Playing in the Snow - Allie + Derrik
I met Allie our freshman year of college in Indianapolis wayyyy back in 2013. We lived in the same gross old dorm (RIP Schwitzer Hall). That means we have been friends for almost 10 years!! We have been through many seasons of life together: big decisions, new opportunities, and wild nights out that now make us cringe. After graduating in 2017, Allie went to dental school in Chicago while Nich and I moved to Colorado Springs. Last year, Allie & Derrik decided to also pursue a life in the mountains and moved out here as well! It’s so much fun to have our Midwest friends out here in this beautiful state. They also brought Pumpkin, aka Lil’ Pump, with them- a cool cat you just need in your life. Follow him on TikTok @herecomespumpkin.
Although I had met Derrik before they moved to Colorado, living in the same place again has allowed me to really see how their unique and genuine love has developed over the years. These two beautiful souls are made for each other. I love the way Derrik loves Allie, it makes my heart so happy to see my friend of all these years loved so deeply. Back in October 2021, he told me that he bought a ring and my heart EXPLODED. I literally screamed. We sneakily hatched the idea to “ just snap some photos” in the mountains, where he got down on one knee when she wasn’t looking. It is was so incredible to witness and capture that special moment for them, it was an emotional evening I will never forget!
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when we got to hang out and take their engagement photos. They are having a winter wedding, so we spent the day exploring dirt roads, searching for a snowy wonderland around Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir. I made Allie tackle Derrik in the snow, we snacked on donut holes (“do you have a spare hole?” hehe), found a cool double tunnel, and had a great time! Allie & Derrik are two of the funniest people I know and their energy together is contagious. There were times when we were taking these photos that I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t even hold my camera up because I was laughing so hard. I literally almost fell over more than once. Capturing love authentically is so easy with these two; being cute and fun is their natural state. I love how these photos turned out, a perfect mix of intimate, sweet moments and wild, goofy ones. Just like them! My fav might just be when I told Derrik to whisper anything in Allie’s ear in a sensual voice. He said “I’ve been meaning to ask you about your car’s extended warranty” lol.
These two will get married in January 2023, and I get to be a bridesmaid! I’m so happy we got to be a part of their love story and I can’t wait to get you two hitched!!
