I had so much fun photographing Jordan’s surprise proposal to Rachel that I decided I wanted to do it again…and again and again and again! So, now through Valentine’s day, if you’re a guy looking to propose to the special lady in your life, I’ll be doing FREE proposal sessions! Call me for details, and I’ll even help you hatch a plan. Don’t worry-she won’t suspect a thing!

I’m so excited to show you this engagement shoot for an awesome couple who is getting married in just a couple of weeks up in the gorgeous mountains of Colorado. But, there is quite a story to go along with it. No, seriously. You might need a beverage.

I was more than happy to head up to Summit County from Colorado Springs to take Jenn and Ross’s engagement pictures…for a couple of reasons. For starters, Jenn and I had talked a few times on the phone, and she just seemed like my kind of girl. Very down to earth, and she likes bikes. My kind of girl. I was very excited to meet her.  So, away to the mountains I went.

My car had been having some…hmmm… peculiar behavior for, oh, I don’t know, a few months. Ok, fine. Several months. It’s an automatic, and it would do a strange thing when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear. Although I knew better, I was, um, busy. Yes, I was busy, so I didn’t take it to my amazing, fabulous, trusted mechanic. (Shame, shame, shame, shame. By the way, if you’re in the Springs and need a mechanic, go here.) Ok, so, anyway. I’m on I-70. A very potentially scary interstate indeed. I’m coming up on the Eisenhower Tunnel, and suddenly my car does the thing. Hard. Harder than ever. Oh boy, I think. Hmmm. I push on the gas. Nothing. My RPMs just…REV. Ok. Great. My mind is racing. I know my exit is the next one, thanks to my trusty smart phone’s navigation. I quickly (well, that’s a lie, I think at this point I was going all of 20 mph) got into the right lane, put my hazards on, and began to pray. “Please God, don’t let anyone hit me.” Repeat. Since I didn’t know at this time that I had simply lost second gear, I wasn’t sure what would happen if I came to a complete stop. Would I be able to get going again? I didn’t know. I got on the phone and called my husband, and broke the news as gently and calmly as possible that he’d be needing to bring the kids to come rescue me, and that we’d probably be staying in a hotel that night. He was somewhat reluctant, and really, who could blame him. But, rescue me he did. (Such a gem!) I then called my client, Jenn, and told her that I’d just need to meet her at the gas station just off the interstate instead of the Starbucks as planned. (And, trust me, you have no idea how badly I could have used a Starbucks after all that!!) She gladly obliged, and was even kind enough to give me the number of a mechanic she knew and trusted there in Summit County. So, we met, I finally got to meet her and her awesome fiance Ross, and we totally bonded. Um, hello? How could we not??  Haha.

Oh, are you still reading? Well, in that case, let me show you some pictures of these two already!!

Remember how I told you Jenn really likes biking? It was just too perfect when we found this pizza delivery bike outside a pizza shop.  The three of us agreed that ski towns are the coolest in the summer because only the people that live there are there, and you can’t beat the weather.

I was amazed at how high the creeks in Keystone were. Amazed. I have never seen them this high. This is a GREAT sign for us here in Colorado, and for those of you reading this in California. The water you see behind the happy couple feeds, eventually, into the Colorado River, which keeps much of southern California alive…and us eating strawberries. (So…do I sound like a social studies teacher right now?)  I was a little afraid they would fall in, but they were just fine sitting by the creek. It was going by so fast they could barely hear me, even though I was only a few feet in front of them.

Jenn, seriously, your eyes are GORGEOUS! You’re so pretty. This was one of my favorite pictures from the shoot. I also love it because Ross is really so thoughtful and considerate of Jenn. He was just fine with us going on and on like we’d known each other forever, acting as if he was just along for the ride. I think deep down he even had fun. They’re such a good fit…and so comfortable around one another. I have no doubt that they’ll have many long and happy years ahead of them.

I love the way Ross is looking at Jenn here. You can just feel his tenderness for her. I know, I’m a sap. But I can feel it. And I LOVE it.

Jenn and Ross, I had an awesome time with you! I’m so glad you were awesome and nice and helpful and fun…and helped me to think about something other than my stupid car for a few hours!! Thanks so much, and I can’t wait for your wedding!

