Victoria and Ethan’s story started with an invitation to swing dance—and a brave decision to say yes even though Ethan had absolutely no idea how to dance.

They met in Ecology class at Iowa State University in 2019, during Ethan’s senior year and Victoria’s junior year. When Victoria asked Ethan to be her partner at an upcoming swing dancing event, he could have admitted that dancing wasn’t exactly his strong suit. Instead, he said yes. It turns out, that was one of the best decisions he ever made. 

Ethan says his favorite thing about Victoria is the happiness she radiates. She lights up every room she walks into, and he simply loves being in her presence.

Victoria loves Ethan’s goofiness and compassion. He’s someone who takes incredible care of her while also giving her the freedom to be completely herself. Together, they make a pretty wonderful team.

A Proposal at the Top of Angel’s Landing

When Ethan decided it was time to propose, he knew he wanted the moment to be epic. He planned a trip to Zion National Park with Victoria’s childhood friend—who would later stand beside her as matron of honor—and her husband. The plan appeared to be nothing more than a camping trip and the chance to finally tackle a hike they had been wanting to do.

Angel’s Landing was the goal.

Victoria had no idea there was another goal waiting at the top. After making their way up the famously treacherous trail, Ethan found the perfect moment. At the top, surrounded by the incredible landscape of Zion, he dropped to one knee and asked Victoria the question. Completely surprised, she said yes.

From a first date that involved learning to dance together to a proposal at the top of one of the most iconic hikes in the country, their story has never been short on adventure.

A First Look at the Top of the Mountain

Victoria and Ethan’s wedding day began with the kind of joy that seemed to follow them everywhere. These two are the kind of couple who leave a lasting impression – they’re kind to everyone they meet, completely in love, easygoing, and genuinely fun to be around. That joy was contagious from the very beginning of the day.

Before seeing Ethan, Victoria shared an emotional first reveal with her mom and bridesmaids. Then came the moment they had been waiting for: their first look together at the top of the mountain.

Getting everyone—and I mean everyone—up there required an impressive amount of coordination and an absolutely insane number of people packed into the venue Jeep. But every second was worth it! The mountain views stretched out around them beneath brilliant blue Colorado skies, creating the perfect backdrop for a moment that was entirely theirs.

They shared private vows together, taking in the significance of the day away from the rest of the crowd. There were tears, laughs, and plenty of time simply to stand together and take it all in.

For Victoria and Ethan, the mountain first look was one of the most memorable parts of the entire day. 

Their ceremony took place among the aspens, surrounded by everything that makes a Colorado mountain wedding so special. Deer quietly wandered through the area. Chipmunks seemed to stop by as unexpected wedding guests. The breeze moved gently through the leaves. It felt like Colorado itself was celebrating with them.

Ending the Day in the Mountains

As evening settled in, the pace of the wedding day softened. Victoria and Ethan shared their first dance, taking a few quiet minutes to soak in everything that had happened. And then, as the final light began disappearing behind the mountains, they snuggled in close for fireside portraits. It was the perfect ending to a wedding that had been filled with so much movement, laughter, emotion, and adventure.

From Iowa State’s Ecology class to a swing dancing event, from a surprise proposal at Angel’s Landing to a mountain-top first look, Victoria and Ethan’s story has always been about saying yes.

Yes to trying something new.

Yes to adventure.

And, most importantly, yes to each other.

Victoria and Ethan, thank you for trusting me to capture your incredible Colorado mountain wedding. Your kindness, joy, and genuine connection made this day such a pleasure to photograph, and I hope these photographs always take you right back to the feeling of standing together at the top of that mountain.

Wedding Vendors

For Couples Dreaming of a Colorado Mountain Wedding

Your wedding doesn’t have to feel like a production. It can feel like you—whether that means sharing private vows on a mountaintop, bringing your favorite people along for the ride, dancing under the stars, or sneaking away for fireside portraits at the end of the night. I photograph Colorado weddings for couples who want beautiful imagery and a wedding experience that feels intentional, joyful, and completely their own.

Ready to plan a wedding that’s worth reliving?

INQUIRE HERE