Kristen, Charlton & their cat Boots love going on Camping adventures, and wanted to incorporate that into their session. We traveled up to Ward, Colorado to do a authentic session of what they do while they camp.

View More: Http://aliandgarrett.pass.us/kristen Charlton 8 Lakeside Adventure Engagement | Ali And Garrett Wedding Photographers | Via MountainsideBride.com

How did you meet?

We met in college at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth KS during our 5th year, once both of us were finished with college sports (she – soccer, he – basketball). Charlton asked me (Kristen) on a date and while reluctant at first I finally agreed after witnessing him present in class – after witnessing the confidence, knowledge, and passion displayed I was hooked! We soon enjoyed our first date at the Kempee Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown KC and the rest was history.

What is your proposal story?

Early in our relationship we took a road trip from Kansas City, KS to San Jose, CA and spent one night in a little cabin in the Sawtooth Mountains. We fell in love with the lodge/location and further in love with each other. Two years later we planned a trip back to the Sawtooth Lodge in Grandjean ID this time to stay for a few days. The night we arrived, after cooking a delicious meal on our camp stove and enjoying the sunset from our porch, Charlton asked me to take a walk to look at the stars. He began to talk about life and love and ended up on one knee. I remember thinking “maybe he’s tying his shoe” but as he reached into his pocket it felt like my heart would beat right out of my chest! He opened the little box from Denver local healer, Miro Jewelers, and turned on his headlamp – I know my jaw dropped as the light sparkled on my new fav accessory. He asked me to spend forever with him and I could not wait to say, “yes!” It was the perfect moment and our cat, Puss in Boots, was also there for the magic as we were walking him on the leash!

Tell us about the ring/band. Please be as descriptive as possible.

1 kt solitaire diamond with a diamond band. Platinum silver. Miro Jewelers, Denver CO.

Tell us about your engagement shoot outfits and accessories.

We went up to Lake Brainard in Ward for the perfect balance of green and snow-capped peaks.

Colorado Adventure Engagement Vendors

The Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are the bedrock of the Leave No Trace program. They provide guidance to enjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts. The principles have been adapted so they can be applied in your backyard or your backcountry.

Note: click any of the headers below for a much deeper explanation of each principle.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
  - Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
  - Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
  - Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
  - In pristine areas:
  - Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
  - Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Visit our Homepage to learn more about Leave No Trace program.

Colorado Adventure Love Session with an Adorable Black Cat