Ethan isn’t just any client — he’s my cousin. My built-in best friend from childhood. So photographing his engagement to Sia felt less like a job and more like a full-circle moment.
We started their session at Denver Botanic Gardens in the heart of August, when everything was alive and blooming. The gardens were bursting with color — lush greenery, vibrant florals, warm light filtering through the trees. It felt like walking through a living painting.
And in a way, it was.
One of the most unique features in the garden was a series of oversized, empty picture frames placed throughout the pathways. Visitors could stand behind them and frame themselves against the gardens. It was such a perfect metaphor — Ethan and Sia literally stepping into their own frame, building their own story.
Denver Botanic Garden Engagement
At one of the ponds, an older woman sat quietly painting a watercolor of the scene in front of her. She was so kind and gracious, letting me photograph her as she worked. There was something about her that instantly reminded Ethan and me of our Gran — gentle, creative, observant. It felt like a small, sacred pause in the middle of the session. A reminder of where we’ve come from and the people who shaped us.
After the gardens, we made our way to Dedisse Park in Evergreen. The park was buzzing with life — runners looping the trail, families picnicking, people splashing in the lake. It felt joyful and carefree.
Maui and Rajah, their sweet pups, were absolutely thriving. Tails wagging, paws in the water, pure happiness. It wasn’t posed or overly styled. It was real life — their life.
Later that evening, after lounging at home, we took the dogs on another walk through the park they visit nearly every day. It’s one of those homey places where you could spend hours without noticing time pass. This is their rhythm. Their safe space. The place they’ve built a life together.
Full Circle Moment
Seeing my cousin — my childhood best friend — this happy? It’s hard to put into words. There’s something incredibly special about watching someone you’ve loved your whole life find their person. And I’ll never take for granted that I got to document this chapter for them.
This wasn’t just an engagement session.
It was home.
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