Courtney + Marie | A Blooming Summer Engagement

Courtney and Marie are two New Mexican natives that met at school, grew quite close, and inevitably fell in love. Eventually they moved to New York together, and we were lucky enough that, not only did they want their wedding to take place in their home state, but they also would be briefly visiting Albuquerque to plan their union and attend a friend’s wedding. During this time, we were able to snag them while we could, and we subsequently whisked them away to a few of our favorite locations.

After proposing to Marie in late November of last year, Courtney remembered how Maura had shot her cousin’s wedding, and how she had developed an admiration and appreciation for the resulting photographs. We’re so glad that she remembered us, as it was an absolute dream to work with this affectionate and endearing couple! While walking between locations, Courtney shared that, “It’s been so much fun! Who gets to plan their wedding with their best friend, who’s just as equally involved? It’s the best feeling!” The sweet declaration had us gushing over the adorableness.

Furthermore, we also had the chance to participate in the incredible experience of Marie’s surprise proposal to Courtney! Marie felt that she wanted to demonstrate her love for her best friend of seven years and propose as well, so she searched high and low for the perfect ring to present to her sweetheart, and then contacted Maura about the surprise. We couldn’t have been more excited to help! As we shifted from sagebrush fields to flooded bike trails, from glowingly backlit gardens to fields of wildflowers in full bloom, our excitement continued to build and build (unbeknownst to Courtney, of course), until we eventually drove to an overlook with a stunning view of Albuquerque’s breathtaking Sandia Mountains. It was there, against the backdrop of a cotton candy sunset painting the mountains their signature watermelon pink, that Marie dropped to her knee and asked Courtney to marry her… and duh, she said “Yes!”

We are so thankful to have been able to take part in this couple’s special moment, and are positively thrilled to shoot their wedding— and greet our favorite feline photobomber Mouse— next May at Los Poblanos! In the meantime, scroll to see some of our favorites from this captivating engagement session!

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