Like many couples during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Adriana and Christian’s wedding planning wasn’t easy. To make matters more complicated, they were living their engagement long distance. After graduating from the same college, Adriana moved back to her home state of Colorado, and Christian (Chris for short) stayed in Ohio to start a new job. So for months after Chris proposed, they lived apart, longing to be married more than anything, but battling with the limitations a global pandemic causes.

When I met Adriana + Chris for the first time, over a Zoom call because #COVID, you wouldn’t guess they were dealing with wedding planning long distance during a global pandemic. They were joyful, in love, and so very ready to be married. They decided to have an intimate ceremony with immediate family in September of 2020, foregoing the big reception until 2021. And yet, they were seemingly just as excited for this intimate ceremony as they would have been for the perfect day that they dreamed they’d have, pre-COVID. This is how I knew they’d be my kind of people. Weddings are my favorite, don’t get me wrong. But they aren’t my favorite because of the big party that ensues. The beauty of two people, vowing their lives to one in another in Christ — that’s the reason weddings are my favorite. It was clear that Adriana + Chris shared this view.

So we met in the Colorado’s late summer heat at Chatfield State Park for their engagement session. Chris flew in from Ohio for the session, and of course, to see his bride. Much like their wedding planning was uncertain, the session, too, had its share of uncertainties. For one, Chris’ flight was delayed several times — making our small 90 minute sunset window dwindle. Second, Colorado had been experiencing some serious wildfires. The air was smoky, and the visibility was low. Conditions you wouldn’t be excited to have an engagement session in. But Adriana + Chris were hopeful. Adriana said “Jesus will make it beautiful, no matter what.” And did he ever.

Somehow, the mountains were still visible, and the haze acted as a natural diffuser for the harsh, Colorado sunlight. The lighting that night was truly a photographer’s dream, despite all of the apparent ‘obstacles.’ Chris ended up getting to Colorado on time, too. The faith + trust of this couple was not to be reckoned with.

Adriana and Chris, I loved your engagement session! I felt like we were old friends the minute we met. It was a true joy having you in front of my camera and getting to know you both. I am so excited for your intimate wedding day this month! Here are just a few of my favorite photos from our time together. I hope you love them as much as I do!