Taylor and Chase’s retro engagement photos started the way all my favorite sessions do, with a message from someone who saw my work and immediately felt connected to the color, mood, and storytelling. Taylor told me she loved the romantic, editorial vibe I bring to every session and wanted something elevated but still full of personality. She knew she wanted a Valentine’s Day concept that felt dreamy, retro, and a little bit handmade.

Once Taylor told me she was hand-crafting a giant red heart for the shoot, I knew we were about to create something amazing. This wasn’t just a cute prop; this thing was massive. So massive that she and Chase had to load it into a U-Haul to get it to my house. We had to put the piece together once we unloaded it into my apartment for the photoshoot. This was the perfect kickoff to the creative energy we were all bringing. When clients show up with this kind of artistry and intention, it’s impossible not to get excited right alongside them.

From there, we decided to split the session into two parts: classic Denver glam at The Cruise Room inside The Oxford Hotel and then a cozy, elevated DIY Valentine’s setup at my place. The Cruise Room gave us that moody, neon-red Art Deco glow—super editorial and cinematic. Then back at home, the heart installation became the centerpiece for a softer, more intimate vibe, filled with retro props and warm lighting. Together, the two locations created a perfect balance.

Creative Retro Engagement Photos at a bar in Denver

Retro Engagement Photos in The Cruise Room: Editorial Silhouettes & Neon Reds

Stepping into The Cruise Room at The Oxford Hotel feels a little like stepping back in time. The whole space glows with this warm, moody red light that wraps around you, alongside the vintage Art Deco murals. This fit Taylor and Chase’s aesthetic perfectly. Their energy matched the room so naturally, and watching them sink into the vibe was magical.

The silhouettes we created still have me in a chokehold. There’s something about the light reflecting off lacquered wood, catching the edges of their outfits, outlining them in the softest, most dramatic shapes. They explored the space together, moving through the light like they were the stars of their own old-Hollywood Valentine’s film. I loved capturing the close-ups too. All those little details came together to elevate the vibe from “cute date night” to “luxury editorial.”

Bar engagement photos in Denver at The Cruise Room in The Oxford Hotel

Creative Retro Engagement Photos at The Cruise Room in Denver

Denver engagement photos on film at the Oxford Hotel

DIY Valentine’s Day Luxury at Home

Once we left The Oxford Hotel, we headed back to my place. This became our own little Valentine’s Day studio for the night. Turning my living room into an editorial set was honestly half the fun. The oversized heart truly stole the show. Seeing it fully set up felt like such a moment. And because Taylor made it by hand, it made it that much more special. This became a symbol of their creativity and connection.

Once we were in the groove, the playful retro props came out—vintage rotary phones in shades of red and pink, tall candlesticks, those iconic sparkly heels, a handful of dice, and yes… the framed cat portrait made from a photo of their own cat. The lighting was soft but dramatic, washing everything in warm golds and reds. Every pose felt expressive and a little bold, balancing luxury with an easy, fun Valentine’s Day vibe.

The behind-the-scenes moments were just as special. I was able to capture snippets of us adjusting the heart, fixing draping, laughing over where to put props, and just sharing that creative spark. I love working with couples who aren’t afraid to make something truly their own.

For couples in Alabama, Denver, or anywhere in between, this shoot is proof that you can have luxury, editorial engagement photos even at home. All it takes is intentional design, a few handcrafted touches, and a photographer who’s ready to hype you up and bring the vision to life.