Several months ago my best friend told me she wanted to do something epic to celebrate what we think is her last pregnancy. We threw out a few ideas, but she shared with me that she had always wanted to do maternity pictures in the mountains and with snow.
✨ Well, if you know me, you know I knew I needed to sprinkle some pixie dust on this and make it happen. ✨
We started researching places - Arkansas, New Mexico..none of which would have snow during the time we were able to go.
Then we landed on Colorado Springs. It was perfect.
We could drive there. Pikes Peak has snow all year round. It wouldn't cost $3000 to go there.
So, a few AirBnb and weather searches later we were on our way!
Cascade
We ended up at this adorable, cozy cabin from Airbnb in the town of Cascade, which is roughly 10 minutes from the outskirts of Colorado Springs.
Located at the base of the mountain, our back door was literal inches from the start of the hills and the house was right next to the beginning of a hiking trail.
We were in a quiet neighborhood and the only people we saw who didn't live there were the hikers.
Our cabin was also right across the way from a babbling brook that we took full advantage of!
Pikes Peak ⛰️
Let me preface this by saying if you are a control freak, have anxiety, or are afraid of heights...this summit may not be for you. I did pretty well up until we got to marker 14/20. Then all trees and notions of safety go out the window, it is 20 minutes of 10mph complete u curves on the ledge of a mountain.
The view up top is gorgeous and it was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime thing, but I do not see myself doing it again.
I WOULD say that it would be fun to hike, but 14k + elevation and the need for oxygen in a can makes that a no-go for this fluffy photo taker!
Photo taken at around 18/20 marker.
Insert "Are We Out Of The Woods Yet" lyrics by T-swift here ^^^
The trip up the mountain was incredible. There are plenty of pull-off/look-out spots along the way and we took full advantage. Above you can see photos of the white birch woods and to the right is one of the fields where you can see Pike's Peak in the distance.
You do not need to ask me if I frolicked.
Britton is my best friend, but even if she weren't I would have to give her major props for this trip. First, she sat in the backseat of a truck for 13 hours straight, and then walked her pregnant self all over a mountain and changed on the side of the road in and out of these hard to maneuver gowns multiple times.
And finally, snow
The entire reason for this trip was so Britton could stand in the snow on a mountain.
The good thing about these mountains is that any spots that stay shady all day typically have snow on them for most of the year, so while we missed an entire snow-covered mountain, we did find several spots that fit the vibe we were going for.
This gorgeous velvet silver dress was the perfect combo with the trees and snowy surroundings.
Colorado, you did not disappoint!
PS. peep your friendly fluffy photographer living her best life. I swear one day I'll live where it's cold!
All gowns are from the MWP client closet and are available to you to use during our at-home or adventure sessions. If you are interested in an adventure session I open up space for a few trips per year!
