A Playful Fall Engagement Session at Chautauqua Park
When Matt & Julie reached out to me about capturing their engagement photos, they wanted something that truly embodied the natural beauty of Boulder, CO. Coming all the way from Chicago for a wedding, they were drawn to Chautauqua Park, with its stunning views of the iconic Flatirons, open fields, and that unmistakable Boulder vibe.
This lovely couple wanted photos that felt playful, candid, and full of life. And that’s exactly what we achieved during their golden hour session, despite the overcast skies. The moody clouds added a dramatic touch, perfectly complementing the lively energy of the session.
Julie and Matt’s story began 9.5 years ago when a mutual friend introduced them in college. Since then, their love has been marked by shared adventures, a love of food, and a growing interest in biking and hiking (though, as Julie admitted, hiking is a bit harder to do in Illinois).
Their connection really came through, especially when laughing together and doing playful piggyback rides. They truly lived their session and their best moments came when they frolicked in the open field, chasing each other while giggling - showing the joy of their unique relationship.
Julie’s cream-colored sweater and beige skirt paired beautifully with the soft, earthy tones of the fall backdrop. Her dark hair added a striking contrast, making her stand out against the cloudy sky. Matt’s forest-green sweater was the perfect complement, blending effortlessly with the surrounding greens and adding a cozy, autumnal vibe to the session.
The cloudy skies that day created soft, diffused lighting, enhancing the mood of the photos. Chautauqua Park provided so many opportunities for variety—fields for frolicking, iconic mountain views, and plenty of space to capture candid moments without interruptions.
As a photographer, Chautauqua Park checks all the boxes. It’s conveniently located in Boulder, with plenty of space for playful moments like Julie and Matt’s field frolics. The light in the open field is stunning, especially during golden hour, and the variety of photo spots ensures a dynamic and diverse gallery. Plus, if you’re in the mood to celebrate after your session, downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street offers plenty of great dinner spots. (Pro tip: Dragonfly Noodle has amazing ramen for warming up on a chilly fall evening.)
This session reminded me how impactful light posing and fun prompts can be in creating natural, heartfelt images. My favorite prompt of the day? Asking them to imagine they were at home in their kitchen after dinner, sipping red wine and dancing to music. These little moments helped them relax and brought out the most genuine emotions and interactions.
