Chantel + TJ’s Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session
The early morning sky awaited us with pink and orange clouds as TJ and Chantel stepped out of their RV and headed into Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for their sunrise engagement session. Clad in their hiking boots, jeans, and outdoor gear from Patagonia and The North Face, these two looked as though they had just stepped out of an outdoor magazine. The sun was just kissing the tops of the Rockies as Chantel and TJ made their way along a stream in Moraine Park, a large meadowed area in the park. In the fall, this meadow is filled with elk bugling and mingling during mating season, but on this summer morning, Chantel and TJ had the space to themselves to roam and adventure (while staying on the path of course, #leavenotrace). Taking in the beauty that was around them, they were fully present to their surroundings and the journey that had led them to this point in their relationship.
Chantel, TJ, Andy, myself, and two of our other good friends had decided to take an epic cross-country RV trip together to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of the travelers had never been to the mountains, let alone a national park, so this was an incredible adventure to be a part of. Chantel and TJ wanting to celebrate their engagement in Rocky Mountain was the cherry on top. After exploring around Moraine Park and the Sprague Lake trail, we took a break for some lunch in Estes Park and a round of cornhole at Avante Garde Aleworks. Storm clouds began to roll in over the Rockies, casting eerie shadows on the mountains. I casually said to Chantel and TJ that the view from the Alpine Visitor’s Center (at the very top of the park and the mountains) was probably pretty cool with this weather, and that we might be able to get some photos of them above the clouds if we headed up there. We packed up in a flash, climbed into the rental car, and began the precarious trip up the mountains.
If you’ve never driven Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re in for a treat…and a heart attack if you’re afraid of heights. After a personal study across numerous national parks, I’ve come to the conclusion that the parks are just too underfunded because guard rails are practically nonexistent in the parks. This is a gravity-defying drive, but the views are absolutely incredible when you can see them. However, given my brilliant plan to drive all the way to the top of the park and hopefully be above the clouds, we were driving IN the clouds for most of the hour drive to the Alpine Visitor’s Center. It was anxiety inducing, and we were all very grateful to have reached the top.
That is, until it started hailing and thundering and lighting.
So, like the adults that we are, we sat in the car and played I Spy while waiting for a break in the weather. A small window of time appeared, so we dashed out of the SUV and to the nearest trail. I snapped as many photos as I dared before lighting started striking the mountains in the distance, and we ran back to the car. We began our precarious drive back down the mountain, and found one last engagement photo spot to stop at in the pouring rain–Chantel really wanted to go big or go home.
Chantel and TJ ran out of the car into the rain, with Andy and me on their heels. Andy held my rain jacket over my head to attempt to protect my camera from the downpour (thank goodness for weather-sealed gear!), and we took 60 seconds outside the vehicle as I yelled at Chantel and TJ over the rain to, “KISS! NOW PICK HER UP AND PLAY IN THE RAIN” as I counted down outloud from 60 to zero. We sprinted back to the car, breathless and laughing from the thrill.
It’s such an honor and a privilege to witness two of my dear friends so deeply in love and having been able to see their relationship grow from its early stages to what it has progressed to now. TJ had been living with Andy when Andy and I first started dating. A few months later, TJ introduced us to Chantel for the first time, and I remember saying afterwards how good they are for each other. Chantel and TJ are wonderful supporters of one another, they are each other’s rock, and are there for one another 110%. Chantel and TJ spark when they’re together. Their love is so authentic and raw, as they encourage each another to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Chantel and TJ, we can’t wait to see what your relationship grows into, as it’s been inspiring to witness! We are so excited for your summer wedding in 2021 and can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Much love and appreciation,
Kate
