As a Denver wedding photographer, shooting engagement sessions is also something I (with Anya) frequently do. And this time, it was my good friend John’s engagement — literally just minutes after he had proposed to his now-fiance Erin at St. Catherine of Siena Parish just off Federal Boulevard in Denver.
John moved two years ago from Denver to Boston to begin a mission trip with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology just months after joining the Catholic Church. I met him while he was studying and discerning in preparation for his first communion and Catholic confirmation.
It was in Boston that Erin and John met at a Bible study — she doing social work and he working with the university’s Catholic students to create a community on campus. They returned to Denver for a friend’s wedding the weekend of Feb. 9 and went to St. Catherine of Siena for an hour of adoration prayer.
And that’s where our mutual friend Brian came in. Brian — knowing in advance John’s intentions to propose — called me to see if I could take pictures of them both that day. We arranged to be there at 5 p.m., just after the end of the prayer hour. Brian provided champagne and worked ahead of time to ensure John and Erin had the chapel alone for prayer — and, eventually, the proposal.
She, of course, said yes. Our time was unfortunately short and the cold winter meant the light faded fast. But after a quick session in front of the church and inside the chapel, we caught up in the church’s cafeteria. Both John and Erin were a delight to work with, so natural and relaxed in showing their love for one another.
Anya and I wish them the best of luck as they begin their lives together.
— Dan
See more Denver wedding photographers and Denver engagement photographers photos here.
