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Devil’s Thumb Ranch Photographer | Shelby and Hogan’s Colorado Winter Proposal

Devil’s Thumb Ranch | Shelby and Hogan’s Colorado Winter Proposal

I just don’t think we are able to express our joy and excitement for this incredible newly engaged couple! Shelby and Hogan got engaged at Devil’s Thumb Ranch during a snowy March, and it was everything perfect and Colorado. Horses, snow, and ranch. A few months ago, Hogan’s mama, Stacy, contacted us a to tell us that Hogan was planning to propose to Shelby during their Colorado vacation. She said that they were in need of a Devil’s Thumb Ranch Photographer and we were so thrilled to be invited to capture it! Horseback riding has been one of our favorite things we do together as a couple. Getting to share that as well as a magical moment, with two amazing people was simply a dream come true. The nerves running through our bodies as it comes time to shoot this moment is an overwhelming rush of excitement!

Needless to say, Shelby’s reaction was truly overwhelming for everyone involved…and there were a lot of people! Hogan didn’t stop with the surprises at the amazing proposal. Oh, no. He invited their friends and family members to fly out to Devil’s Thumb Ranch and surprise her afterwards! It was simply an unforgettable experience that so many people, ourselves included, go to be apart of. Shelby and Hogan, thank you so much for inviting us to be your Devil’s Thumb Ranch Photographer for your proposal. It was truly an honor and we are so excited for your Texas wedding this winter!

Love,
Mike and Taylor

 

How did the two of you meet?

“One of my friends was on an intramural softball team with Hogan and invited me to come watch one of their games. We wish we could say it was love at first sight,  but it wasn’t until three years later that Hogan asked me out on a date.”

 

Tell us about your first date!

“We grabbed a Pizza to-go, a cheap bottle of wine, and went to watch the sun set over beautiful Lake Bryan. When we got there, the clouds rolled in and we got soaked in the rain! It was almost romantic.”

 

What is your favorite quirk about the other?

Hogan: “My favorite quirk about Shelby (besides her dimples) is the way she waves to every single horse that we pass while driving.”
Shelby: “Hogan has too many quirks to pick from, but my favorite is his ability to go into any fictional or nonfictional character. He keeps me on my toes. You never know when he is going to turn into an old grandma, Harry Potter, or an Irish barista.”

 

 

Hogan, tell us what was going through your mind the couple hours before you proposed at Devil’s Thumb Ranch?

“Believe it or not, I wasn’t nervous to propose at all; I was just trying to hide how excited I was! I was more worried about her getting carsick on the way up the mountain or somebody spilling the beans early. There was a lot of moving parts that were the root of my anxiety that day. However, it ended up being more perfect than I had drawn up in my head.”

 

Shelby, tell us about your experience when Hogan dropped down to one knee at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

“I really wish I could say that I remember this moment vividly. To be completely honest I think I blacked out. The photographs helped me recall the memory of losing control of my legs, falling to the ground and weeping tears of joy.”

 

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

“We both agree that we are most looking forward to having all of our friends and family in one place. The people closest to us really know how to celebrate! Shelby is a dancing machine so I am sure she will be taking full advantage of the dance floor.”

 

If you could describe your relationship in 3 words, what would they be and why?

“Unwavering: We went through a lot together along the way. But we always relied on one another and our love for each other was never in question. Deep-rooted: (2 for 1 special) Our relationship is built and nurtured by the love of our friends and family. We have always had a strong support group and recognize we would not be engaged today without the love of the people around us. Barley: We have to pay homage to our best friend in the whole world. Our happy-go- lucky Golden Retriever, Barley. She [Shelby] got Barley when he was only a few months old and we have had the pleasure and responsibility of raising him into the good boy he is today. He has been a major part of our growth and maturity as a couple. Now we get to be a family!”

-Codey & Taylor

“We knew our photos were going to be something we would treasure forever, but what we didn’t expect to walk away with was an effortless bond turned friendship.

Taylor and Mike are not just invested in capturing the magic of the wedding day, but their heart is in it for the marriage and future that follows.”

-Brett & Mendy

I did not feel rushed or anxious, just simply in the moment—which was most important as this would be a once in a lifetime experience—and believe me, Taylor and Mike made it memorable. Separately they are an absolute delight, and together they make the ultimate team and genuine couple. You can see the true dedication they put into making that day, your day…special! It was an absolute joy to work with this inspirational couple."

"With grace and charm, Taylor and Mike set the tone for our beautiful wedding day!

-Jake & Christina

They did everything we asked and more. Our friends and family keep remarking how great our photographers were. They took so many photos and delivered them in such a fast turnaround."

"Taylor and Mike are professional, friendly, detailed, flexible, committed—exactly the kind of presence you want from photographers on your wedding day! 

-Chris & Kim

On the day, they were so organized and kept things moving at a perfect pace. We never felt rushed yet were able to adhere to our timeline perfectly. They made everyone, including my generally camera-shy husband, feel at ease making for photos with real smiles."

"From start to finish, Taylor and Mike take great care to make sure you are comfortable and have clear and prompt communication. 

-Jake & Haydn

We are so impressed with not only them as people and their amazing work, but also their communication skills throughout the entire planning process."

"Taylor and Mike have a great ability to take photographs in places no ordinary person would ever think of, and, while still focusing on you, they are also able to capture the beautiful scenery.

-Adam & Sydney

Though we had never met, it was as though we were life-long friends and it was immediately apparent we wanted to work with them. They are so pleasant, personable, and go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. We were so worried the photo process would be weird and awkward, but they made it one of the most fun aspects of the whole day. To top it all off, the photos are simply gorgeous!"

“We gave them a call and they were the first, and only, photographers we spoke with.

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Let's BEGIN OUR JOURNEY

We embrace diversity and welcome couples of all backgrounds, religions, genders, races, and sexual orientations with open arms. Your love is unique, and we're here to celebrate it in all its beautiful forms.

We're located in Buena Vista, Colorado, but our love is universal: we shoot worldwide.

Reaching out about your portrait or branding session?

Visit our portrait page

Are you a planner? Click here!

Let's BEGIN OUR JOURNEY

We embrace diversity and welcome couples of all backgrounds, religions, genders, races, and sexual orientations with open arms. Your love is unique, and we're here to celebrate it in all its beautiful forms.

We're located in Buena Vista, Colorado, but our love is universal: we shoot worldwide.

Reaching out about your portrait or branding session?

Visit our portrait page

Are you a couple? Click here!

To honor your time, we will reply to you within 24 hours.

THANK YOU

FOR GETTING IN TOUCH!

If you're simply too excited (we are, too!) and can't wait that long to connect, please feel free to give us a call directly at 720-412-7237.