There are some sessions that make a photographer feel like the luckiest person alive, and Ella and Josiah's engagement shoot at Colorado State University was absolutely one of them. Ella and I had been planning a spring blossom session for weeks — and then the blooms arrived nearly an entire month ahead of schedule. In a bit of a scramble, we made it work, and this sweet couple stepped up to the challenge without hesitation. I had been watching the crabapple trees with quiet anticipation, and when we  landed on an evening with peak blooms, lilacs, and that signature Colorado golden light all aligned at once, I knew this was going to be something truly special.


It's no secret that I am completely in love with spring's pink blossoming trees. The softness they bring, the way petals catch the light, the feeling of being surrounded by something fleeting and beautiful — there is nothing quite like it as a backdrop for love. And Ella and Josiah? They fit right in.

The evening unfolded like a little love story of its own. We began in the arboretum, where the lilac bushes were absolutely bursting with color and fragrance. At one point, I had Ella and Josiah sit together on a bench beneath the canopy of tree blossoms. The light was filtering through the branches, petals drifting down, and I asked Josiah to talk to Ella about the first time he saw her. He started talking and simply did not stop. I finally told him, "You could write a novel on this!" and we all laughed together. That is the kind of love story these two have — the kind where one person can hold you completely captivated just describing a first glance.

"When you know, you know."


Josiah must have known quickly, because just six months after they began dating, he proposed on the Oregon coast in the pouring rain. Dramatic, spontaneous, perfectly them. When I heard that detail, I immediately understood everything about the way these two move through the world together. They confirmed it simply: when you know, you know.

Ella wore a classic white mini dress with long sleeves and kitten heels, and Josiah kept it crisp in a white button-down and black trousers. Their coordinated black-and-white palette was perfect, letting the lush spring blooms and warm stone architecture do the talking while they simply existed in each other's company.

These two met as teachers, which feels so fitting. There is a warmth and a patience between them that you don't always see, and it comes through in every single frame. Here is what they said about each other:


ELLA ON JOSIAH

"He is endearing, playful, and reminds me to stop and enjoy where I am at without worrying about the future."


JOSIAH ON ELLA

"She is confident, true to herself, and I admire her curiosity about the world."


Together, they love to have quality time with Ella’s daughter, hiking, rock climbing, attending church, traveling, and binge watching their favorite shows.


Ella and Josiah will be getting married in the presence of their family and Ella's precious daughter. Witnessing their love made my heart so full. I am so beyond honored to be their photographer. Ella and Josiah, thank you for trusting me with these moments. I cannot wait.

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