Romantic Sunset Proposal at Lost Gulch Overlook
When Grace and Sam met on October 1, 2023, at a Texas A&M tradition of pulling football tickets, neither of them knew it was the start of a lifelong relationship. Just two weeks later, they officially began dating, and over a year later, they got engaged at the top of Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, Colorado.
The couple, both proud Texas natives and seniors at Texas A&M set to graduate in May 2025, decided to spend their school break exploring Colorado’s dramatic landscapes. Unlike the wide-open plains of Texas, the towering mountain ranges and stunning vistas were an entirely new experience for them. Little did Grace know, Sam had planned a proposal at the top of the overlook.
As the sun started to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in dramatic hues, Sam brought Grace to Lost Gulch Overlook, a place he had chosen after seeing my photos of previous shoots there. He was drawn to the location’s wide mountain views and moody, breathtaking scenery—it perfectly matched the vision he had for their proposal.
Unbeknownst to Grace, Sam had meticulously planned every detail to keep the moment a surprise. Despite the icy cold and strong winds whipping through the overlook, the couple stood alone, surrounded by the grandeur of the mountains. It was an intimate moment, just the two of them against the dramatic backdrop.
When Sam dropped to one knee, Grace was in complete shock. She had no idea this moment was coming. But as the initial surprise faded, she started piecing together all the little moments leading up to this day, realizing that Sam’s recent behaviors and certain conversations had all been part of this grand plan.
As a photographer, capturing this moment came with its own set of challenges. Staying hidden from Grace while ensuring I was close enough to capture clear shots was tricky—especially while navigating the rocky terrain of Lost Gulch. The strong winds and the need to scramble across uneven rocks only added to the drama of the moment. But seeing Grace’s genuine surprise and the raw emotions of the proposal made the effort worthwhile.
I had such a fun time planning this proposal with Sam via FaceTime while he was in Texas and I was so impressed with how easy-going he was despite some of the hurdles he had to get through. My hat goes off to anyone who has to pull of a big surprise for their significant other because there are always a handful of factors outside of your control. I was so happy that it all came together as Sam wanted and loved spending the time post-propospal taking more pictures of the newly engaged couple!
