Colorado Springs Photographer Blog
Surprise Proposal + Couples Session at Garden of the Gods
Kyle had been planning for months to propose to Raquel during their Colorado Springs vacation. After six years together, he knew Garden of the Gods, with its timeless red rocks and sweeping mountain views, was where he wanted to ask her to marry him.
Even with rain showers and last-minute pivots, the moment unfolded perfectly. On a quiet overlook, Kyle dropped to one knee and Raquel’s joy lit up the evening. Their session flowed seamlessly from surprise proposal to tender, joy-filled portraits, proof that Garden of the Gods is one of the most romantic places to propose in Colorado.
Kyle knew for months that this trip to Colorado Springs would hold more than sightseeing. After six years with Raquel, he carried not just a ring, but the weight of anticipation, nerves, and love he’d been holding close for so long. He wanted their moment to be private, timeless, and framed by the red rock spires of Garden of the Gods, a place that feels both wild and eternal.
Planning the Surprise
Planning a surprise proposal is an art. Kyle booked a call with me from his truck so Raquel wouldn’t overhear, determined to keep every detail hidden. He didn’t want her to know a photographer was waiting, or even that a proposal was coming. Together, we crafted a plan: detailed maps, timing, and backup options in case Colorado’s unpredictable weather threw us a curve.
Rain, Umbrellas, and Perfect Timing
And of course, it rained. Colorado has been soaked this year, but rain only makes love stories shine brighter. I arrived 45 minutes early, gear covered and a clear umbrella in hand, blending in as though I was photographing the landscape.
When Kyle arrived, his nerves met the storm, and together we adjusted the plan on the fly. Instead of the original spot we had mapped, he chose a quiet overlook, one of my favorite hidden corners of the park.
The Proposal Moment
Raquel never suspected. As they stepped out onto the overlook, Kyle dropped to one knee with the mountains stretching wide behind them. Her joy was instant, her whole face lighting up with tears and laughter, love spilling into the space around them.
When she said yes, relief washed over him, months of planning and secrecy falling away in one exhale. It was raw, tender, and unforgettable.
From Proposal to Couples Session
With the question asked and answered, the evening shifted into celebration. Raquel touched up her makeup and slipped easily into the glow of the moment. Their session afterward was filled with laughter, tight embraces, and stolen glances that said everything words couldn’t.
I love capturing that transition, from the anticipation of a hidden question to the ease of knowing the answer. For Kyle and Raquel, every frame carried joy.
Why I Love This Hidden Spot at Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is filled with iconic formations, but my favorite places are the ones tucked away, quiet corners where couples can share their moment without an audience. This is one of those spots. I use it for proposals, elopements, and family sessions because it’s easy to access yet feels private and secluded. The kind of place where a love story can truly unfold.
Planning Your Own Garden of the Gods Proposal
Whether you’re dreaming of a surprise like Kyle’s or a couples session that turns into a proposal, Garden of the Gods is one of the best places to propose in Colorado Springs. With its dramatic red rocks, sweeping mountain views, and year-round accessibility, it’s as timeless as the love stories it holds.
Want to see more ideas? Check out my full guide to the Best Spots to Propose in Garden of the Gods.
A Complete Guide to Proposing at Garden of the Gods
Kyle and Raquel’s surprise proposal shows just how breathtaking and emotional this park can be. But it’s only one glimpse of what’s possible here. To help you dream and plan your own, I’ve written a full guide to the Best Spots to Propose in Garden of the Gods. Whether you’re looking for a hidden, private overlook or one of the park’s most iconic red rock formations, the guide covers timing, logistics, and everything you need to create your own unforgettable yes.
Garden of the Gods is one of the most romantic places in Colorado to propose, and having a local proposal photographer means you can relax knowing the details, the light, and the moment itself are all taken care of.
If you’re ready to plan your proposal at Garden of the Gods, I’d love to guide you through it and capture the joy when your partner says yes.
Romantic Couples Session & Proposal at Garden of the Gods
Cade and Nicky’s couples session at Garden of the Gods held a beautiful surprise, a proposal on a quiet overlook just as the red rocks lit up at golden hour. What began as laughter in the rain turned into tears of joy and a heartfelt yes.
This post shares their full story: how Cade planned the perfect moment, why Garden of the Gods is one of the most romantic places to propose in Colorado Springs, and how a couples session can make a proposal even more meaningful.
If you’ve been wondering how to propose at Garden of the Gods or searching for the right proposal photographer in Colorado Springs, Cade and Nicky’s story shows you exactly how magical it can be. Their golden hour couples session turned into a surprise proposal on a quiet overlook, with the red rocks glowing and Pikes Peak stretching across the horizon. Garden of the Gods is one of the most breathtaking places in Colorado to propose, a mix of adventure, romance, and unforgettable views, and this evening captured it all.