So, if your’e still with me, you may be wondering how the car saga ends. I will spare you the details.  There are plenty of them…it was quite the saga! I still have the car, and a bright and shiny new transmission. Well, I assume it’s bright and shiny. It turns out you can’t see the transmission of a Mazda 5 just by opening the hood. I was pretty bummed when I realized that. I’m sure my brothers are all having a good chuckle after reading that line. Oh well. I’ll leave you with this picture Jenn took of me when I dropped my keys off at the mechanic in Summit County.  The worst part? See my earrings? That’s the last time they were both seen together.  Just my luck…good earrings never seem to make it through traumatic experiences. But, I’d do it all again for these two..they were worth it!

Being a “flower in my hair” kinda girl myself, I was thrilled that Jennifer seemed to be a girl after my own heart!

I love this shot in black in white…soft and bright.

The sun was not being especially cooperative for us that day, but these two did not let it stop them from having a great time together. I have a feeling this is a recurring theme…and that their wedding will be fabulous because of it!

Jennifer and Brett, thanks so much for spending part of your evening with me! Looking forward to what is sure to be a gorgeous wedding!

I’ll keep it short and sweet, because these two will be getting married this weekend at the tip top of Pikes Peak: America’s Mountain (and the pride, joy, and bragging right of all of Colorado Springs).

Liz and Brian, I had a lot of fun getting to know you two…and I love how laid back and easy going you are! Can’t tell you how excited I am for your wedding!!!! (Did you see all those exclamation points? It means I’m REALLY excited.)

Brian has always been into mountain biking. He exposed Elizabeth to his passion and she was instantly hooked! She had had her bike for about 2 months when we did the shoot. From what I understood, she’d been tearing up the trails, and bringing the boys to tears with her mad skills and fearlessness.  Atta girl!

Brian and Liz were SUCH troopers. We had to reschedule their shoot 3 times before we finally got the shots I’m showing you. And, even then, we were a little bummed (OK, fine, I was a little bummed) by the clouds. But, in the end, the sun finally did come out to play. The next two shots are just two of many wonderful, fun shots we got with some very pretty sunlight, and a gorgeous Colorado sunset.



Anyway, Chris is in the JAG division of the Air Force.  I of course found this to be SO very cool and exciting. After all, I did teach government for the last 6 years!  I finally got to ask someone all those questions about the military courts that I really had no idea about before.  Woot!  He changed into his uniform at the end of our shoot, and we headed down to The Broadmoor to get these awesome low-light, evening shots.  I was so excited about how well the off camera flash lit up the tree blossoms!

And as an extra added bonus, Amanda and Chris are absolutely so much in love.  I swear, we didn’t go anywhere without Chris having his arm around Amanda, opening her every door, and just loving on her every chance he got.  These two no doubt have a long and happy future awaiting them after tomorrow. I can’t wait to capture their wedding!.

Amanda and Chris, I wish you SO many happy returns on your impending life together.  It’s been so much fun getting to know the two of you, and I can’t wait to GUSH on here about your amazing wedding day.

PS: Did you notice the awesome LIGHT in these shots???  That’s right people, Summer has finally started her battle with Winter, also known as Springtime in the Rockies!  I guess I just needed some of our yummy summer-ish sunlight to remember how truly beautiful it can be here.  Whew! Just in time.

Anna and Tim met through friends of theirs when they were in college together at Notre Dame.  He is from Colorado Springs, and she is from Florida.  In September, she made the long move from Chicago to be closer to Tim while he finishes med school.  It’s completely obvious that they’re so completely into one another.  I can’t wait for their August wedding, especially after Anna took a minute to show me just a couple of her details.  Anna LOVES Anthropologie, and has taken much of the inspiration for her wedding theme from it.  I don’t think there are words to tell you how completely excited I am to be shooting this wedding!

I swear, there is something completely magical about the light in the Mile-High city around the hours of sundown.  I always swear to people that here in Colorado Springs that we just don’t get light like this.  I always blame it on being too close to the mountains, because here in the Springs, our “golden hour” is about 8 minutes long.  Seriously.  But whenever I’ve been in Denver for a shoot, it seems to never fail that you’ll have at least an hour of this gorgeous, creamy, magical, dreamy…okay you get it…light! If you’re a photographer in Denver, please know that I have a serious case of light envy.  Look at this!  For real…LOVE!

