A Fall Engagement Session at Lake Dillon, Colorado | Cathie & Jesse

There is something so special about photographing two people who have spent so much of their lives growing together. Cathie and Jesse traveled all the way from Texas for their Lake Dillon engagement photos, and Colorado welcomed them with golden aspen trees, beautiful mountain views, and the kind of autumn evening that makes you wish time would slow down just a little.

Between the vibrant fall colors, the peaceful shoreline, and the way these two kept each other laughing, their session was such a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful photographs are often the ones that simply capture two people being themselves.

A Love Story That Began in High School

Cathie and Jesse’s story began when they were just sixteen years old. High school sweethearts who started as best friends, they’ve walked through so many seasons of life together, including years of long-distance dating during college. Through every change and new chapter, they’ve remained each other’s constant.

Today, they both work as nurses, with Cathie caring for little ones in the NICU and Jesse caring for cancer patients. And while their careers are centered around caring for others, what I loved most about watching them together was how easily they brought each other joy.

There was so much laughter throughout their session. The sweetest embraces, the playful little moments, and the way they seemed completely at home in each other’s company. After all these years, they’re still best friends, and that beautiful friendship is woven into everything about their relationship.

Golden Aspens and Mountain Views at Lake Dillon

If you’ve ever experienced Colorado in September, you know just how beautiful the mountains can be as the seasons begin to change. Lake Dillon, also known as Dillon Reservoir, is one of my favorite settings for engagement photos, with sweeping mountain views, peaceful water, and beautiful aspen groves nearby.

Fall colors in Colorado’s mountains typically begin reaching their peak around mid-September at higher elevations, with the aspens around Lake Dillon often looking their most vibrant in the second half of September. The timing varies each year depending on weather and elevation, but it’s such a lovely season to plan a mountain engagement session.

And goodness, Colorado really showed off for these two Texans!

We wandered beneath brilliant yellow aspens, enjoyed the beautiful mountain scenery, and eventually made our way down to the shoreline as the evening light softened. I loved the contrast of Cathie’s flowing burgundy dress against the golden leaves and the soft blue tones of the lake.

We ended the evening with Cathie and Jesse kicking off their shoes and running barefoot along the water’s edge, laughing together as the mountains stretched out behind them. It was playful and romantic and felt so perfectly them.

It’s moments like these that I love most about engagement sessions. The opportunity to slow down, enjoy being together, and create photographs that hold not only the beauty of a place, but the joy of this particular season of life.

Cathie and Jesse, I’m so grateful you made the trip to Colorado and trusted me with these memories. I cannot wait to celebrate with you again next year at your wedding in Winter Park!

Hair and Makeup | Beauty on Location

If you’re dreaming of your own Colorado mountain engagement session, I’d love to help you plan an experience that feels beautiful, meaningful, and true to you. Inquire here.