Your engaged era is an adventure in itself filled with excitement, anticipation, and celebration. Capturing this once-in-a-lifetime period is what makes engagement photos so special. Every chapter in your love story deserves to be cherished and documented, extending beyond the wedding day itself. So, when Adam reached out to plan his and Jaimee’s winter engagement photo shoot in the mountains, my heart leapt with joy.
In this blog, I’ll dive into Jamiee + Adam’s winter engagement shoot at Mayflower Gulch and share the beautiful moments we captured. Along the way, I’ll also offer tips and advice on planning your own winter engagement photo shoot, ensuring it’s a magical, safe, and stress-free experience.
Let’s rewind a bit for a little backstory. Adam initially contacted me to capture his proposal to Jaimee, and we began planning their session in secret. Originally, we planned to choose a mountain location, with Loveland Pass / Pass Lake as a potential spot. However, Adam and Jaimee took a trip to the English countryside before our session, and Adam decided to seize the moment and propose there. I mean, can you blame him? Imagine strolling through the serene English countryside with an engagement ring burning a hole in your pocket. When you feel the timing is right, trust yourself.
With Adam’s proposal occurring earlier than planned, he spilled the secret to Jaimee, allowing me the ultimate joy of planning an engagement photo shoot with both of them. As their session date approached, we faced an increased avalanche risk at our initial location, prompting us to explore alternative options. We considered Mt. Falcon West, but, after sharing a few galleries, it didn’t quite resonate with Jaimee + Adam. And I firmly believe that the location for your engagement photos should feel like a perfect match.
Their collaborative spirit, invaluable feedback, and specific preferences made all the difference in our planning. They expressed a desire for upward mountain views, steering away from expansive vistas overlooking the mountains. When couples can articulate their preferences so clearly, it tremendously aids the planning process. With their guidance, I proposed Lake Dillon, Officers Gulch, and Mayflower Gulch. In the end, they chose the breathtaking mountain-peak views at Mayflower Gulch.
Nestled close to Copper Mountain and Breckenridge, Mayflower Gulch offers a breathtaking escape only about 1.5 hours from Denver. Access is a breeze with easy parking, and the trail welcomes you with a gentle elevation gain over a comfortable three-mile round-trip hike. But what sets Mayflower Gulch apart isn’t just its accessibility; it’s the fact that you get phenomenal views and a quaint mining ghost town, along with a stunning tree-lined hike.
As you hike along the Mayflower Gulch Trail, the landscape unfolds, revealing a shockingly gorgeous basin. The expansive gulch offers panoramic views along the ridge line—a perfect backdrop for your engagement photos or portrait session. It’s no wonder Adam and Jaimee chose this location.
The day of Jaimee + Adam’s engagement shoot presented us with a fresh, crisp chill in the air and knee-to-thigh-deep snow beyond the bounds of the well-traversed trail. Anticipating these conditions, I suggested to Jaimee + Adam that they invest in YakTrax, crampons, or microspikes, ensuring we had the extra traction needed for a safe and enjoyable session.
The trail we traversed was a winter wonderland, flanked on both sides by mature evergreens. The uphill trek into the expansive mountain views not only offered a gorgeous setting but also warmed us up, making the journey as delightful as the destination. Additionally, the naturally shaded gulch offered soft and flattering light throughout the entire session – truly a photographer’s dream.
Adam + Jaimee came to Colorado to enjoy a stay in Vail, with an itinerary packed full of exciting activities. From skiing adventures to snowmobile excursions, they truly embraced turning their Colorado vacation into an action-packed venture, complete with stunning winter engagement photos to cherish.
Since Jaimee was in on the surprise, I had the pleasure of discussing my style guide with both of them and offering advice on what to wear for their winter engagement photos. Jaimee raved about my style guide, emphasizing how helpful it was in selecting their outfits. They nailed their aesthetic, opting for cozy warm flannels with tones of blue that beautifully complemented the winter landscape—picture-perfect without being overly matchy!
During their engagement photo shoot, we completed the three-mile round-trip hike, adding to the overall sense of adventure. The trail was breathtaking, surrounded by towering snow-covered evergreens, which made for the perfect backdrop to capture photos during breaks in our trek.
What added an extra special touch to the experience was Jaimee + Adam’s specific idea for the hike’s summit. They brought along hot coffee and two mugs, creating a cozy setup once we reached the clearing at the top. Seeing them enjoy their warm beverages was adorable, infusing the entire moment with cozy vibes.
Booking a winter engagement or proposal session is an exciting and unique choice, but it comes with its unique considerations. Here’s what you should know to make the most of your snowy adventure:
Winter photo sessions call for added flexibility. Changes in location or date might become necessary due to factors like avalanche risk, road closures due to winter storms, or dangerously low windchills. Prioritizing safety is key for everyone involved and something I fully embrace.
When it comes to footwear, good choices are crucial for a fun and comfortable session. Yak Trax, crampons, or microspikes provide additional traction, ensuring stability on ice and snow-covered terrain.
Dressing warmly is a must. Nude-colored fleece leggings can be an excellent option for those who want to wear a skirt or dress without succumbing to the cold. Choosing a quality base layer can also provide warmth without compromising the aesthetics of your outfit. And don’t forget the magic of hand warmers—they’re always a gem to keep you cozy throughout your session.
Winter engagement photos are about creating beautiful memories, and, with a little preparation, you can make the most of this magical season.
Adding an activity to your engagement session is a wonderful idea. It allows you to get comfortable, relax, and truly enjoy the moment, with the presence of cameras gradually fading into the background. For couples considering an activity, I recommend opting for a 2-hour session to ensure a relaxed and stress-free experience.
There are numerous fantastic activities you can incorporate into your winter engagement photos or portrait session. Consider options like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. You might also embrace the warmth of a campfire while indulging in s’mores, take a scenic hike with a comforting cup of joe, or spend quality time in a cozy Airbnb preparing dinner together. Whatever sparks excitement for you as a couple, make it a part of your engagement photos—it’s all about capturing your unique connection.
To see some of my favorite Colorado Airbnbs, check out my blog post below.
Jaimee, Adam, and I had such a great time on our hike during their 2-hour engagement photo shoot. They both commented on how much they enjoyed the full engagement session experience, appreciating the time to relax, have fun, and capture it all. Plus, the hike itself was nothing short of gorgeous.
Embarking on this journey with Jaimee and Adam, from the initial planning to the breathtaking mountain hike, was an absolute joy. Exploring the winter wonderland together not only added a memorable experience to their Colorado vacation but also resulted in capturing some truly stunning engagement photos—moments they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
If you’re engaged or considering a proposal and want to document this special chapter of your love story, I’d be overjoyed to be part of your journey. With location recommendations, a style guide, and permit assistance, I’m dedicated to making this experience memorable and authentic. Every step of the way, I’ll be there to ensure your engagement session is as unique and beautiful as your love story. When you’re ready, reach out and let’s create something extraordinary together.
Celebrate as your truest self!
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