Anna, you’re a stunningly gorgeous natural beauty!  Seriously interneters, she literally stopped traffic, turned every head, etc. etc. when we were walking around downtown. Stunning.

I was so excited when Anna mentioned that she wanted to do some pictures by the Millenium (or, Sailboat as it’s known to the locals) Bridge.  I’d seen some awesome shots there, and was excited to get to have my turn!

I was equally giddy when she said she wanted to do some night time shots.  We had to take a little break between the sailboat bridge and heading to LoDo to wait for sky to get just right, but miss it we did not!  I absolutely love the colors and feeling of night-time shots.  Always feels romantic, always feels perfect.

Anna and Tim: Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!  I really appreciate your willingness to be a part of the commercial and spending a part of your evening with Kyle and I!  I had such a blast getting to know you guys a little better, and I totally can’t wait for your wedding.

After several facebook chat conversations, I shared an idea that had kind of been forming in the back of my mind.  A commercial for Lamb Photography Company.  I don’t really do much advertising, but my “about me” page just didn’t quite measure up to what I wanted people who didn’t know me to see about me.  So, Kyle came along on this past weekend’s engagement shoot in Denver and did another amazing job.

So, thanks to Kyle Koziol of Kozi Visuals, I give you the Lamb Photography Company commercial.  That’s right, a commercial. For me. I feel VERY proud.  And, I think you can probably guess who I’d recommend if you were looking for an amazing videographer for your wedding or event.  Click on the link below to watch it!

The Commercial!

Huge thanks to Anna and Tim, who you’ll see more of when I blog their engagement shoot.  And of course, to Kyle for being so inspirational, and helping me keep my cool.  I really spend all my time behind the camera, so this whole idea was kind of unnerving for me.  During the part where I was shooting Anna and Tim, I didn’t even know he was there.  See? I told you he was quality.  :)

FIRST!

I’m heading southwest to Durango for the weekend of April 29th and will be offering 5 Mini Sessions on a first-come, first-served basis!  The Mini-Sessions are $75.  All the details are below!  I would say book now for the best spot, but they’re all good spots.  Come on, it’s Durango!  But you should hurry…this is an awesome deal, and with only 5 spots, they’re sure to go fast!

Second!

I would absolutely LOVE to shoot your wedding in Durango, Colorado.  I will be offering local prices (that means NO TRAVEL FEE, and a savings of $300) for any couple who books their 2011 wedding in Durango!

To cash in on either of these awesome deals, just email amanda@lamb-photo.com, or call 719.648.2152!

I’m frequently reminded of how small the world really is…  Way back when I was in high school, there was a girl that was hired at Serranos, the coffee shop where I worked had worked for several months.  I had  just quit because I was about to graduate and my life seemed WAY busier than I was hoping it would be.  There was a sweet girl that was hired just after I had left, which I knew because I still went to Serranos (and still do) all the time.  Her name was Jenny.  She was blonde, always happy, and thought I looked like my gorgeous best friend’s sister.  Made my day, really.  Then, fast forward a few years.  I was sitting in a much larger coffee chain, but only because Serranos is far away for me to go every day.  There, I was quietly editing a wedding I had recently photographed, and happened to strike up a random conversation with a guy named Gabe.  Gabe was in Colorado looking for work, and asked what I do.  I said I was a photographer, and he said, “Oh, I’m going to be needing one of those!”  He told me about how he had just gotten engaged to a girl who was from Monument (where I’m from) named Jenny.  As we got to talking more, he said she worked at Serranos.  It took me awhile, and a conversation with Jenny on the phone, but I was quickly taken back to the day I first met her when she asked if my friend and I were sisters.  Jenny is still every bit as sweet, and I’d say even happier now that she’s engaged to Gabe.  I found out that up until recently, Jenny was still working at that same coffee shop, when Gabe walked in one day.  He knew he liked her right away.  I hope he doesn’t mind me saying so, but from what I understand he pretty much bugged her to date him until she said yes.  Then, it didn’t take long to see what a wonderful guy Gabe was.  He’s smart, funny, and has a great heart for the Lord…everything she wanted in a man!  So good work Gabe…your persistence paid off.  And Jenny, I’m so glad to have reconnected with you!

