When I moved to Denver, my partner and I very quickly learned that the *perfect* Saturday morning consisted of a walk down the street to our neighborhood coffee shop, and then over for a stroll in the park. I’ve been dreaming of photographing this park literally since the day we moved. So, when Abby, Andre, and I were discussing location, I knew immediately I wanted to do their engagement portraits at Cheesman Park in Downtown Denver.
Romantic Winter Engagement Portraits at Cheesman Park
I love the pavilion at the park so much! It’s such a romantic spot, especially when the roses around it are blooming. But, I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could make photographs just as gorgeous, even when all the foliage in the park was dead.
After arriving at the park, we walked toward the pavilion, and as we were chatting, we started to hear music. When we came in view of the pavilion, we saw there was a full-blown rave happening at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon–DJ, hula hoops, the whole 9 yards. We were dying laughing because what a weird circumstance to run into! Needless to say, photographing the pavilion was even more of a challenge than expected.
But, we worked around it! You’d never know in some of these images that there was a full dance party happening behind this sweet couple!
When we were making plans for their session, Abby told me that she and Andre love to thrift together and play with their outfits. I was so excited to hear this, because we love a creative fashion moment! Their outfits were so cool and brought some warmth to the cloudy winter day.
I also tested a new film camera at this session. It’s an old Pentax 35mm my great aunt found in her garage, and until now, I had NO idea if it worked. Luckily it did, and we got some beautiful film scans back! They’re a little grainy and funky, but I think they add so much to the romantic vibes of these portraits. I’m so intrigued by film, and there’s so much to learn! I’m hoping to add more film to my client work as I continue to learn the format.
I still had a couple shots left on the roll, so a few days after their session, my partner and I went back to the park, and I photographed a few frames of Cheesman. Luckily this time, the pavilion was empty. 😉
Abby and Andre were so fun to chat with. They told me all the fun Denver spots to thrift now that I’m in Colorado! They also came READY to model. We got so many effortless, editorial photographs, mixed in with such fun and genuine smiles. I really can’t thank them enough for being so willing in front of the camera.
I always tell folks that the best way to get photographs that feel like you is to ACT like you!! This can be hard with a camera in front of your face, but being relaxed in front of the camera makes a huge difference. I felt like Abby and Andre absolutely nailed this! I’m so obsessed with these cozy, winter engagement portraits.
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Want more engagement session inspiration? Check out this gallery of couple portraits on a sunny Denver afternoon at City Park.
Alison Brooke Helms is a Colorado wedding photographer creating heirloom photographs for the fun-loving. Based in Denver, Colorado, Alison is an antiquing queen, an aspiring BBQ pit-master, and always ready for a damn good time. To view more of her work, check out her portfolio here!
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Alison Brooke Helms is a Colorado wedding photographer who creates heirloom photographs for couples who want to live in the moment, & remember it. Her photos are bright and vibrant with an emphasis on finding the balance of curated, traditional wedding photography, and a more documentary wedding photography approach. Alison lives in Denver, Colorado.
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