Kat & Sam: Close & In Love
Nine years ago, Kat and Sam’s love story began at a lesbian bar in Denver, where an improv show, a tricky prompt, and a tattooed quote set the stage for their lifelong adventure. From scaling peaks to dancing the night away, their journey together has been one of laughter, exploration, and unwavering love. To celebrate that love, they chose to have a photoshoot at Matthews/Winters Park, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
As Sam recalls, their relationship has always moved at an adventure’s pace:
A third date spent in Cleveland on Valentine’s Day.
Buying a house together at nine months.
A proposal featuring five apple pie recipes.
A barnyard wedding in the mountains.
Summiting Long’s Peak together, climbing all of Colorado’s 14ers, and road-tripping through Chile for six weeks on their honeymoon.
From Nepal to Peru, from mountaintops to EDM festivals, Kat and Sam have built a life of bold, beautiful experiences—and they’re preparing for their biggest adventure yet: parenthood.
Their session at Matthews/Winters Park was the perfect blend of romance and playfulness. It also helped that they brought along their beloved dog, Kelso!
Kat and Sam’s chemistry was undeniable; they melted into each other effortlessly, filling the air with laughter and warmth. Whether sharing a quiet embrace or bursting into giggles, every moment reflected the deep bond they’ve built over the years.
Adding a personal touch, they brought along hats gifted by Sam’s sister for Christmas—a small but meaningful detail woven into their shoot. Their outfits, the soft golden light, and their deep connection all came together to create images that truly embodied their love story.
My goal was to capture their relationship in its truest form—joyful, intimate, and full of love. I encouraged them to reminisce about their years together, to hold each other close, and simply be present with one another. This resulted in a collection of images that I hope bring them a sense of pride and happiness every time they look back on them.
Kat and Sam’s story is a testament to love that is fearless, adventurous, and beautifully real. As they step into this next chapter of their journey, one thing is certain—they are truly each other’s safe harbor.
