Erick reached out to me wanting to finally propose to his girlfriend, Caitlyn.

He admitted he was really nervous and stressed trying to find the perfect location and make sure everything went just right. I told him not to worry. The nerves and butterflies were a good thing. It showed how much he truly cared. I reassured him I’d help take away the stress so he could simply focus on being present in the moment.

We spent quite a while searching for the perfect place together. Erick knew he wanted mountain views and water, so after I sent over several ideas, he decided to scout a few of them himself on a day off from work. In the end, we settled on Sapphire Point overlooking Lake Dillon. It’s a popular spot for good reason, but somehow on this beautiful spring evening, we had it almost entirely to ourselves.

Before the proposal day, Erick and I chatted on the phone several times going over the details and plan. I could feel both the nervousness and excitement in his voice. He told me he and Caitlyn were long overdue for a mountain road trip, so that became the perfect cover story. He packed a wicker basket picnic, planned to enjoy sunset together overlooking the lake, and thankfully, Caitlyn had absolutely no idea what was coming.

The evening arrived, and I quietly walked the trail down toward where they sat together on the rocks taking in the views and enjoying snacks together. Erick subtly glanced over and gave me a little wink, while I stayed mostly hidden nearby with my camera. I waited quietly for about ten minutes as the light slowly began to explode across the mountains. I remember thinking to myself, “Okay Erick... it’s time.”

And then he did it.

He dropped down onto one knee as golden light broke through the clouds behind them, illuminating the lake and mountain peaks. Caitlyn smiled ear to ear and excitedly said yes. It was one of those moments where everything aligned perfectly.

Afterwards, I gave them a few quiet moments alone to soak it all in and let the emotional wave settle over them before we began taking portraits together around the overlook. I wanted them to simply be present with one another and celebrate this new chapter naturally.

Not all sunsets are created equal, and this one was truly spectacular. Sun rays poured through the stormy clouds and danced across the contours of the mountains while the vibrant spring greens came alive around the lake below.

Even after all these years photographing people around the world, I never take moments like this for granted. I’m always grateful to be invited into such meaningful chapters of people’s lives, and I do my best to help couples feel relaxed, present, and genuinely themselves while documenting it all as honestly and beautifully as I can.

If you’re dreaming up your own surprise proposal in Colorado, I’d love to help you find the perfect location and help tell your story too. Reach out here to book me.