Jenny-You’re SOOO beautiful!  Your eyes…seriously…gorgeous!!  No wonder Gabe was immediately smitten!

I had an awesome time with you two.  I can’t wait for your June wedding.

These two are clearly very much in love, and I know they’ll have a long and happy life together.

Karalee and Matthew, congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!  Happy Wedding!

It’s late, but I’m about to go 2 weeks in a row meeting my goal of blogging every Tuesday and Thursday!!  Today I’m excited to be showing you my semi-celebrity couple, Gina and Bryan.

I know Gina through the gym where I work out, FXB.  This gym is so much more than just a gym, and also amazing…but I’m going to stop there because I’ve got much more to say about them in the blog I’m going to post next week.  In the mean time, if you are looking for an amazing place to work out to get in shape for your wedding, be sure to check them out!

Anyway, in addition to working her butt off in the gym, literally, Gina is something of a local celebrity here in Colorado Springs.  She does afternoons on KKFM, Colorado Springs’ classic rock radio station.  And she’s AWESOME!  :)  Her charming fiancé Bryan has achieved similar fame, although he’s hung up his headphones and traded it in for software.   And, there is no doubt that he absolutely adores Gina.  And what’s not to love??  These two are a truly adorable couple.

Gina and Bryan, I can’t wait for your wedding at Garden of the Gods Club!

(Thanks to Phantom Canyon Brewery for letting us get a few shots of Gina and Bryan when we were downtown!)

Amy and Ken will be getting married next weekend. I absolutely LOVED their engagement session at Rock Ledge Ranch, partly because I hadn’t shot there before, and partly because the couple is just so natural and sweet. We had originally planned to head to Garden of the Gods to do their engagement session, but when they arrived at GOG they ran into what typically happens to people who go to GOG on a warm day in January: it was PACKED to the gills with people. I told them that since I shoot there quite frequently I knew where to go to avoid the crowds, but that if they were interested we could go to Rock Ledge Ranch right next to GOG instead. They were up for the last minute change of plans, and I was SO glad.  We got some awesome images, and I got to shoot in a new place.  Amy and Ken, I can’t wait for your wedding in 8 days!!

Then, on January 22, 2011, Kelsey and Brandon tied the knot at Shove Chapel in Downtown Colorado Springs.  The wedding was nothing short of beautiful, and Kelsey and Brandon compliment each other wonderfully.

Kelsey got ready at the Antler’s Hilton, downtown.  Her room was gorgeous, and had wonderful lighting…something that always makes me happy!

Kelsey!  You’re gorgeous!

Nicole, my assistant, was left all alone with Brandon and all his guys.  She did an amazing job!  Nicole is absolutely, 100% worth her weight in gold.  Not only does she do an amazing job, I feel completely at ease when my clients elect to add a second shooter to their wedding day coverage because I know that Nicole has my back!

I was very excited to be shooting at Shove Chapel for the first time.  I had heard that the lighting was challenging at times, but upon arriving at Kelsey and Brandon’s rehearsal I was pleasantly surprised.  I LOVE the lighting at Shove.

One of the things I love about Shove is the DRAMA of the lighting.

There’s something you should probably know about me.  I’m a HUGE fan of lens flare.  Huge. Fan.  I know, I know.  My high school photography teacher would probably give me a verbal lashing for saying so, but I just love it.  So there.

After the ceremony, I literally snuck Kelsey and Brandon out of the church to get just a few portraits before their formals.  The sun was totally gone, but the sky still had a few traces of light.  Not to mention, we were lucky to have some CC students who had their dorm lights on (thanks guys!).

Kelsey and Brandon’s reception was at the Warehouse, a place I’d never been before but had heard great things about.  It exceeded it’s excellent reputation, and was an awesome venue.  Amazing food, amazing art, amazing location.

