City kids turned homesteaders, Lauren and Nick made this Garden of the Gods engagement session such a blast! It was like I’d known them long before the inquiry email. We talked owning chickens and land, Lauren scaled a rock in heels, and Nick’s love was evident. With March being the snowiest month for Colorado, we weren’t guaranteed any amount of good weather on their short trip here. But we beat the two feet that pounded the front range days later.

High Point Overlook

We started at High Point Overlook where I asked about one of their best days spent together. This is one of my favorite questions in the questionnaire I send my couples after they book. The more I can get to know them, the better experience I will create.
They told me about a ranch in Wyoming that will take you horseback riding, then have cowboys cook you a steak dinner over an open flame. And well, I just need that in my life. I loved hearing about how they got their first egg and how they live surrounded by trees. Lauren brought me into her world of clinicals as a med student, and explained how they found their venue. It’s those in-between moments of conversation I cherish with all my couples.

This part of the park is extremely accessible, with a parking lot just feet away from those majestic views. It can also be quite crowded. If you’d like to explore beyond the top, there are options for taking a couple trails from there.
TIP: BRING AN EXTRA PAIR OF SHOES FOR TOUGH TERRAIN

Ute Trail

We stopped for some street shots at Ute Trail where I’m pretty sure a man in a Subaru thought we’d be giving him a parking spot. However, we just took these gorgeous portraits and then walked all the way back to our cars. In a different lot- ha! We had to be quick with traffic so busy but it was worth it!
One way that I love to get a variety of photos is by prompting movement. Whether it’s walking towards me, walking away and giving me a saucy glance back, or doing a twirl. No movement or couple is ever the same which creates so much candid emotion.

Perkins Central Garden Loop

We ended at the Perkins Central Garden Loop which offered amazing rock formations. There are plenty of scenic locations to take pictures. Even with the temperature dropping and the clouds growing even darker, Nick and Lauren were up for whatever.

Every time I have an engagement session, I find elements nearby to incorporate into ring details. It could be grass, a fence line, leaves, or rocks. I find that it’s the perfect formula for incorporating all the images cohesively for a gorgeous gallery. For this session, I used the top of a fence and some dry grass as foreground to soften the edges. And that ring! Goodness, what a rock.

Outfits

Lauren and Nick absolutely nailed their engagement outfits. Usually 2-3 different combinations work well, varying from more formal to casual. If you’re wanting to dress it up, consider a long and flowing dress in a neutral color with him in a button-up or suit jacket. Those can be paired with jeans or slacks depending on how formal you prefer. I love how Lauren wore a denim dress with white boots to keep it business casual. Her touches of white lent to the overall bridal vibe. Such a cute idea!
Most importantly, staying true to yourselves and sticking to neutrals will be your best bet in achieving a look that is classic and authentic. Don’t feel like you have to go more formal if that’s not who you really are. Pinterest is a great place to gain inspiration for what to wear!

A few things I recommend avoiding are running shoes, neon colors {these can reflect poorly on skin tones}, graphic t-shirts, and excessive patterns. Sometimes a couple patterns can work but usually only if they’re subtle. Don’t forget to select colors that work well with your skin tone! It can make a huge difference.

WORK WITH ME!

If you’re looking for a photographer in the Denver or Colorado area I’d love to connect! I approach wedding photography people-first, and have a deep love for the human story. After being a full-time mom for 14 years, I began my business in 2019, never looking back. I’ve only grown more obsessed with creating galleries that tell stories.
My Wedding Packages -Wedding experiences are offered in three options and range in price to fit a host of needs. Some items included in my top package are high res + web size images, gallery access for 1 year, bridal guide, custom timeline, fine art leather album, and more.
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