Joanna + Manny | Winter Park Engagement Photos | Colorado Couples Photographer

Joanna and Manny were referred to me by a photographer colleague/friend of mine. They really wanted their Winter Park engagement photos on the top of the mountain. Since it was well past ski season, but before summer activities opened up, we didn’t know if we’d be able to take the chairlift up. After some phone tag, we got ahold of someone in charge. Unfortunately, there was not going to be anyway for us to take a chairlift up and get those ski resort, “top of the mountain” photos they were hoping for.

I was up in Grand County, with a couple hours before the session was going to start, forced to scramble and figure out a backup plan. As I have mentioned before, my inlaws have a place near Winter Park. So we do spend a fair amount of time up there. I, however, have not shot in Grand County all that much. Hint, hint…where are my Grand County clients at?! Holla at your girl 😉

So, first stop on my scouting venture was Granby Ranch. I shot Kelly & JJ’s wedding there a few years ago (check that out HERE). I figured that would be a great alternative location. It’s also a ski resort, with those epic, mountain views. Once I got over there, I discovered that the chairlift would not be running long enough to capture their couple’s portraits there either. Agh, back to the drawing board again!

Next, I headed up to Berthoud Pass. Along the way I noticed a cute little trail near the Rendezvous Development in Winter Park. It had a little pond, bridge, rustic buildings, chairlift benches, and mountain views. I thought that may be a good option as well. Time was flying by, and we needed to meet soon, so Berthoud Pass it was for their Winter Park engagement photos!

We took in these gorgeous mountain views for awhile, before heading back in to Winter Park. Berthoud Pass was just a touch limiting, because of all the snow. I am glad we didn’t spend the entire session there. The area in town provided some much needed variety. So, after a quick drive and outfit change, we started the second part of their session. The lighting was gorgeous!

We probably spent a little more time than we should have at this spot in town…and we were losing light fast! Joanna and Manny really wanted some colorful sunset photos though. So we decided to chase the light and head back up to Berthoud Pass. I was hauling butt up the mountain (admittedly faster than I should have probably been driving while having clients following me). But thankfully we made it for the last little bit of this gorgeous mountaintop sunset. We really only got about 5-10 minutes of good color, but it sure was worth it! This was sure a reminder of why we are called “colorful Colorado”. 

This is definitely one of my favorites from their Winter Park engagement photos!

Thanks so much Joanna and Manny. Sorry things didn’t go completely as planned. I hope you love and cherish these engagement photos, despite not being able to get to the top of the ski resort. All in all, I think the session came together truly wonderfully. Wishing you both a wonderful 2020, and a big congratulations on a decade together this year!