Engagement Session at Hotel Jerome: Ashley and Sam’s Full Circle Story

Engagements

February 12, 2026

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Engagement Session at Hotel Jerome: Ashley and Sam’s Full Circle Story

A Sophisticated Engagement Session at Hotel Jerome

There is no location in Colorado quite as iconic as the “Grand Dame” of Aspen. For Ashley and Sam, choosing an Engagement Session at Hotel Jerome was a nod to the town where their story first began. The hotel’s moody, elevated interiors and historic red brick exterior provided the perfect timeless backdrop for a couple whose connection is built on trust, loyalty, and a shared vision of the future.

The Party Bus and the Aspen Spark

Ashley and Sam’s journey started in January 2023 during MLK Day weekend right here in Aspen. They were both on ski trips with friends when they met at après-ski at Chica. The very next night, Sam went to legendary lengths to see Ashley again. While out with his friends, he showed up in a full party bus outside of her dinner spot to convince her and her friends to join their house party! The bold move worked. After a weekend of being inseparable, they returned to NYC and headed out on their first “official” dates.

Driven, Loyal, and Innovative

While Ashley admits their first impressions are a bit blurry (thanks to the Aspen après scene!), she remembers thinking Sam looked incredibly sweet before they even spoke. Today, she admires his intense drive and curiosity—especially his passion for AI, where he creates music as “DJ S.A.M” (Synthetic Audio Machine). Sam is the kind of partner who is deeply dependable; if he commits to something, he follows through. For Ashley and Sam, there wasn’t one single “lightbulb” moment of knowing they wanted to marry—it was a steady, calm feeling of trust that felt different from anyone else they had ever met.

A Classic Emerald Cut with a Twist

When it came time for the ring, Ashley had her heart set on a classic emerald cut for its elegant, timeless appeal. After trying on styles together, Sam took that vision and added a personal touch, surprising her with two baguettes on the side. The result is a ring as unique as their story.

Capturing their Engagement Session at Hotel Jerome allowed us to lean into that “classic with a twist” aesthetic. From the velvet textures of the J-Bar to the crisp winter air outside the historic walls, every shot reflected their effortless bond. If you love this blend of history and luxury, you can see more of my Aspen engagement stories here.

Celebrating Ashley and Sam

Ashley and Sam, it was an absolute joy to document your return to the place where it all started. Your energy is infectious, and your loyalty to one another is so evident in the way you interact. I can’t wait to see where your next adventure (or party bus) takes you!

Plan Your Aspen Engagement

Are you dreaming of an Engagement Session at Hotel Jerome or a romantic surprise in the heart of Aspen? Whether you are a local or visiting for a ski weekend, I would love to help you capture your unique connection.

  • Visiting Aspen? Let’s explore the historic halls of the Jerome together!
  • Based in Dallas? I am available for local sessions and seasonal portraits year-round.

Contact MaggShots Photography Here to Book!

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