Sunset Marriage Proposal on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

At over 12,000 feet in elevation, Trail Ridge Road offers sweeping views across endless mountain ranges, glowing gold as the sun dips below the horizon. It's one of those rare locations that feels both epic and intimate at the same time.

We chose a unique rock formation near the top—one of my favorite spots for both its visual impact and its practicality. It sits just far enough from the road to feel private, but not so far that it would raise suspicion. Even better, it's common to see photographers there capturing sunset, which made it the perfect setup for what we had planned.

Gavin shared that his family often visits national parks together and regularly takes group photos during their trips. That detail became the foundation of the entire plan.

We crafted a scenario that felt completely natural: I would be positioned as a "sunset catcher"—just another photographer enjoying the evening light. Gavin and his family would approach and ask if I could take a group photo of them.

After snapping a few photos on their phone, I’d casually offer to use my camera for a couple more. As planned, his family began to walk away, giving Gavin the moment he needed. Right there, with the mountains stretching endlessly behind them, he dropped to one knee and asked Lani to be his wife.

It worked perfectly. Lani had no idea—not even as I continued photographing the moment after she said yes. When the realization finally set in, the joy and surprise made the moment even more powerful.

Once the big moment happened, I stepped out of the role and into the celebration. This is where the energy shifts—everything relaxes, and the excitement really takes over.

We spent the rest of the evening wandering around the alpine landscape, soaking in the last light of the day and capturing portraits that felt as natural and joyful as the moment itself. Sunset slowly gave way to dusk, and the whole experience turned into something unforgettable.

Congratulations, Gavin and Lani!

If you're thinking about proposing, the hardest part is often knowing where to start. That’s where having a seasoned photographer involved early in the process makes all the difference.

This is exactly what I do. We start with your idea—no matter how simple or elaborate—and we build from there. We brainstorm, we riff, and we shape something that feels true to your relationship.

A huge part of the planning process is deciding whether there should be a visible reason for a photographer to be present—or not. I've photographed many proposals completely in plain sight, blending into the environment just like we did here. Other times, I stay hidden until the very last second, tucked away in the trees, waiting quietly for the moment to unfold.

Either way, the goal is the same: to give you the space and the setting to ask the question exactly how you want to—and to help make that moment happen seamlessly.

Every proposal I photograph starts with a collaborative planning process designed to remove stress and replace it with confidence.

We begin with a brainstorming call where we talk through your ideas and build a plan that fits your vision. We’ll choose the perfect location, dial in the best time of day, and work through any logistical considerations—like limited cell service, timing, and foot traffic.

To make sure everything runs smoothly, I create detailed maps using satellite imagery so we all know exactly where to be and when. On the day of the proposal, I check in to confirm timing, touch base again as I get into position, and then quietly wait for the moment to unfold.

After the proposal, we transition into a relaxed and fun portrait session—celebrating the moment, capturing your connection, and making the most of the incredible environment around us.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most stunning backdrops in Colorado, but it also comes with unique challenges—from timed entry requirements to rapidly changing weather at high elevation.

Having someone who knows the park, understands the flow of visitors, and can guide you to locations that balance beauty with practicality is key. Whether you're envisioning a quiet, private moment or something more interactive like Gavin and Lani’s, the right plan makes all the difference.

If you're ready to start planning your own proposal in Rocky Mountain National Park or anywhere in Colorado, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

From the first idea to the final photo, I’ll help you create something intentional, seamless, and completely unforgettable.