Aspen, Colorado Surprise Winter Proposal | Michael + Julia

Michael reached out about a week before he and Julia headed to Colorado to celebrate Julia’s birthday.

Michael wanted to make this birthday extra special by proposing to Julia. I do have to say when Michael first reached out, I paused for a second because her birthday is April 1st, so I had a split second where I said to myself, “I sure hope this isn’t some terrible April fools joke”. 

It was not. 

Michael brought Julia to the John Denver Sanctuary, a beautiful park on the outskirts of downtown Aspen and popped the question.

I did my best to hide behind trees and use the Ron Krajian bridge for extra cover. A few minutes before Julia and Michael arrived, I asked a couple walking their dog to let me know if my hiding spot was actually a hiding spot, they were so kind and assured me I was well hidden.

My biggest fears in photographing proposals are being seen before the moment because it’s pretty hard to hide two giant cameras strapped to your shoulders. And missing the moment, most proposals happen in one to two seconds, the time when someone is on one knee anyway. While I trust my speed to capture the moment, my heart is always racing leading up to that moment! 

Julia was so surprised by Michael proposal, it was so sweet to see her reaction and see their joy of soaking in the moment together! 

Michael is in the Navy, so the two decided to get legally married this January, but Michael still wanted to do some more traditional wedding events, such as proposing. So it was safe to say that Julia was surprised.

We spent the rest of the evening wandering around the John Denver Sanctuary in downtown Aspen, taking photos and hearing about their story. 

It was such an honor to be a part of their special day. 

Enjoy these sweet photos and soak up the last bit of Colorado winter until next year; spring is quickly approaching here in the mountains.

Denver Candid Wedding Photographer

Love seeing Michael and Julia’s surprise proposal session in Aspen, Colorado? Check out Devon and Becket’s fun couples session in Vail, Colorado. Interested in booking your own adventure and capturing candid and authentic moments with your partner, let’s chat!