Cade & Nicky’s Love Story in the Garden
Cade is a cowboy in Texas, the real deal. Pearl snap shirt, cowboy boots, and hat, with a heart as steady as his work. Nicky is a hairstylist and artist with effortless beauty and sweet tattoos that tell pieces of her story. Together, their love feels grounded and wild all at once.
They planned a couples session at Garden of the Gods, but Cade had more in mind, something unforgettable.
Golden Hour in a Hidden Gem
We started in one of my favorite spots in the park, easy to get to, quiet, and tucked away from the crowds. The timing couldn’t have been better. The day had started with rain, and during the session, it sprinkled just enough for Cade and Nicky to cozy under a blanket I brought. Those in-between moments, laughter in the rain, faces pressed close, hands wrapped tight, became some of my favorite images.
As the sun broke through the clouds, the entire space lit up in gold. Garden of the Gods does this magic trick sometimes: the rocks glow, the sky turns honey-pink, and everything feels suspended in time.
The Proposal Moment
Cade took his time, letting the session flow naturally. We walked, we laughed, we captured their love as the light deepened. On the way to our final spot, I gave him a gentle nudge, a reminder that the time was right. He waited just a little longer, holding the moment close, until we reached a rocky cliff overlooking the range. There, with the mountains stretched out behind them and the sky glowing gold, Cade pulled out the ring.
Nicky’s reaction was pure joy. Her hands flew to her face, her smile widened into tears, and in that instant, Garden of the Gods witnessed another love story etched into its stone. She said yes, and the whole park seemed to echo it back.
Celebrating with Photos
After the proposal, we captured the electric joy in the air, Nicky showing off her ring against the backdrop of red rocks, her tattoos catching the light, Cade beaming beside her. I tucked her ring into the surrounding nature for a few detail shots, a tradition my clients love. Those images feel like talismans, tying love to the land.
Why a Couples Session Proposal is Worth Considering
I’ve photographed both full surprise proposals and sessions like Cade and Nicky’s, a couples shoot that transforms into a proposal. Each has its own magic.
With a surprise proposal, you get the raw shock and unfiltered emotion.
With a session-turned-proposal, you also ensure you’re both dressed in a way that feels true to your style. You already have beautiful photos leading up to the big moment, and the surprise still lands just as powerfully.
For Cade and Nicky, it was the perfect balance: genuine surprise paired with the chance to look and feel their best.
Planning Your Garden of the Gods Proposal
Garden of the Gods is one of the best places to propose in Colorado Springs, and having a local photographer who knows the light, the crowds, and the hidden gems can make all the difference. From scouting quiet spots to helping with timing, I love guiding couples through this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
More Ideas for Your Garden of the Gods Proposal
If you’re dreaming about proposing in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods offers so many ways to make it your own. Cade and Nicky’s story is just one example of how magical it can be. If you’d like to explore even more, I’ve created a full guide to the Best Spots to Propose in Garden of the Gods. From iconic landmarks to hidden overlooks, it’s filled with timing tips, insider advice, and inspiration for planning a proposal that feels as true and unforgettable as your love.
Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful places to propose in Colorado Springs, whether you’re planning a surprise or weaving it into a couples session like Cade and Nicky did. Having a local proposal photographer by your side means you can relax into the moment, knowing the light, the location, and every reaction will be captured in a way that feels true to your love.
If you’re dreaming of your own proposal at Garden of the Gods, I’d love to help you plan and photograph it.
Colorado Engagement Photographer at Lake George
Two months before their wedding, Aili and Austin celebrated their love with an engagement session at Lake George, a spot that offered both intimacy and wide-open Colorado mountain views. The light fell golden across pale stone, wildflowers filled the meadows, and their laughter carried through it all.
This post shares their story, why engagement sessions matter, and why Lake George is one of the best Colorado engagement photo locations. From laughter to legacy, these photos capture a chapter that makes the wedding day even more meaningful.
If you’re searching for a Colorado engagement photographer, you’re probably also wondering where to take your photos. Colorado is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, but when it comes to mountain engagement photos, Lake George is one of my favorite places. With its soft-colored rocks, wide meadows, and wildflowers that surprise you in bloom, it’s a location that holds both intimacy and grandeur in the same breath.
That’s what made it perfect for Aili and Austin’s engagement session.
Aili & Austin’s Engagement Session at Lake George
We had originally planned this session earlier in the season, but Colorado weather asked us to pivot. Between travel schedules and storms, we finally landed on a date about two months before their wedding day. And honestly? The timing couldn’t have been better.
