This summer I had the joy of seeing beautiful McKenzi again.  I captured her senior pictures back in Salt Lake in 2014. We had a blast then from the gardens to the city rooftops and above the city with the sparkling city lights in the foothills.  All the glitter and glam fashion fun.  So I knew we would have a blast again for her wedding! 

One of Trents hat's he sells.  Very much apart of the vibe of the crew.

McKenzi and her bestie!  Sydney made a wonderful maid of honor and really helped throughout the day.   They have been besties since they were little and supported each other through one another's dreams. Sydney just opened a flower shop called, That Flower Shop based in Wyoming.  Be sure to check them out!

* You will now find our family portrait work at https://rebeccamabeyphotography.com/

This magical location is located here in Longmont!  I LOVE the waterfalls here!  Sometimes it can get a little busy but it is worth it for this fun backdrop.   Then of course the mountains also make a beautiful backdrop with the lake too.  I haven't been to this location yet at sunset but of course, would love to take a family or couple there soon for that adventure. I will be back here for mini sessions on the 22nd of October.  If your family is up for getting their toes wet, this is the perfect location for you!

To book click here.

 Since we just moved here in fall 2020, we have been enjoying finding all the fun things to do around here with our family of 6.  I of course have been on the hunt for those amazing spots to add to my photography locations for family photos and more.  But in general, we have already enjoyed many fun adventures here in Boulder County and nearby areas.

1. Pick your Own Sunflowers!

This activity goes until the end of August for most farms.  We loved Anderson Farms located in Eerie, Colorado.  We will be making this our new end of summer tradition.  It is a whole experience with the activities near the front, then you take a wagon ride back to the field and there is so much to explore with over 50 varieties of sunflowers.  I loved how tall the sunflowers were in many parts for such a grand effect. Tickets must be reserved in advance and they go fast!

To be added to next year's sunflower minis waitlist fill in this form! Or see available open sessions here.

2. A Trip to the Farmers Market

Boulder County puts on some of the best farmers market.  Located at the Boulder County Fair Grounds, this market is from 8am-1pm.  What gets you in the mood for fall that all the pumpkin spice, some freshly made chili, roasted squash, and more.  These local farmers only bring the best.  And what's more is there is also music, crafts for kids and all over entertainment soaking in the environment.  If you want to avoid the crowd, they also offer curbside pick-up.  The market goes until November 20th.

3. Family walks with the fall color

Take a walk around the lake with the family in tow as you soak in the view of the mountains and color. For something leisurely and accessible, we enjoyed Golden Ponds Park where these beautiful waterfalls are. Naturally, the kids had fun exploring and collecting little nature treasures.

Check out a fun family session I did at this location.

4. Pumpkin Patches

We have found a few that we love for fall pumpkin picking!  Whether you want to pick your pumpkin right off the vine or have it conveniently ready near the car here is what we love.

Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Patch

Opening starting Sept 10th, this patch is great for families with small kids.  During the weekend there are little carnival rides in addition to the patch, photo stops, a mini corn maze, llamas and other fun animals to pet, and a shop with local treats like honey.  Free parking, just pay per attraction and for your pumpkins!  We went on a weeknight which I recommend if you would like a lowkey environment for the kids or less crowded for pictures!

Anderson Farms

Opening Sept 22nd for pumpkins.  This farm offers both the experience of wagon rides to the pumpkin field and closer to the car options for picking out pumpkins.  Then of course there are corn mazes, a tractor train ride, slides, and even a giant cinderella pumpkin carriage.  I just might have to convince one of my daughters to dress up a Cinderella for a mini photoshoot for fun. 

The Bee Hugger Farm

This locally owned donation-based farm is open 7 days a week and is perfect for a fun low-key experience with the little ones.  I love how many cool props, like old VW cars, bikes, rocking horses, vintage chairs, and retro stuff they have at this location that are so fun for pictures.  I recently went for sunflower picking but will be back for sure soon senior portraits and more.  Grab some yummy local honey here as well!  They have ponies for petting, peacocks that roam the farm.  Arrange to take a pony ride, host a birthday party, and more.

I think this is the perfect mommy playdate outing with the littles.

