Hannah & Tyler’s Colorado Engagement Session at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado

Fall Engagement in the Rocky Mountains

Some sessions just hit differently — and this one with Hannah and Tyler was definitely one of them.

Tyler and Hannah’s story began in such a natural and sweet way, the kind that feels like it was meant to happen. The two met and quickly realized how much they enjoyed spending time together, building a strong friendship that soon grew into something even deeper. You know that cliche saying, “we started talking and then never stopped?” Yep, that’s them. Over time, their relationship continued to grow as they graduated high school and journeyed through college together and now their careers, including Hannah becoming a teacher to littles. Watching the way they laugh together and care for one another makes it so easy to see why their love story is so special.

For their engagement session, we met at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado, where the mountains rise up behind you like something straight out of a postcard. The air was crisp, the light was golden as the sun was setting, and these two couldn’t stop smiling. There’s something about photographing a couple so genuinely in love that makes every frame feel effortless.

We wandered through the fields, with the Flatirons standing tall in the distance, laughing and soaking in that Colorado beauty. As the evening went on, we drove up to Lost Gulch Trailhead to end the session — and wow, did Colorado show off! The sunset painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, lighting up the mountains behind them. It was one of those views that make you stop and just breathe it all in. Believe it or not, the mountain top was surrounded with people soaking up with sunset, but thankfully we found a little spot just for them.

This session was extra special for me. I’ve had the honor of photographing both Hannah’s family and Tyler’s family since they were seniors in high school, and now here we are — celebrating their engagement and preparing for their wedding next September in Colorado! Watching their story unfold through the years and now getting to capture this next chapter is such a privilege.

If you’re planning an engagement session in Boulder, there are a few things that can make the experience even better. Locations like Chautauqua Park and Lost Gulch Overlook Trailhead are incredibly popular for a reason—the views are absolutely breathtaking. The Flatirons towering over the fields at Chautauqua and the sweeping mountain vistas at Lost Gulch create some of the most stunning backdrops for engagement photos, especially during golden hour.

One thing to keep in mind is parking. These areas are well-loved by locals and visitors alike, especially in the evenings. When I photographed Tyler and Hannah’s session, I actually had to park about 15 minutes away and walk to the location because the lots were completely full. Sunset is one of the busiest times of day, and you’ll likely see other photographers capturing sessions as well. You’ll also notice plenty of runners passing by—after all, Boulder is very well known for its running community, and the trails around Chautauqua are some of the most popular in town (if you are an avid runner, make sure to do the annual Boulder Boulder on Memorial Day!).

Another helpful tip if you’re planning multiple outfits is to bring a small pop-up changing tent. The hills around Chautauqua Park can be quite steep, and once you’ve hiked up to some of the best viewpoints, it would take quite a bit of time to walk all the way back to the car just to change clothes. Having a quick changing option nearby makes the session flow much more smoothly and allows us to maximize our time in that beautiful golden light.

Even with the crowds and a little extra walking, sessions in Boulder are always worth it. The combination of mountain scenery, golden evening light, and the adventurous spirit of the area makes it an unforgettable place to capture a couple’s love story. I can’t wait to be back in Colorado next fall to photograph beautiful wedding day — surrounded by love, laughter, and those incredible mountain views!

And if you’re currently planning your wedding and looking for a photographer, I would absolutely love to work with you! My wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session, which is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other and capture this exciting season before your big day. Check out my website for more information! I’m also always happy to travel—especially back to one of my favorite places. Colorado will always feel like home, and I’m always up for returning to my old stomping grounds and home state of Colorado to photograph love stories in the mountains.

Until next time,

Jordan