Aili’s warmth came through instantly, sweet, giggly, light spilling out of her laughter. Austin matched her with a grounded steadiness, intuitive and gentle, the kind of presence that lets love feel easy. Together, they were effortless.
As we explored Lake George, the landscape gave us everything we could have asked for, golden light across pale stone, bursts of flowers tucked in the meadows, and that wide-open Colorado sky. These two seemed to melt into the place, their love echoing what the land already held: steady, vibrant, true.
Why Engagement Photos Matter Before the Wedding
Every wedding package I offer includes a full engagement session (an $800 value), and I’ll never stop believing in its importance.
These sessions aren’t just about adding more photos to your gallery, they’re about building a foundation.
You get to relax in front of the camera.
You learn how I work, so nothing feels new or overwhelming on the wedding day.
I get to know your rhythm together, when you lean in, when you laugh, when you pause.
We build trust so that, when I show up on your wedding day, you already know I’ll catch the real stuff.
By the time Aili and Austin’s wedding arrives, they’ll have this gallery in hand, a reminder of how their love feels before all the formalities, and a warm-up that will make their wedding photos even more natural.
From Engagement to Wedding Day
In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be photographing Aili and Austin’s wedding at Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center in Palmer Lake, the same venue where I captured another beautiful wedding last year (you can see that blog post here). In fact, it was that blog that first brought them to me.
That’s the magic of telling these stories. They don’t just live in my archives, they live in the way one couple’s love leads another to find the right photographer for theirs.
Colorado Engagement Photo Locations
If you’re planning engagement photos in Colorado, here’s why Lake George is one of my favorite spots:
Scenery that shifts with the light, soft rocks, golden meadows, alpine tones.
Seasonal beauty, bursts of wildflowers in summer, warm tones in fall.
Accessible, stunning views without strenuous hikes.
Space to breathe, a setting where couples can simply be together.
It’s the kind of location that doesn’t compete with your story, it lifts it up.
Aili and Austin’s engagement session was more than just a box to check before their wedding. It was a chance to pause, to celebrate this fleeting season before the vows, and to let their love unfold against the backdrop of the mountains.
If you’re searching for the best Colorado engagement photographer, know this: engagement photos aren’t just another step in the process. They’re part of your legacy — the chapter before the big day, the reminder of how it all felt before you said “I do.”
Cottonwood Pass Couples Session in Buena Vista, Colorado
High on the Continental Divide, Cottonwood Pass is one of Colorado’s most breathtaking places to take photos, and the best part is, you don’t need a permit to capture its beauty. With sweeping views of the Sawatch Range, it’s a place where awe and intimacy live side by side.
For Dan and Emma, this session was about more than photos. It was about chasing the light together, standing steady in the wind, and soaking in a landscape they’ve dreamed of calling home. In this post, I share their story, why Cottonwood Pass makes for an unforgettable couples session, and tips for planning your own Buena Vista photography experience.
Cottonwood Pass Couples Session with Dan & Emma
If you’ve ever wondered, can you take photos on top of Cottonwood Pass? The answer is yes, and it’s every bit as breathtaking as you’d imagine. Sitting high in the Sawatch Range on the Continental Divide, Cottonwood Pass offers sweeping views in every direction. Drive to the summit in summer or fall, step out of your car, and you’re surrounded by ridgelines that stretch into forever. And the best part? You don’t need a permit to photograph here.
This is where I met Dan and Emma, and it became one of my favorite sessions of the entire year.
Soaking Up Colorado
Dan was the one who booked the session, something I’ve seen more this year than ever before, men reaching out to create something meaningful with their partners. He and Emma are runners, hikers, and proud parents of quirky cats. They’d just moved to Colorado, knowing their time here might be temporary, but determined to soak up every bit of beauty it had to offer.
For them, photos weren’t about standing still and smiling. They wanted to feel the genuine connection between them, and to have the mountains wrap them in.
From Loveland Pass to Cottonwood Pass
Originally, we planned for Loveland Pass. But Colorado had other ideas. Seasonal closures and a rockslide meant we needed a new plan. Cottonwood Pass quickly rose to the top of the list, and once we arrived, it felt like fate.
I drove up early to scout, tracing the curves of the road from Buena Vista to the summit. I stopped at overlooks, noticing how the light fell, imagining where Dan and Emma might stand, where the wind might catch Emma’s hair, where the sun might skim the peaks. By the time I reached the top, I had a map in my mind of how we’d chase the light together.
On the way down, I crossed paths with two thru-hikers, fresh off the The Collegiate Loop. They needed a ride into town, so I gave them one. A small reminder of what I love about these mountains: everyone is on a journey, and sometimes those paths intersect for just a moment.