5. Get Crafty

Crackpots, located in downtown Longmont has paint your own ceramics craft shop to make for the perfect girls' night out.  There are such fun ceramic pumpkins, mugs, and more to paint.  As things get chillier, I just love getting my craft on.  If you want to host a craft night at home, they also offer to paint your own kits that can be taken back after to be fired in the kiln. 

6. Boutique shopping

Whether it is finding that new perfect outfit for your fall family photos, or getting in the mood for fall with updating some decor, here are some favorite spots I have found that I love. 

Handmade Primitive Country Decor

I have found many a unique gift from local artisans at this quaint shop located in downtown Longmont. Last trip was the most adorable snowman mini mugs for the kids with little hats to keep your cocoa warm.  Then of course there are things like homemade soaps, candles, baby clothes, and such cute fall decor like the little cloth pumpkins I  bought last year. 

Vintage Market Days

We enjoyed this boutique fair in the summer as a girl's day out at Boulder County Fair Grounds.  They do another one in November in Greely if you are up for the trip!  I highly recommend it. Antiques, decorations, clothes, great food, music, and more. 

Flower Wild

This locally owned boutique has a fun colorful assortment of boho vibe attire perfect for those country vibe family photos.

Front Range Mercantile 

For the full antiquing experience with a bit of boutique vendors mixed in, check out this antique mall!  I of course love to shop here for fun prop finds for my setups for mini sessions, cake smashes, and more. 

In Longmont, CO only!  SOLD OUT

Throughout the month of October, I will be offering free front porch mini sessions.  Simply order the images you love.  After we share a little silly playtime for a fun session, I will send over an online gallery for you to select and order your favorite images. Images are $10/ image or $100 for the full gallery.

Let your little's showcase their pumpkins, costumes, and all the cuteness, or grab a quick updated family photo.  Sessions will be 10-15 minutes with a gallery of images to choose from. 

Weekdays only with families of 6 and under only.

For our Longmont Family Portrait Work, check out https://rebeccamabeyphotography.com/

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 Whether you are eloping to Colorado Springs and sticking around a bit longer to explore the area, or you are escaping to the mountains after the wedding,  here are great ideas for you to do on your honeymoon!

1. Explore the San Juan Mountains

While this is not a National Park, it is still an amazing stop. And the drive is beautiful.  Roll the windows down and enjoy some mountain air!

2. Great Sand Dunes

It may not be the beach, but nothing quite compares to slipping off your shoes and taking a romantic walk in the soft sand.  Make an adventure of it with sand sledding, four-wheeling and more.

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The unique characteristics of this landscape provide a memorable adventure.

4. Blue Lakes in Breckenridge

These mountain lakes with that perfect blue.  

5. Explore Crested Butte

6. Take a trip to Ouray

Drive the 285 Route which is beautiful then stop over at Black Canyon Reservoir Park on your way.  Ouray is the "Switzerland of Colorado."  It has that small-town feel and there are plenty of romantic bed and breakfasts, hiking trails and you can even rent a 4x4 or Polaris to explore it all.

7. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Take a hot-dip after a hiking, biking, rafting and more at this romantic stop.

8. Hike up Buena Vista

9. Hike Salida

10. Visit Ouzel Falls

11. Seven Falls

Take a trip to heaven at Seven Falls.

12. Go Kayaking on Lake Dillion

13. Drive the Million Dollar Highway

There is nowhere else like it in Colorado.  Especially in the fall!

14. Visit Vail

Just off 1-70, canoe the piney river from Piney River Ranch where you can rent boats, hike mayflower gulch, dirve and hike shrine pass from vail pass to red cliff,  hike berry picker at vail then take the gondola down at sunset.  Rent bikes and explore!

15. Steamboat Springs

Visit the Strawberry Hot Springs!

16. Ziplining at Royal Gorge

17. Maxwell Falls in Evergreen

A little easier a hike and a lot of fun.

18. Stop for sunset at Table Mountain in Golden

Simply breathtaking views

19. RMNP Bear Lake

For something more leisurely with less hiking, take a nice calming walk around the lake at bear lake.  Shuttles are convenient and there are plenty of places to enjoy the view.  In the fall the color is beautiful with many aspen trees and in the winter you can even go ice-skating if you are up for the adventure.

20. Garden of the Gods

Enjoy the park to yourself if you visit on a weekday sunrise.  This is perhaps one of the most popular places to visit in Colorado.