A Romantic Double Surprise Colorado Proposal in Vail
Vinson reached out to me in early January, as he and his partner Joshua were planning a trip to Vail to celebrate their anniversary. Vinson shared that Joshua loves the snow and has always dreamed of a snowy engagement, so this trip was the perfect opportunity for a surprise Colorado proposal. When we chatted to plan the special moment, I learned they wanted an intimate setting with a stunning mountain backdrop. Right away, I knew the perfect plan to make their engagement dreams come true.
The Colorado Proposal Story Continues
We ended up having Vinson and Josh take the Vail gondola up the mountain, with Vinson’s plan being to propose at the summit with the stunning Mount of the Holy Cross as the backdrop. To avoid raising Joshua’s suspicions, Vinson told him they had a lunch reservation at the top to celebrate their anniversary.
Little did Vinson or I know, this plan actually made Josh a bit suspicious that a proposal might be in the works. So unbeknownst to Vinson, Josua started making his own plans to get down on one knee! It was shaping up to be a wonderfully romantic and unexpected moment.
Fast forward to the big moment – I was hiding at the top of Vail Mountain, eagerly waiting for Vinson and Joshua to make their way to our secret spot. After some time, the two lovebirds arrived and soaked in the breathtaking views, snapping a few selfies along the way.
Finally, Vinson dropped to one knee, ready to pop the question. But just as they embraced in celebration, Josh surprised everyone by getting down on one knee himself, ring in hand, to propose to Vinson. It was an incredibly romantic and unexpected twist – Vinson had planned this special mountaintop proposal, only for Josua to turn the tables and propose right back to him in that magical moment.
When I tell you, I was absolutely floored – I couldn’t believe this charming engagement that Vinson and I had planned for the past month had turned into an unexpected double proposal.
Celebrating the Engagement
After Vinson and Joshua took in that incredible, unexpected double proposal moment, we popped a bottle of champagne to toast the happy couple. We captured more beautiful photos of them at the summit, taking in the stunning mountain views. Then, we ventured down to the mountain base, where we got some gorgeous engagement photos alongside the snowy creek and charming Vail shopping village. It was such an adorable, magical day – the perfect setting for these two lovebirds to start the next chapter of their lives together.
If you’re soaking in the engagement content, check out this charming Colorado engagement with Chelsea and Conor!
Colorado Proposal Ideas | Whitney Rae Photography
“Whitney! These are so beautiful, we are crying at dinner looking through all of these beautiful images and sincerely appreciate all the time and effort you spent to make our day spectacular!!”
Every wedding is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. By stepping back to let intimate moments unfold naturally while offering support and guidance to ensure no important memory is missed, I strive to create timeless images that blend an editorial style with a documentary approach. From the distinctive details of your celebration to the cherished traditions, I'll deliver a collection of photographs that allow you to relive these memories for years to come. After all, the moments that matter most aren’t always staged or polished—they’re raw, authentic, and uniquely you.
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An Honest Wedding Experience
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”
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I'm WHITNEY.
Your wedding day is a story—one filled with fleeting moments of beauty, deep emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As an artist, I am here to preserve those moments with intention, artistry, and care. I don’t just capture what your wedding looked like—I document how it felt.
Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Vail, Colorado, I am deeply inspired by the way love and nature intertwine. There’s something poetic about the way light moves across mountain peaks, the way wind dances through a bride’s veil, and how the beauty of the outdoors mirrors the intimacy of a wedding day. My work is shaped by this connection—an effortless blend of refined editorial imagery and documentary storytelling, allowing each wedding to unfold naturally while being captured with timeless elegance.
Beyond photography, I am an adventurer at heart. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes, hiking through the Rockies, or traveling to breathtaking destinations, my love for movement and exploration brings an effortless, natural feel to my imagery. Every love story is unique, and I am deeply invested in capturing the emotions, scenery, and in-between moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we connect, my goal is to provide an effortless, elevated experience that allows you to be fully present while I handle the art of storytelling. With a calm, intuitive approach, I blend artistic direction with documentary storytelling—guiding you when needed while allowing your most authentic moments to unfold naturally. My couples value timeless, emotive imagery, a refined yet relaxed presence, and the confidence of knowing their memories are being preserved with intention. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me skiing down the slopes, hiking with my husband and our two border collies, or enjoying a slow morning with a perfectly crafted latte. I live for meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and capturing beauty in the quiet, in-between moments of life—just as I do with my couples. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to provide an intimate, high-touch experience, ensuring each love story is captured with the highest level of artistry and care. If you feel drawn to timeless, emotional, and editorial-inspired imagery, I would love to hear your vision and create something extraordinary together.
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