Chasing Light Up the Pass
When Dan and Emma arrived, they followed me back up the mountain. We stopped along the way, unhurried, letting the evening guide us. Meadows opened wide, tree lines gave way to ridgelines, and the light kept shifting, softer, deeper, golden.
By the time we reached the summit, we were standing on the Continental Divide, with views spilling to the east and the west. The air was thin, the sky stretched wide, and it felt as if time had slowed just for them.
Becoming Part of the Landscape
What I loved most was how naturally Dan and Emma fit into the space. They didn’t just pose against the mountains, they moved with them. Runners at heart, hikers in their souls, they carried the rhythm of the trail into the session. Their laughter echoed across the pass, their quiet moments settled into the stillness, and the vastness of the landscape only made their closeness more striking.
It’s sessions like this that remind me: these humans aren’t just in the frame, they are the art.
Why Cottonwood Pass is Worth It
If you’re dreaming of a location that feels both epic and accessible, Cottonwood Pass is one to keep close.
Drive-up access, no long hike required.
360° views, panoramas of the Sawatch Range in every direction.
Seasonal beauty, open mid-July through mid-October.
No photography permit required (see official info).
Diverse scenery, alpine lakes, meadows, rocky overlooks, and the open sky of the Divide.
It’s one of those rare places where awe and intimacy exist side by side.
Dan and Emma’s session was more than just an evening with my camera. It was a reminder of how much beauty there is to hold when we’re willing to pivot, to chase the light, to let the land guide us.
Cottonwood Pass gave them, and me, a chance to breathe deeply, to stand still in the vastness, and to see connection in its truest form.
If you’re dreaming of a Cottonwood Pass couples session, know that it’s waiting. The mountains will welcome you, the light will shift just for you, and your story will find its place here.
Rocky Mountain National Park Proposal Photographer
Sarah and Kenji traveled from Texas to Estes Park for a romantic mountain getaway, and a photo session to remember it by. What they didn’t expect was that their couples session would turn into a surprise proposal at Sprague Lake in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. With the original plan at Brainard Lake no longer an option due to seasonal closures, we quickly pivoted to one of my favorite hidden gems in RMNP, and it turned out to be the perfect backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
This blog shares the full story of their spontaneous engagement, why Sprague Lake is such an ideal proposal spot, and how I help couples, especially those visiting from out of state, plan unforgettable photo experiences in the Colorado mountains. If you’re dreaming of popping the question during your vacation in Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park, this one’s for you.
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.
Why an Engagement Session with Your Wedding Photographer Matters
When a couple reaches out to me to book me for their wedding, the first thing on my mind is, when can we meet? It is important for you to get to know your wedding photographer and you can do that by booking an engagement session with them too and that is just what Caroline and Tommy did. Your wedding photographer is spending quite a bit of time with you on your wedding day, it makes sense to make sure you vibe together well. An engagement session (along with pre-wedding meetings) helps create a feeling of trust with your photographer and them with you.
For Tommy and Caroline, including Caroline’s son, Gabe, in their engagement session was something that meant a lot to both of them. I get questions from clients often who book an engagement session asking if their children can join. My answer will always be yes! My own family is a blended family so I truly understand the feelings surrounding not leaving anyone out. Sometimes I hear worries of it being more of a family session and less of a celebration of your love. Please don’t worry about that part. It is easy to create space and time for your engagement photos as well as document the love you have for your whole family during our time together. I got you!
When a couple reaches out to me to book me for their wedding, the first thing on my mind is, when can we meet? It is important for you to get to know your wedding photographer and you can do that by booking an engagement session with them too and that is just what Caroline and Tommy did. Your wedding photographer is spending quite a bit of time with you on your wedding day, it makes sense to make sure you vibe together well. An engagement session (along with pre wedding meetings) helps create a feeling of trust with your photographer and them with you.
For Tommy and Caroline, including Caroline’s son, Gabe, in their engagement session was something that meant a lot to the both of them. I get questions from clients often who book an engagement session asking if their children can join. My answer will always be yes! My own family is a blended family so I truly understand the feelings surrounding not leaving anyone out. Sometimes I hear worries of it being more of a family session and less of a celebration of your love. Please don’t worry about that part. It is easy to create space and time for your engagement photos as well as document the love you have for your whole family during our time together. I got you!
Tommy and Caroline, I get to hang out with you in just a few days to document your wedding day and I cannot be more excited. I thought it would be fitting to finally get this blog post and slideshow up for you to take in. See how beautiful you are, Caroline? I do. I see the love that both Tommy and Gabe have for you and it’s pretty damn good. See you soon?
Planning your wedding and looking for an engagement photographer? I would love to connect and see how I can help create memories with you and your love! From planning the session clothing to the location and everything in between, I am here to help. I wanna hang!
