If you’re here for the 5 secrets to engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado, give me just a minute to share in my excitement—because Jacob and Abigail are engaged!
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Jacob is my middle son, and Abigail is his fiancée. I always knew the woman he would marry would be a special one. If you’ve ever known someone who sees the best in everyone, doesn’t let hardship weigh him down, thinks of others before himself, leads quietly, and works hard at everything he does—that’s Jacob.
It was back in elementary school that I began to notice something about him. Jacob was friends with everyone. And somehow, everyone thought they were his best friend. I think it was the way he treated people with kindness. His friends even argued over who would sit next to him at lunch—eventually agreeing to take daily turns. On more than one occasion, a mom let me know her young daughter planned to marry my Jacob someday. By that point, I was tired of the girl birthday party invitations and the thought of them trying to snatch him away so soon. That’s when I knew—only one very special girl would eventually win his heart in return.
And I’m so pleased it’s the beautiful Abigail. She has a heart that matches his. Together, they share a deep love for each other, laughter, adventure, they love to have fun—and together they have a desire to serve the Lord with their lives.
Three and a half years ago, Jacob and Abigail met in Flagstaff, Arizona under the stars on a dark summer evening at Camp Love. They were first-year college students. A group of guys ran into a group of girls in the dark, and Jacob offered to guide them back to camp using his flashlight. They were all students at Grand Canyon University, and just like that, an instant friend group of six or seven formed.
Now, you may already know—I’m a mom of three boys. And if I’m being honest, I prayed none of them would ever move far away. I’ve loved being part of their everyday lives as much as they’ll allow. Those prayers were born out of a very real fear: that one day, a girl would steal their heart and take them far, far away.
Jacob is my only son who went out of state for college. I even looked at schools closer to home so he wouldn’t meet a girl from somewhere else. I bought him Colorado posters for his dorm in Arizona. I reminded him often that home was here—and we couldn’t wait for him to come back.
But a mom has to let go. Over and over again. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot. And sometimes the lesson is harder than others.
Thankfully, this love story doesn’t end with my fears coming true. Abigail is from Parker, Colorado—a gift from above. How did that happen in Arizona? Thank You, Lord. Where their lives may take them in the future, I don’t know. But I entrust them to the Lord. And happily, for now, home is here.
Jacob and Abigail got engaged on January 1, 2026—a surprise to everyone. After hiking Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder (not by coincidence—Jacob planned every detail), he got down on one knee. With the ring box upside down when he opened it—very Jacob—he asked Abigail to marry him. She said yes before she even saw the ring, which might be my favorite part of their entire engagement story. She hadn’t expected to hike that day, so she was wearing Jacob’s gigantic tennis shoes. Another humorous detail.
Jacob has one more semester before graduating with a mechanical engineering degree with an emphasis in aerospace. Abigail is back home working on her master’s degree with a year and a semester left. I’m incredibly proud of them both. And the long-distance engagement they’re enduring will be over before they know it.
Their engagement photos were an impromptu session the day before Jacob headed back to school. As a photographer—and a proud mama—this session meant everything to me. Engagement photos like these are exactly why I love photographing couples. There’s something exciting about engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado—the celebration of a life together and love!
If you’re engaged and planning your own engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado, here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your session.
5 Secrets to Engagement Photos in Castle Rock, Colorado
1. Choose a Location Intentionally
One of the greatest gifts of engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado is space—space to walk, to laugh, to move without feeling rushed or watched. A quiet trail, tall pines, and open light allow couples to settle into the moment instead of performing for the camera. When planning engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado, think less about a “popular spot” and more about a place that feels calm and natural to you.
2. Pay Attention to the Light
Light shapes everything—especially engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado. The soft glow of early morning or the warmth of sunset creates gentle shadows and natural skin tones that can’t be replicated mid-day. The way the sun filters through the trees is part of what gives engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado their quiet, timeless feel. When light is treated with care, engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado feel effortless and unforced.
3. Elevate Your Look
Your outfits can make a big difference in engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado. Adding a suit coat, choosing a dress with movement, or even swapping one shirt mid-session can instantly elevate the look without overthinking it. Jacob changed shirts during their session and added a suit coat. This gave him three distinct feels—effortless and refined—in the same setting. Engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado will be elevated if you look and feel like a million bucks!
4. Let Movement Replace Posing
Most people worry about not knowing what to do with their hands. That’s normal. The secret is movement. Walking, twirling, leaning in, laughing—these simple actions create natural moments during engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado. You don’t need to know how to pose. And you won’t even need to think about it. A relaxed approach and direction from your photographer the entire time allows engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado to feel genuine instead of stiff.
5. Trust Your Photographer
This may be the most important secret of all. Engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado work best when couples trust their photographer. It might feel awkward at first—but it looks beautiful on camera. A good photographer will guide you every step of the way so your engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado reflect who you truly are together. All you have to do is show up and have fun.
Planning Your Engagement Photos in Castle Rock, Colorado
Engagement is such a sweet season. It’s filled with anticipation and excitement that life is about to change in beautiful ways. Engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado offer a way to pause and remember this chapter—to mark the beginning of a life built together.
If you’re newly engaged and dreaming about engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado, I would be honored to photograph this season for you. Whether your session is carefully planned or comes together at the last minute, my goal is always the same—to create images that feel true to who you are and meaningful years from now.
Congratulations to Jacob and Abigail, and to all the couples stepping into this next chapter together. If you’re ready to plan your engagement photos in Castle Rock, Colorado, I’d love to tell your story.
– Jamie
Parker, Colorado Engagement Photographer
Telling YOUR Story
