Love in the Mountains: A Wedding Attire Session at Lost Gulch Overlook
An intimate wedding attire session at Lost Gulch Overlook captured the love story of Matt, Keesha, and their 8-year-old son, Sebastian. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Colorado’s mountains at sunrise, this session celebrated their recent vows, the blending of their family, and a shared journey of freedom and connection.
When Matt and Keesha chose Lost Gulch Overlook for their wedding attire photos, it was more than a celebration of their recent vows—it was a reflection of their remarkable journey as a couple. With breathtaking mountain vistas, the soft glow of a January sunrise, and the joyful presence of Matt’s 8-year-old son, Sebastian, this session beautifully captured their love, their family, and their shared sense of freedom and adventure.
Keesha’s journey to finding love with Matt began in March 2022, after she had embarked on a path of self-discovery and freedom. Having relocated from South Florida to a townhouse near Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs—complete with views of Ute Valley Park inspired by one of her favorite shows, Virgin River—she was embracing her untamed independence, much like the themes in Glennon Doyle’s Untamed.
Meeting Matt felt like the natural continuation of that freedom. With him, Keesha felt untethered and fully accepted for who she is—her aspirations, desires, and unconventional choices, the very things that once felt stifled by societal and familial expectations. Matt’s easygoing nature and shared progressive values created a foundation where their connection could thrive.
Their relationship, Keesha explains, feels like the famous School of Athens painting, which they proudly display in their home library. Matt sees himself as Plato, pointing upward as he dives into abstract, metaphysical ideas, while Keesha plays the role of Aristotle, grounding their conversations in practical, actionable goals. Together, they bring out the best in each other, their conversations electrified by differing viewpoints and a shared curiosity about the world.
Their bond only deepened as they planned their January 1, 2025, elopement at Rocky Mountain National Park, symbolizing the beginning of their life together as a married couple and a blended family.
Lost Gulch Overlook provided the perfect backdrop for this next chapter in their story. The sweeping mountain views and serene setting mirrored the untamed beauty of their journey as a couple. Starting the session at 7 a.m., they braved the cold winds of January, with soft, glowy light creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere that highlighted the warmth of their connection.
Keesha, a vision of grace in her wedding gown, faced the chilly winds with an easygoing enthusiasm that reflected her excitement for the moment. Matt’s tender care—ensuring Keesha stayed warm and comfortable—was a testament to the strong partnership they’ve built.
Sebastian’s role in the photoshoot brought another layer of joy and meaning. As an integral part of their family, he appeared in about half the photos, his bright smile and cheerful energy shining through every shot. His excitement for his dad’s marriage to Keesha was heartwarming, especially during a moment when Matt and Sebastian shared reasons they love Keesha.
Sebastian’s thoughtful and articulate words were a testament to the strong bond he shares with Keesha, showing not only his admiration but also how deeply she has been embraced as part of their family.
While Matt and Keesha are saving for a home and planning to host a larger celebration in the future, their intimate session at Lost Gulch Overlook was a powerful reflection of their love story—a celebration of blending families, embracing freedom, and finding beauty in life’s quieter, more personal moments.
From their untamed beginnings to their thoughtful, balanced partnership, Matt and Keesha’s story reminds us that love isn’t just about finding someone who complements you but someone who frees you to be your truest self.
A Playful Fall Engagement Session at Chautauqua Park
Matt & Julie’s fall engagement session at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO, was filled with playful energy, laughter, and stunning mountain views. Visiting from Chicago, they chose this iconic location to capture the beauty of Colorado’s outdoors. With moody skies, golden hour light, and the Flatirons as their backdrop, their candid moments and adventurous spirit really shone through.
When Matt & Julie reached out to me about capturing their engagement photos, they wanted something that truly embodied the natural beauty of Boulder, CO. Coming all the way from Chicago for a wedding, they were drawn to Chautauqua Park, with its stunning views of the iconic Flatirons, open fields, and that unmistakable Boulder vibe.
This lovely couple wanted photos that felt playful, candid, and full of life. And that’s exactly what we achieved during their golden hour session, despite the overcast skies. The moody clouds added a dramatic touch, perfectly complementing the lively energy of the session.
Julie and Matt’s story began 9.5 years ago when a mutual friend introduced them in college. Since then, their love has been marked by shared adventures, a love of food, and a growing interest in biking and hiking (though, as Julie admitted, hiking is a bit harder to do in Illinois).
Their connection really came through, especially when laughing together and doing playful piggyback rides. They truly lived their session and their best moments came when they frolicked in the open field, chasing each other while giggling - showing the joy of their unique relationship.
Julie’s cream-colored sweater and beige skirt paired beautifully with the soft, earthy tones of the fall backdrop. Her dark hair added a striking contrast, making her stand out against the cloudy sky. Matt’s forest-green sweater was the perfect complement, blending effortlessly with the surrounding greens and adding a cozy, autumnal vibe to the session.
The cloudy skies that day created soft, diffused lighting, enhancing the mood of the photos. Chautauqua Park provided so many opportunities for variety—fields for frolicking, iconic mountain views, and plenty of space to capture candid moments without interruptions.
As a photographer, Chautauqua Park checks all the boxes. It’s conveniently located in Boulder, with plenty of space for playful moments like Julie and Matt’s field frolics. The light in the open field is stunning, especially during golden hour, and the variety of photo spots ensures a dynamic and diverse gallery. Plus, if you’re in the mood to celebrate after your session, downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street offers plenty of great dinner spots. (Pro tip: Dragonfly Noodle has amazing ramen for warming up on a chilly fall evening.)
This session reminded me how impactful light posing and fun prompts can be in creating natural, heartfelt images. My favorite prompt of the day? Asking them to imagine they were at home in their kitchen after dinner, sipping red wine and dancing to music. These little moments helped them relax and brought out the most genuine emotions and interactions.
