Austin and Rachel reached out, and we hopped on a phone call. Somewhere in between chatting about their wedding plans and life in the mountains, it was a pretty quick match. We talked about doing an engagement session, what mattered to them, and what they hoped their photos would convey.

They were initially drawn to my work because of the emotion and candid energy, but what really sealed it was the connection. We got along, and honestly, that initial trust matters more than people realize. It sets the tone for everything that comes after.

A little context: they met in college and now live in Edwards, tucked up in the Colorado mountains. Their wedding day took place at Church Ranch Event Center on a hot summer day. There was color, anticipation, and a lot of happy people. It was one of those days that felt full right from the start.

Why Engagement Sessions Matter (and Why I Include Them)

One of the things I build into my wedding packages is an engagement session, and Austin and Rachel are a really good example of why. It’s part of the whole experience. For me, it’s about taking the pressure off before the wedding day ever shows up.

First, it gives us time to get to know each other beyond a phone call. By the time their engagement session rolled around, we already had a baseline level of comfort. We could talk, joke around, and exist in the same space without it feeling awkward. That matters when you’re asking people to be themselves in front of a camera.

Second, and this is a big one, it gives couples a chance to be photographed without the weight of a wedding timeline hanging over them. You can feel the shift happen, especially with people who start a little unsure (which is most people, despite what Instagram suggests). Once that anticipation is gone, the rest is a lot easier, and usually more fun than expected.

And lastly, they walked away with photos they could use, whether it was for save-the-dates, invites, wedding website, or just photos that captured who they were in that season of life.

By the time their wedding day arrived, Austin and Rachel already knew what it felt like to be in front of my camera. They trusted the process, trusted me, and that allowed them to relax and be fully present, which is when the best photos tend to happen.

A Church Ranch Event Center Wedding That Felt Easy

Austin and Rachel didn’t do a first look, but Austin’s reaction when he saw Rachel for the first time made it 100% worth it. The day was filled with thoughtful details, but their florals were especially beautiful, and they wove in Jewish traditions! Their wedding party was an absolute blast, and they were fully invested on this hot summer day.

Austin and Rachel are just really good humans. Watching how relaxed they were throughout the day was a reminder of why that early connection and an engagement session matter so much. And somewhere between the engagement session and the wedding day, we also became friends, which is still one of my favorite unexpected perks of this job.

Engagement Session FAQ

When should we take our engagement photos?

There’s no single “right” time, but I usually recommend doing engagement photos at least 6-9 months before your wedding. That gives us flexibility with scheduling, better light depending on the season, and time for you to use them for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or just because.

What should we wear for our engagement photos?

The most important thing is that you feel like yourself. Wear something you’re comfortable in, that moves with you and doesn’t need constant adjusting. If you’re second-guessing an outfit, that usually shows up in the photos, so trust what feels right. After booking, ask me about my outfit guide! It’s there to help with color ideas, layering tips, and what usually photographs well.

Do we need to know engagement photo poses?

My work leans more toward storytelling than traditional portraiture. Instead of stiff, staged poses, I’ll guide you with prompts and simple movements that help you interact naturally and forget about the camera for the most part. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or worry about “posing right.” I’ll give direction when it’s helpful, then step back and let the real moments happen.

How can we use our engagement photos?

Engagement photos are more flexible than people think. You can use them for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or invitations if that’s your thing. They’re also great for things like guest books, framed prints at your wedding, or even just updating a few frames at home.

How long will our engagement session last?

It really depends on the type of session and the time of year, but most sessions last about an hour or less.

Where will we take our engagement photos?

I usually photograph in places I already know, or I’ll scout a location ahead of time so there are no surprises. If you don’t have a specific spot in mind, I’ll take that off your plate and find a location that makes sense for you, the light, and the overall vibe. One less decision for you to worry about.

For more info on couples portraits and engagement sessions in Colorado, click here!

Featured Wedding Vendors

Photography | Ritual Haus Creative Studios

Venue | Church Ranch Event Center

Flowers | Jackrabbit Florals

Music | A Music Plus

Live Painter | Olivia Andruss Artistry

Catering | Hippie Chicks Catering