, strengthened their faith, and solidified their commitment to each other. They spent months navigating time zones, airport goodbyes, and the longing that comes with being so far apart. But in the end, they knew there was no distance too great for a love like theirs.

A Cozy December Wedding in the Mountains

There’s something magical about a winter wedding, especially one held just days before Christmas. Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center provided the perfect setting, rustic yet elegant, tucked away in the foothills, surrounded by towering pines and mountain views that stretched for miles.

The day started with a quiet stillness in the air, the kind that only a crisp winter morning can bring. Jess and Philip’s first look was one of my favorite moments of the entire day. It was just the two of them, away from the noise, standing in a peaceful embrace. No words were needed, just the way they looked at each other said everything.

Their ceremony was filled with the most beautiful touches, a heartfelt exchange of vows, scripture readings that spoke of love and commitment, and everyone singing together as one. With family and friends gathered from all over the country, and even across the world, it felt like a true reflection of their journey. Every moment was rich with meaning, every glance filled with the weight of knowing this was the beginning of forever.

Horses, Sunsets, and the Most Breathtaking Couples Photos

After the ceremony, we stepped outside for couples portraits that could have been straight out of a storybook. One of the most unique parts of this location? The pasture we passed on our way to our intended location was filled with horses. We couldn’t help but stop. It added such an unexpected touch of rustic charm to their wedding day (and gallery). The horses wandered in the background as Jess and Philip held each other close, soaking in the quiet moments after saying "I do."

As golden hour approached, I made our way to a nearby scenic overlook, and let me tell you, the sunset did NOT disappoint. The sky lit up in the most incredible shades of orange and yellow as the sun dipped behind the mountains. They stood hand in hand, watching the last light of the day fade into the horizon, and I couldn’t help but think how perfectly that moment reflected their journey, waiting, trusting, and then stepping into something beautifully unknown.

A Celebration Filled With Love and Dance Moves

Once we returned to the venue, the reception was in full swing. The warmth inside was a beautiful contrast to the crisp winter air outside, and the love in the room was palpable. Guests gathered around tables, sharing laughter, heartfelt toasts, and stories of the couple’s journey.

But when the dancing started? Oh. My. Gosh. Jess’ dad and brother stole the show! Their dance moves had everyone on their feet, cheering and clapping along, and before long, the entire room was alive with celebration. It was the perfect mix of heartfelt and lively, a true reflection of who Jess and Philip are.

As the night came to a close, I looked around at all the love surrounding them and knew this wasn’t just a wedding, it was a homecoming. Two hearts, once separated by an ocean, now standing side by side, beginning the next chapter of their story together.

Capturing Your Colorado Wedding Story

Being part of Jess and Philip’s wedding was an absolute honor. From the stunning scenery to the deep-rooted love they share, every moment was a reminder of why I do what I do.

If you're planning a Colorado Springs wedding or a Colorado mountain wedding, I’d love to be there to document your day in a way that feels true to you. From helping you find the perfect location to capturing those quiet, intimate moments, I’m here to make sure your wedding day is everything you dreamed it would be.

Let’s chat about your wedding! Reach out today and let’s create something beautiful together.

The Fruits of a Long Marriage: A Heartfelt Session

Where to begin? Dana and Tom, this is what 30 years together looks like, friends. Take a moment and soak it all in. Thirty years of laughter, all-nighters, frustration, blissful times, sad times, downright hellish times. I am sure that you two have seen it all with so much tread worn in your journey. When you connect so deeply that you don’t know how else to feel or think. What a world to live in. A world where you are each other’s anchor. Rooted in the ground so firmly that nothing can disturb the solid foundation.

Maybe those are just wild dreams? What if love isn’t any of that? What if love is simply the choice to keep choosing each day to do what moves you. To keep with the vibe until the vibe isn’t what you want anymore? I know that people say that relationships are hard. Damn fact, friends.

These two have it figured out and being so, they have a lifetime of memories between them to share. I invited Dana and Tom to bring along with them tokens of their 30-year marriage to remember all of the choices they made and keep on making with each other. I love this part of our time together. Going through all the beautiful and important items you’ve brought along. Their daughter, Kayla brought along a sweet surprise. She had collected letters from those close to her parents that share stories about how Dana and Tom influenced their own relationships and lives. I’m not crying. You're crying. Okay, Kayla, Dana, and Tom are crying. It was pretty damn beautiful and I appreciate the vulnerability they had sharing that moment with me.