Kana + Jake Engaged in Denver

Kana reached out via DM on Instagram midweek with just a “Hey!” - which I normally wouldn’t respond to right away. Ha, but after seeing she was a super talented beauty and wellness practitioner in Indiana (follow @thebeautyroomevv and @accordingtokana) and knowing the way we communicate now via Instagram - I of course responded with “Hiiii” back. So thankful I did as her and Jake’s sessions was one of my favorites of the summer. They were going on a little anniversary trip (Jake loves Denver and wanted to show Kana around). And they thought it would be fun to do a little photo sesh while they were out here. And they completely left it up to me. As an artist to plan the shoot. I know, I know - that’s legit my job but I usually have couples that have some expectation of them with a flowy dress on the top of a mountain.

I was a little bit nervous - knowing it was up to me! So freeing. COVID was happening and also fires so going to the mountains wouldn’t have much of a view and spending time in a car together wasn’t exactly COVID friendly. They were staying at the ART hotel on South Broadway so I scouted out a couple options and knew I could get inspired along the way. I have shoot in RINO plenty and when you shoot in the same places it is tempting and comfortable to do what you always do. So I was exited to shoot somewhere different!

We met at their hotel - and since we were there - we thought why not do a couple on the bed! Best decision ever. We just met and we immediately felt comfortable. So many times with couples I want to do more intimate sessions but it is a mutual, feeling-it-out sort of thing (if it’s not talked about in advance). So she threw on one of his old t-shirts and we shot for five or ten minutes. I LOVE these photos so much.

OHHHH and a surprise to all of us (except Jake of course) - they got engaged at dinner! WHAAA! Kana texted that they were running a few min late bc (see photo below). A fun couples session just turned into an engagement session - and let me tell you the “just got engaged” look - looks pretty damn good on these two.

No engagement session is complete with out spraying some champs of course.

Kana and Jake did not need much directing. Jeez man. They are obviously models. And creating this magic with them was an honor. Of course, no Denver trip is complete with out smoking a joint on the street and then ordering some pizza back to the room. A perfect ending to their day in Denver. So glad you two reached out Kana and Jake! And I can’t wait to make more magic in the future.