If you’ve ever dreamed of engagement photos that feel like you—the real you, the fun you, the “let’s do something memorable” you—this Vail engagement session was exactly that.

We kicked things off in Lionshead Village, starting with soft, cozy portraits along the river. That area is one of my favorites because it gives you variety right away: evergreens, textured walkways, mountain-town charm, and that peaceful water backdrop that instantly makes everything feel relaxed.

And then… we took things all the way up.

From Riverside Romance to Mountain-Top Magic

We rode the Vail gondola from Lionshead (Eagle Bahn/Gondola One area) up to the top of Vail Mountain. The views up there are unreal—wide open, dramatic, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-sentence because your brain is like, wait… is this real life?

At the top, we had those iconic alpine panoramas, including views of Mount of the Holy Cross in the distance (one of those “Colorado bucket list” sights that never gets old).

The Best Part: They Brought Their Snowboards

This couple didn’t want engagement photos that felt stiff or overly formal—and honestly, that’s my favorite. Once we got up to the mountain, they changed into their snowboarding gear and fully leaned into what makes them them.

We captured a mix of:

• classic, breathtaking mountain portraits (because you have to)
• playful “we cannot stop laughing” moments
• and action shots that showcased their skills and their silly side

It was the perfect blend of epic and personal—beautiful scenery plus real personality.

A Finale Straight Out of a Movie

For the final part of the session, they did something so fun: they followed the gondola down the mountain on their snowboards, and I photographed them coming down—movement, energy, mountains in the background, and that “Colorado adventure” vibe turned all the way up.

Those photos are the kind you look at later and can feel the day again. Not just what it looked like, but what it felt like—freezing air, adrenaline, laughing together, and doing something unforgettable before the wedding.

Planning Your Own Vail Engagement Session?

If you’re the kind of couple who loves the outdoors, wants something a little different, or just wants your engagement photos to feel like an experience (not a photo shoot), Vail is such a perfect place—especially if we can mix a scenic village location with a mountaintop adventure.

Want to dream up something similar—river portraits, gondola views, snow gear, the whole vibe? I’m always down to help you plan it in a way that feels effortless and true to you.