Upon arriving at the reception, I was surprised to find 2 friends from high school who had attended the wedding as guests!  Such a small world…it’s always fun when I find out that my clients and I sometimes have some of the same friends!

I already mentioned that Kelsey and Brandon compliment each other well.  Their chemistry is absolutely contagious, and the love between them is evident.  Kelsey had waited 7 years for her last name to change…she knew she wanted to marry Brandon very soon after they started dating.  I suppose you could call it woman’s instinct!

Kelsey and her dad put on quite a show while they danced to “My Girl”.  They were so animated, and it was clear that the two share a special bond.  Their dance was the PERFECT opportunity for me to try out something new…hope you enjoy it!  

Kelsey and Brandon, thank you so much for letting Nicole and I be part of your special day!

Kelsey’s Awesome Vendors:

Prep Location: Antler’s Hilton

Ceremony: Shove Chapel

Reception & Food: The Warehouse

DJ: Sensational Sounds Professional DJ Service

Coordinator: Sarah Viera

So, you may have noticed that I title all my posts the same way.  I say, Colorado Springs (because that’s where I am) _____________ Photographer (filling in the blank with whatever type of shoot it was), and then I use this fun little divider that probably has an actual name…but I sure don’t know what it is….you know, this guy: |  And then, I say who the shoot was of and where it took place.  I may sometimes, because it’s often 11:00pm when I write these posts, forget to include some of those details, but for the most part, that’s my formula.  Well, for the first time ever, I got to shoot an engagement session at the actual location where this couple was engaged.  So, truly, Kristen and Anthony were engaged at Garden of the Gods.  Sometimes people ask me if I get tired of shooting at the same places all the time.  As you can see if you’ve been watching my blog for very long, Garden of the Gods is a gorgeous place, and so very much an icon of our city.  When I’m asked that question, my answer is no.  The reason is simply because now, after 4 years of being a professional photographer (and also being a native of the area), I know that park (and many others) like the back of my hand!  It’s great to know just where to go to avoid the tourists, and where to go to get just the right lighting.  I love it!

Anyway, a few weeks ago I did an engagement session for another of my 2011 couples, Kristen and Anthony.  Kristen is the best friend of my amazing second shooter, Nicole.  I knew it was going to be a great day when I saw that this was my first shot

Here is the actual spot where Anthony proposed to Kristen.  It was fun to help them recreate the moment!

I had a really great time with K & A, not to mention their adorable 4 legged babies, Tucker and Lilly.  I must say, those dogs were quite cooperative.  It might have helped that I had stashed a couple of treats in my pocket.  ;)

Apparently, I’m hilarious…or maybe they are just THAT in love…either way, a good thing.

Kristen and Anthony…thank you SO much!  I can’t wait to shoot your wedding in April!

Reagan, you are gorgeous!  I’m positive that you were an amazingly beautiful bride.

These two were such a blast to be around!  Thank you so much, and congratulations Reagan and Max!

I normally like to post many more photos than this from engagement sessions, but Shelby has asked me to limit the number of pictures I show to the ones I already posted on her Facebook.  Shelby and Chris have chosen to use a Storybook Album as their guestbook at their New Years Day wedding, and Shelby wants the rest of the photos to be a surprise to her guests…and I’m happy to oblige!  So, here is sort of an extended sneak peek at their engagement photos.

Shelby and Chris, you guys are such a super cute couple, and I can’t wait for your wedding day!  Thanks so much!

You’ve already met Mike and Tina from the post where I told you about the wedding giveaway winners.  On Monday of Memorial Day weekend, we headed up to their wedding venue, Crooked Willow Farms for their engagement shoot.  As soon as I realized where Crooked Willow is located, it instantly became near and dear to my heart.  When my parents first married, they built a house about 2 miles south of what is now Crooked Willow.  We lived in that house until I was 5, and some of my best childhood memories come from that house.  I love driving along Perry Park Road, especially in the summer time.  It’s always green and gorgeous, and needless to say I was so excited for this shoot, because it gave me the chance to walk down Memory Lane.  To get there, you have to drive through Palmer Lake.  Growing up in Monument, I always had a few friends who lived in Palmer Lake, and so if Perry Park Road is Memory Lane, then Palmer Lake is Memory Dr.  :)

Anyway, enough of my ramblings.  As expected, Crooked Willow is everything I hoped it would be, and Brendan, the event coordinator was so helpful.  Since I hadn’t been there, he gave me a  full tour of the indoor facilities, and walked around with us while we shot Mike and Tina’s pictures so that we could get the best spots on the property.  If you’re looking for a wedding venue, I highly recommend Brendan and his staff!

