We met up with Savhanna and Paxton for their Lory State Park engagement photos in Fort Collins last fall around Labor Day weekend. These two got engaged in Las Vegas just a few months prior and are now planning an elopement next September. We met at the Arthur’s Rock trailhead and began the photo session right as golden hour was starting to set in.
I was especially excited for this engagement session because I know Savhanna personally—she works at my favorite hair salon in Fort Collins, Harlow Gold. It was such a treat not only to capture these photos for them but also to get to know her partner, Paxton, better and see the connection they share.
Lory State Park has endless creative inspiration for engagement photos, everywhere you look is gorgeous! I recommended Lory State Park because of the great scenic variety that this spot offers. The foothills were illuminated behind us as we photographed in the tall, golden grass fields which made for an incredible canvas. We couldn’t resist incorporating the late-season sunflowers and the golden rabbitbrush blooms that come alive in the fall which were a great addition to their engagement photos.
We kicked off the session with a laid-back and casual vibe, giving Savhanna and Paxton the chance to settle in and simply enjoy the moment together. It’s so important to me that couples feel comfortable and natural during their session, and with these two, it didn’t take long for the fun to begin! We played in the golden fields, incorporating prompts designed to bring out their personalities and spark genuine laughter. From playful games to silly moments, every interaction helped ease any nerves and allowed them to let loose in front of the camera.
A standout part of the session was when they popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate their engagement. It added an extra element of fun and spontaneity to their Lory State Park engagement photos. Paxton shook the bottle of bubbly and then sprayed champagne everywhere as Savhanna huddled behind him, trying to avoid being sprayed – I don’t blame her!
As the sun began to set, we switched gears into a more romantic and intimate vibe. Savhanna and Paxton changed out of their casual attire and into more formal outfits which were perfect for the next part of their engagement photos, down by the red rocks in Eltuck Bay near Horsetooth Reservoir. The sunset painted the rocks in warm, rich tones and we grabbed a quick few photos of the last light before the sun dipped below the foothills.
One of my favorite moments was when they cuddled on a blanket in the grass and shared a drink together. It was such a cozy way for these two to connect. Although we were initially concerned that Lory State Park might be crowded on Labor Day, we were pleasantly surprised by a quiet, slow-paced evening. This worked out perfectly for their engagement photos, giving us the privacy and space for these two to fully relax and enjoy the moment without the pressure of crowds.
Why Lory State Park is Perfect for Engagement Photos
Lory State Park is hands-down one of the most picturesque locations for engagement photos in Fort Collins. I’m always on the hunt for locations that offer great variety when helping couples plan their engagement session, and Lory State Park checks every box. With its sprawling golden grass fields, vibrant late-season wildflowers like sunflowers and rabbitbrush, and the dramatic red rock formations near Horsetooth Reservoir, this place provides a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for playful, open spaces for fun and energetic shots or more intimate and romantic backdrops for cozy moments, the park delivers in every way.
Check out some of our favorite engagement photos from their session! Congratulations Savhanna & Paxton!
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