We absolutely love capturing special moments– whether it be weddings, family, or high school senior photos. However, today we bring you something particularly special– a precious surprise proposal from our friend Scott to his now fiancé Katie! The proposal took place at Grand Lake and the wonderful autumn aesthetic provided an incredible backdrop for this special moment! We hope you enjoy this surprise autumn engagement at Grand Lake as much as we did!

Grand Lake
Grand Lake, which is located about thirty miles north-west of Boulder, is known as the “Western Gateway” to the Rocky Mountain National Park — and for a very good reason! It’s absolutely gorgeous, especially around this time of year when the leaves begin to change color. The lake offers all sorts of activities to enjoy all year round. From backcountry skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, to hiking and kayaking in the summer, Grand Lake has a lot to offer! It features over sixty different shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. Naturally, this makes for a perfect location for a surprise proposal!



Friends of the Fox Fam
Scott is a friend to us at From the Hip Photo; he is the founder of a highly rated lighting and design company here in Colorado called Lighting and Design by Scott and his work speaks for itself! Therefore, it was very important to us to make this day extra special for both him and Katie!
Like a stealthy fox, our photographer hid nearby to capture some candid moments between Katie and Scott! Scott led Katie to an isolated pier at the lake that contained a bunch of goodies: champagne, flowers, and sparklers! The beautiful floral arrangements were provided by The Stalk Market, and they did an excellent job of playing off the autumn aesthetic. The pier also had beautiful lighting and music provided by Sound Master Entertainment that made Scott’s proposal go off with a bang! And of course thank you to Laney and Joel at Platypus Papers for planning this extraordinary event!






Congratulations, Katie and Scott, it was our pleasure! Check out more of our engagement sessions here!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an engagement session last?
Most engagement sessions run 60-90 minutes, giving us time to capture a variety of poses, expressions, and outfit changes across different locations.
What should we wear to our engagement session?
Choose outfits that reflect your personality and style. We recommend complementary colors rather than matching, and comfortable clothing that lets you move naturally.
Where should we have our engagement session?
We love Denver’s scenic locations like the Botanic Gardens, RiNo District, or mountain settings. We can suggest locations that match your style, or you can choose your favorite spot.
How many photos will we get from our engagement session?
Typically, you’ll receive 100-150 edited, high-resolution images from your engagement session, with all digital files included.
Can we use engagement photos for our wedding invitations?
Definitely! Many couples use their favorite engagement photos on save-the-dates and wedding invitations. We’ll make sure to get shots perfect for that purpose.
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Ready to capture your story? Get in touch with us to discuss your photography needs and book your session today.
Creating Memories in Denver and Beyond
Since 2010, From the Hip Photo has been committed to capturing authentic moments across the Denver metro area and beyond. Whether you’re planning a special milestone or want to document everyday moments, we bring warmth, artistry, and technical expertise to every session.
We understand that photography is about more than just images — it’s about preserving the feelings, connections, and stories that matter most. That’s why we take time to understand your vision and work collaboratively to bring it to life.










