Tito’s Vodka Halloween Dog Costume Contest Winners | Arvada Beer Garden

A spirited Colorado celebration at a local bar

Tito’s Vodka | Arvada Beer Garden, Colorado — Dog Halloween Costume Contest Winners

Last year, Erik from Tito’s reached out to have me photograph the winners of their annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest at Recess Bar in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood. It was such a blast that he reached out again this year, this time to capture the 2025 winners, Kayleigh, Mike, and their adorable pup, Athena.

This year’s session took place at Arvada Beer Garden, conveniently just a half mile from my house. The trio was rewarded with a complimentary photoshoot after being crowned the contest champions, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. We met on a beautiful October afternoon under crisp, bluebird Colorado skies. The beer garden was buzzing, and after a few sniffs, treats, and pets to help Athena warm up to me, we were off.

Erik arrived with plenty of Tito’s swag, and from there, we kept things spontaneous and fun. There was no rigid plan, just capturing authentic moments that celebrated their connection, joy, and a little bit of that Tito’s spirit. Kayleigh and Mike brought cozy fall outfits and festive Christmas sweaters, so we covered all the holiday vibes in one go. We wandered through the bar as people stopped to cheer for Athena, toss her some love, and laugh at the sight of me sprawled on the ground getting the perfect angle.

As the sun dropped lower, we moved to the park across the street where the energy slowed down and the light softened — the perfect ending to a joyful session full of laughter, silliness, and that oh so beautiful bond between people and their pets.

I love working with pups. They bring a mix of unpredictability and pureness. It’s always a pleasure to watch their owners love up on their furry best friend and shower them with love, games and affection. And, as always, a few drinks in the mix never hurt the smiles! I’m so grateful to keep partnering with Erik and Tito’s to capture the spirit of good times, good company, and good drinks.

If your brand is looking for natural, story-driven photography that feels genuine and true to life, I’d love to connect and bring your vision to life. Reach out to book your Colorado brand photography.

Close-up of Athena, a gray pit bull mix with her eyes closed and tongue out in pure joy during a Tito’s Vodka branding photoshoot at Arvada Beer Garden in Colorado, captured by Ryan Kost Photography.
Couple laugh together as their dog Athena proudly holds a Tito’s Vodka bottle toy during a brand photoshoot at Arvada Beer Garden, Colorado.
Tito’s Vodka photoshoot at Arvada Beer Garden featuring winners Kayleigh, Mike, and their dog Athena in fall light, playing with a pumpkin toy and enjoying drinks.
Kayleigh, Mike, and Athena share a cozy moment during the Tito’s Vodka photoshoot near Arvada Beer Garden, Colorado.
A happy dog with its tongue out sitting at a table with a copper mug in front. Behind the dog, a man and woman are seated, smiling. The woman has a Taco Bell logo flag.
Tito's vodka brand photography photoshoot at Arvada Beer Garden in Colorado captured by Ryan Kost Photography.
Kayleigh laughs with her dog Athena during the Tito’s Vodka brand photography session at Arvada Beer Garden, capturing candid moments of connection and joy.
Tito’s Vodka swag and cocktails on the table during a Colorado brand photoshoot at Arvada Beer Garden — playful details celebrating the Tito’s For Dog People campaign.
Athena the dog sits proudly in her green sweater with a Tito’s Vodka toy in her mouth under golden fall light at Arvada Beer Garden, Colorado.
Kayleigh laughs while playing on the grass with her dog Athena during the Tito’s Vodka photoshoot in Arvada, Colorado.
Playful close-up of Athena lying in the grass with a Tito’s Vodka bottle toy, captured during the brand and lifestyle shoot in Arvada, Colorado.
Kayleigh and Mike laugh with Athena, dressed in a fall pumpkin hoodie, during the Tito’s Vodka Dog Costume Contest winners photoshoot in Arvada.
Athena, dressed in a pumpkin hoodie, poses with hay bales and pumpkins at Arvada Beer Garden during Tito’s Vodka’s Dog Halloween Costume winners session.
Athena the dog, winner of the Tito’s Vodka Dog Costume Contest, poses outdoors at Arvada Beer Garden in Colorado wearing her pumpkin hoodie.
Kayleigh laughs as Athena jumps up for kisses during the Tito’s Vodka brand photography shoot at Arvada Beer Garden, Colorado.
Athena the dog sits beside a Tito’s Vodka copper mug in her pumpkin hoodie during a branding photoshoot at Arvada Beer Garden in Colorado.
Friendly Colorado pup Athena enjoys the Tito’s Vodka celebration at Arvada Beer Garden, part of a lifestyle brand photography campaign.