the place where it started


A few short months ago, Ben surprised Laura with a mountain top proposal followed by warm embraces from out of state family and friends who were hidden away until it was time to pop out and celebrate. Ben really went all out with his proposal right there at Mount Falcon. So, when it came time to choose a location for their engagement shoot it was an easy choice!

Joyful couple shares playful embrace during outdoor engagement photo session.
A woman in a burgundy dress smiles while standing outdoors on a rocky overlook during golden hour.
A man in a white button-down shirt stands casually on rocky terrain with mountains in the background.
A playful couple enjoys a piggyback ride outdoors during sunset in a mountain setting.

Mount Falcon West Trailhead is my favorite of the two entrances. The East entrance also has some beautiful views, but the West entrance provides incredible overlooks, and gorgeous golden hour light and is very easily accessible. We planned our shoot to start about an hour and a half before sunset to give us time to walk along the trail, explore the space a bit and take our time capturing different scenes. It can be a bit busy during golden hour, but there are so many great locations for shooting that it isn't difficult to avoid other people.

A silhouetted couple embraces on a mountain overlook during sunset with a scenic valley view.

Mount Falcon 5 minutes away from the parking lot

the hike to the lookout


From the West Trailhead parking lot there is about a 35 minute, 1.5 mile hike to Mount Falcon Lookout. The trail is well marked and easily accessible other than the fairly steep incline in a few places. After an outfit change at the onsite restrooms we made our way to the lookout stopping every so often to take advantage of beautiful backgrounds as the sun started to drop.

A couple holds hands while dancing in a mountain meadow at sunset.
A couple in casual attire embraces while standing in a sunlit mountain meadow.
A couple shares an intimate moment while embracing in a grassy field at sunset.
A couple reaches out to hold hands while standing in a field during golden hour.

Sunset and champagne


Sunset from the lookout is absolutely beautiful and so we timed our session so that we would arrive at the lookout just as the sun dipped down giving us gorgeous light and a completely different look to the golden hour shots on the trail. We also popped a bottle of champagne and celebrated, because why not!

A bottle of Ruffino wine placed on a light colored surface.
A joyful couple celebrates on rocky terrain with mountain views at sunset.
Close-up shot of hands holding a wine bottle against a blurred outdoor background.
A couple shares a bottle of wine while standing on rocky mountain terrain at sunset.
Woman in cream cardigan pouring wine outdoors with a joyful expression.
Two hands holding wine glasses together in a celebratory toast at sunset.
Couple standing together on rocky mountain overlook during golden hour.
Two people sitting close together on a rocky outcrop watching the sunset in the mountains.
Couple sitting on rocky outcrop sharing wine while watching sunset in mountains.
Joyful couple celebrating with arms raised while standing on mountain rocks.
Couple enjoying wine while having a romantic picnic on a blanket in a pine forest.
Couple sharing laughs during an intimate picnic in a sunny forest clearing.

the descent


We spent a bit of time at the lookout, watching the sunset as Ben and Laura told me more about how they met, fell in love and what they loved most about their relationship as well as their dreams for the future. Then we began our journey down the trail, making a few quick stops on the way, including a quick practice session for the couples first dance. What a great evening!

Silhouetted couple sharing intimate moment against mountain backdrop at dusk.
Blurred silhouette of couple in close embrace against dimming sky.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate embrace on a mountain viewing deck at sunset.
Couple dancing together on an outdoor deck with mountains in the background.
Couple embracing and dancing on an observation deck overlooking misty mountains.
Couple walking at sunset, holding beverages while enjoying mountain views.

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