A Perfect Proposal Story: Pedro and Ashley's Winter Wonderland

Some proposal stories feel almost too perfect to plan. This was one of them.

A week or two ago, I had the absolute privilege of photographing Pedro and Ashley’s secret proposal on top of a Colorado mountain—in the middle of a snowstorm—when the temperature was a casual 6 degrees. ❄️ (Yes. Six.)

As a Colorado proposal photographer, this kind of weather doesn’t rattle me too much. I’ve lived here my whole life. I know how quickly conditions can change, how to layer, and how to prepare for cold, snowy mountain shoots. But Pedro and Ashley? They were flying in from Texas and had never experienced Colorado winter conditions before.

In the week leading up to the proposal, I checked in with Pedro more than once. I gave him honest updates about the forecast, the snow, the cold—and made sure he still wanted to go through with a mountain proposal in winter.

His response?

“This is perfect.”

So we went for it.

The Cold, the Snow, and the Real MVP

The proposal itself was a huge success—and one I won’t forget anytime soon. First things first: Ashley showed up in open-toed heels. Open. Toed. Heels. Not once did she complain. Not once. Meanwhile, I’m standing there layered up in a hoodie, heated sweater, winter coat, snow hat, and gloves… and I was still whining just a little.

Ashley was the true hero of the day. After she said yes, Pedro immediately sprinted back to the rental car to grab socks and warmer shoes so she could keep all ten toes. That alone tells you a lot about who he is.

But what really stuck with me happened next.

Why This Proposal Meant More Than Just Photos

While we were taking post-proposal photos and talking about their relationship—and how on earth we ended up on a snowy mountaintop in single-digit temperatures—Ashley looked at me and said:

“This is perfect. This is exactly what I wanted.”

Naturally, I asked her what she meant. She explained that when she and Pedro had talked about getting engaged, she told him one thing mattered most to her: She wanted to get married in the mountains while it was snowing. And Pedro delivered.

Not only that—but this proposal happened during what was only our second snowfall of the year, which is rare for Colorado. The timing was unreal.

Expectations, Listening, and Why This Matters

This moment stood out to me on a deeper level because of my work at PREP, Inc., where I’ve spent nearly 20 years as a Multimedia Producer. PREP focuses on building strong, healthy relationships—romantic, platonic, and professional—and one of the biggest principles we teach is expectations.

• What do you expect from your partner?

• What do they expect from you?

• Are those expectations realistic?

• And—most importantly—are you actually talking about them?

  
  

Ashley clearly communicated what mattered to her. Pedro didn’t just listen—he listened to understand. Then he put in the effort to meet that expectation in a meaningful way. That combination? That’s powerful.

If these two continue communicating openly, sharing expectations, and working to meet each other where it matters most, they are setting themselves up for a lifetime of happiness.

The Beauty of Winter Proposals

Winter proposals can be magical. The snowflakes falling softly, the crisp air, and the beautiful mountain backdrop create a stunning setting. But they also come with challenges.

The cold can be biting, and the weather unpredictable. Yet, when couples like Pedro and Ashley embrace the elements, it makes the moment even more special. They chose to create a memory that will last a lifetime, despite the chilly conditions.

Preparing for the Unexpected

When planning a winter proposal, it’s essential to prepare for the unexpected. Here are some tips:

1. Check the Weather: Always keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your proposal date. Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

   
   

2. Dress Appropriately: Layering is key. Make sure both you and your partner are dressed for the weather. Consider bringing extra gloves, hats, and warm footwear.

   
   

3. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that is not only beautiful but also accessible. Some areas may be difficult to reach in winter conditions.

   
   

4. Have a Backup Plan: If the weather turns too severe, have a backup location in mind. A cozy cabin or a scenic overlook can be great alternatives.

   
   

5. Capture the Moment: Hire a photographer who understands the challenges of winter shoots. They’ll know how to capture the beauty of the moment while keeping you both comfortable.

   
   

Grateful, Cold, and So Worth It

Pedro and Ashley—thank you for trusting me to document such an important moment in your story. I loved working with both of you, freezing temperatures and all. Enjoy planning your Cancún beach wedding (I think you’ve earned some warmth), and congratulations again on such a beautiful beginning. 🏔️💍

In conclusion, winter proposals can be a breathtaking experience. They require careful planning and a willingness to embrace the elements. But when done right, they create unforgettable memories. So, if you're considering a proposal in the snow, go for it! You might just find that the cold adds to the warmth of the moment.

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