Capturing surprise proposals is one of the joys of being a Denver wedding and engagement photographer.
They are challenging, requiring coordination, planning and a bit of stealth. Sometimes, we need to be there with a compelling backstory, but other times, we can blend into the background well enough that it doesn’t raise any suspicions.
That was the case earlier in June with Ryan and Elizabeth.
Ryan was determined to propose to his girlfriend on the day they met several years earlier, and he wanted to do it in a picturesque location.
He chose Mt. Falcon Park’s east trailhead, where there’s a clear view of Red Rocks in the background. We had several phone calls, traded texts, and finally went out there with FaceTime to figure out the exact location he would choose. From the parking lot, it was far enough away that I could shoot the moment with a longer lens, capturing both their reactions in profile while framing the stunning red rocks behind them.
Elizabeth says she was genuinely surprised — not expecting a proposal for several more months. She had planned to see a movie that night, but her friends all — at the last minute — canceled the plans, so Ryan swooped in and suggested they go on a hike on Friday evening instead.
We waited until just after 6 p.m., close to golden hour, and caught a break in the clouds (it’s been a rainy June). After the proposal, we did a mini engagement session, capped with champagne flutes.
