Haley and Josh met in Colorado and wanted a location that reflected all the beauty of the state. Garden of the Gods is such a breathtaking and iconic location. We started at the Siamese Twins trail and then went to the Three Graces and ended at the High Point Overlook. Their love and joy was palpable and beautiful to photograph!
Haley shares, “When it came time to plan our engagement session, choosing the location was easy—it had to be somewhere that felt like home. Not just geographically, but emotionally. Colorado, and specifically Colorado Springs, holds such a special place in our hearts—it’s where our love story began.
Right around the time we were planning the shoot, we found out that Josh had received new military orders and would be moving to California in just a few months. Knowing that a big change was coming made it even more important to capture a piece of Colorado to hold onto forever.
We chose Garden of the Gods as the backdrop for our engagement photos because it’s a classic Colorado Springs landmark—stunning, timeless, and full of natural beauty. The red rock formations, dramatic skies, and sweeping views felt like the perfect reflection of this chapter in our lives. It was our way of honoring where it all started and carrying that love forward into what comes next.”
Haley continues, “We met on Hinge in Colorado! I had just moved to the state for another travel occupational therapy contract and was excited for outdoor adventure—not expecting to find love. Josh had recently moved back since graduating from the Air Force Academy and working in California. Our very first messages back and forth felt so easy—they were thoughtful, effortless, and honestly, kind of refreshing. Our conversations flowed naturally, filled with humor, depth, and shared values. Even before meeting in person, I felt like we had known each other for a long time. That connection was the first sign that this might be something really special.
After a few days of thoughtful messages, we planned to meet up at a local rock climbing gym—which, looking back, couldn’t have been more “us.” At the beginning of the date, I had to take a belay test, which I had done countless times before. I was so flustered with nerves I almost failed it. Josh was just as nervous, though he played it cool—until we walked over to a nearby coffee shop post-climb. We shared breakfast nachos, and he was so nervous he only ate two chips. Despite the nerves, the date was full of laughter, genuine conversation, and that unmistakable feeling that something good was beginning.
There wasn’t one single moment when we knew each other was “the one”—I think it was a series of little moments that quietly built something unshakable. Our conversations never felt forced. We encouraged each other’s dreams and shared the same love for faith, travel, and the outdoors. It felt peaceful, steady, and sure. We realized that we weren’t just falling in love—we were building something strong and lasting, with our faith at the center. That’s when we knew this was the real thing.”
Josh proposed during one of our favorite kinds of adventures—a camping road trip with our dogs over Thanksgiving. We were making our way through Texas, planning to explore a few national parks, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park was our first stop. We arrived late at night, battling intense wind and total darkness, and ended up setting up camp in a parking lot—not exactly glamorous, but definitely memorable. The next morning, as we packed up to head toward Big Bend National Park, I wanted to take a few last-minute nature photos before we left.
We pulled off on the side of the road at the edge of the park, where the morning light made everything feel calm and peaceful, and the stunning Guadalupe Mountains stood tall in the background. After I finished taking my photos, Josh suggested we get a few of the two of us. We set up a makeshift tripod (classic us), and Josh suggested we switch the camera to video mode and just take screenshots later to grab the photos. I thought it was a smart idea—completely unaware of what was about to happen.
As the camera rolled, with the mountains behind us, Josh turned to me, said a few heartfelt words, and got down on one knee.
It was quiet, spontaneous, intimate and so “us”—surrounded by nature, dust on our boots, no grand setup, just love, gratitude, and the beginning of a new chapter. After the big yes, we celebrated the best way we know how: by hitting the road again to Big Bend, celebrating with our dogs Moose and Ranger, and soaking in the moment as we headed toward our next adventure—engaged, happy, and so excited for what’s ahead.
We’re getting married this November in Las Vegas! Our ceremony will be held at the breathtaking Valley of Fire State Park, surrounded by more stunning red rock formations and desert beauty. With family and friends coming from all over the country, we couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate than Vegas—a place that’s full of excitement, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
The vibes we’re going for are laid-back, fun, and intimate. We want the day to feel warm, authentic, and focused on what really matters—faith, love, adventure, and the people who have supported us along the way. While Vegas is known for big, flashy weddings, we’re keeping it personal with a micro wedding that’s all about us and the people we are closest with.
We’re excited to become husband and wife and to begin the next chapter of our greatest adventure. And we can’t wait to celebrate and show our guests a good time in Vegas.”
Josh shares, “I love how kind-hearted Haley is and her unwavering dedication to helping people—whether it’s through her work or in everyday life, she gives her whole heart to others.”
Haley continues, “I love Josh’s calm presence and the way he brings steady encouragement and intentionality into every part of our life together. We bring out the best in each other, and that’s something we’re grateful for every day.”
Haley and Josh are working on a national park bucket list together! Haley adds, “What started as my personal dream has grown into a shared adventure we’re both passionate about. From sunrise hikes to starry nights, we’ve now been to 14 national parks as a couple—and we’re just getting started. It’s become such a special part of our relationship and a favorite way to create memories together.
Haley was kind enough to add some wonderful advice to anyone planning their engagement session, “Lean into the experience and have fun with it! Don’t stress about being perfect or knowing how to pose. We’re definitely not professional models and had never posed together before, but I think that’s what made it fun and genuine. Choose a place that means something to you, wear something that feels like yourselves, and just be present with your person. You’re capturing a sweet season of your story, and that energy will show.”
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