Breckenridge Blue Lakes Sunrise Engagement Session

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, embarking on a two-hour drive through the darkness, all for the chance to witness a moody and foggy sunrise at an alpine lake in picturesque Breckenridge. Sound like an adventure? That's precisely what this remarkable couple did for their stunning engagement session.

As a photographer who thrives on natural light, the choice of the right time of day is paramount. My style leans towards moody, warm, and dark tones, and I often recommend sunrise or sunset for elopements or engagement sessions. These times of day offer dynamic lighting, casting a natural, warm, and inviting glow on both subjects and landscapes, making everything and everyone look their best.

Meet Sadie and David, a couple who wholeheartedly trusted my expertise and professionalism. They agreed to brave the early morning hours, even if it meant waking in the middle of the night and embarking on a journey from their home in Lakewood to the mountains.

Thorough communication and planning the night before were crucial since we were meeting for the first time in the pitch-dark of night. As the stars still adorned the sky, the illumination from David and Sadie's car lights signaled their arrival at the gravel parking lot. Despite it being summer, the high-altitude mountains can get quite chilly, but the excitement and adrenaline warmed us all up.

After a brief introduction, we descended from the parking lot. The stars slowly faded into the soft ambient light of the impending sunrise, causing the temperature to rise and creating a gentle mist and fog that gracefully emerged from the serene Blue Lake behind us. The air hung still, and the majestic mountain ranges mirrored perfectly in the tranquil waters below, setting the stage for our first photos.

We transitioned from the enchanting lake views to the mountain streams, where the rising sun's warmth caused more fog to creep up, creating a surreal atmosphere.

As the first rays of sunlight kissed the peaks behind us, the still alpine lake mirrored the scene, leaving us all in awe of the breathtaking beauty surrounding us. After capturing playful moments in the morning light, we hiked around the lake, pausing in the forest to capture more enchanting images until we reached a waterfall.

By this point, the sun had fully risen, warming us up just in time, and we wrapped up with a few more photos around the rocks and overhangs of the waterfall, which flowed from the upper lake. Then, we hiked back to the parking lot.

David surprised us with some local Colorado beers because he knew of my love for beer and the joy of sharing that experience with my couples. Despite the early hour, we indulged in some brews (and even a tequila shot) because, after all, this is Colorado, and sunrise engagement sessions are a rare treat. It was a morning filled with exploration, majestic mountain vistas, and shared stories. I was deeply grateful to David and Sadie for their trust in my vision, and I believe the photos speak for themselves.

Explore their incredible journey in the gallery below!