Tina has some fierce blue eyes… gorgeous!

The Eastern sky was rich with deep blue color as the sun was setting.

Whenever I would talk to Mike and Tina about Crooked Willow, the animals that live there were a constant topic of conversation.  Mike would tell me about Lola the pig.  He tried to explain her to me…  ”Lola is an 850# pig that lives at Crooked Willow, and she’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen”, Mike would tell me.  Well, I’d smile and nod, and say sure, they have an 850# pig…ok.  Well, when I met Lola, I could see why Mike was so intrigued!  She has quite the personality, (for a pig) and is quite friendly.  She was thrilled to have Mike get right inside her stall and say hello.  Of course, I kept singing in my head, “Her name was Lola…she was a showgirl…”  Tina, on the other hand, would always talk about the horses that live at Crooked Willow.  As soon as Brendan took us into the private barns where the championship horses are stalled, I instantly knew her excitement.  The horses are very big, (probably about 19-20 hands) and, for lack of a better word, simply athletic.  Every muscle is defined, and they are true things of beauty.  What Mike and Tina didn’t tell me about were the camels that live at Crooked Willow.  They have 2, and one is quite friendly and wanted to get in on the engagement session action.  :)

Big thanks to Mike, Tina, and Brendan for such a fun shoot.  I can’t wait for the wedding in August!

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In the days following the sneak peak I posted of Kristin and Kevin’s engagement session, I got so busy with shooting that I am only just now getting to posting their full entry!  I’m not complaining though, because I love my job.

I have known Kristin for a little over 3 years now, and I treasure her friendship.  I was (and still am) so excited for her when she met Kevin towards the end of last year, and I was absolutely thrilled when I found out that they were engaged.  I simply cannot wait to shoot their July wedding, and I’m completely flattered that Kristin asked me to do their wedding!  I had such a blast doing their engagement session.  We were a little weary of the weather because it had been raining all day, but I told Kristin that we would accomplish our goal, and have a beautiful sky for a background to boot.  She was still nervous, but I told her that she was not allowed to stress about it!  I’m not sure how it happened, but it was all just as I said it would be.  I think it was simply because Kris and Kev were with me that it happened.  Things just seem to work out for them…one of many signs that they’re soul mates!

At some point, I realized that these two were on sort of a repetitive track of, “do something silly, laugh, kiss, repeat”.  I shared my observation with them, and I must have struck a nerve because  a few days later, I noticed that something very similar to the above statement was what Kevin had listed as his facebook status!  I think he’s a happy man.

Kristin’s ring is undeniably gorgeous.

Just as we started shooting, Kevin spotted an interesting carving in one of the rocks.  While I don’t really condone people carving things into rocks at beautiful places like Garden of the Gods, this particular carving was pretty cool, considering I was with two people whose names begin with K, and who are very much in love.

Kevin and Kristin are so wonderful together.  I’m always impressed with couples who can just be themselves no matter what, and K & K are just that type of couple.  They make each other laugh (all the time) and the happiness that they feel when they are around one another is absolutely catching.  Whenever I’m with them, I too seem to have a smile on my face!  I know that they will have a long, happy life together.

Thanks so much you two, and I can’t wait for your wedding!

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Stay tuned…I’m hoping to have the rest finished up soon!

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Last weekend, I had the privelege of shooting Katie and Brian’s engagement pictures.

Katie and Brian were seniors the year I started teaching, and I knew way back them that there was something special about these two.  They both displayed maturity beyond the typical “high school couple”, and it’s no surprise that they’ll be getting married in September.

I like Katie so much that she became our nanny shortly after Reagan was born.  She’s Reagan’s favorite, hands down.  (And when it comes to taking care of kids and our house, she’s our favorite too!)