MANITOU LAKE
We wrapped up the 2023 season with Catherine and Matt’s winter engagement photos in Colorado Springs with their dog. We were lucky to have a warm December afternoon for their session at Manitou Lake! We love a good reason to visit Colorado Springs and a trip into the mountains was a special treat for all of us.
Nestled in Pike National Forest, Manitou Lake in Colorado Springs is a beautiful hidden gem. This time of year it was quiet and the lake was frozen over, but there were still several groups of people ice fishing and leisurely hiking around on this gorgeous day. Let’s be honest, who knows how many more of these we might have before frigid winter temperatures really set in!
We immediately clicked with these two and had lots to talk about considering they were from Syracuse, NY, which is only about an hour away from where Griffin and I went to college in Rochester, NY. I love when I run into fellow East Coasters! Matt had been recently been relocated to Fort Carson so they were new to Colorado Springs and enjoyed exploring the surrounding area.
Catherine and Matt brought along their sweet and well-behaved pup, Nala, to their winter engagement photos. You don’t have to tell us twice that pets are family too. They’re a big part of your life and we can understand why couples want to include their dogs in their engagement photos! Nala was such a sweet and gentle soul for being so young, and she even posed for a photo with Catherine’s engagement ring on her forehead, which has always been a bucket-list photo for us!
We started the session with some playful prompts in the tall grass, soaking up some beautifully backlit golden light which, of course, as photographers, we were immediately drawn to. As we shifted closer to the water, the majestic Pikes Peak came into view making the scene even more eye-catching.
As the sun lowered, they switched into their formal outfits and Catherine rocked a beautiful red dress that really popped on the snowy landscape. Dressing for winter engagement photos is all about embracing the cozy chic vibes! Layering is key, and of course, no winter outfit is complete without a good pair of boots. We recommend couples opt for something stylish and functional, like knee-high boots or booties with good traction. No matter what you wear, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident, so wear something that makes you feel like your best self!
We wrapped up the session with some final photos by walking out onto the frozen ice of Manitou Lake, which gave us the best view of Pikes Peak!
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