The family was in on it all along…

The Alibi

The story is crafted – after a Summer celebrating her grandparent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary, the woeful tale was said that the photos unfortunately didn’t turn out… only after, would Andie find out that this was a lie. The photos were great! But they needed an alibi.

In order to make up for it, a new family photography session was booked, set for the day before Thanksgiving when all her family would be in town.

Well, all except for one – her special someone. Visiting from College, Matthew, Andie’s boyfriend, was due back to the airport just hours before the family session.

Little did she know, a surprise awaited.

Proposal Planning

Matthew contacted me a few months prior, working to set up the perfect surprise proposal. Being away in a different state for college added a few more challenges, but never got in the way of planning every little detail down to a reason Andie should join her BFF to get her nails done.

Seriously, Matthew thought of everything!

During our consultation, Matthew had an idea of location based on where both sets of parents would be, but no specific place in mind. I happily recommended a few of my favorite photoshoot locations near the area with my top choice offering a more secluded area for privacy so he could set everything up he wanted while getting to experience the moment all to themselves.

With the help of his brothers, Matthew was able to scope out the location via FaceTime with the two spots in mind.

A few days before the proposal, I called Matthew for a quick check-in so we could finalize every single detail.

Ring, check. Location, set. The final spot, chosen. His brothers, hired to set up the special archway, photos, and ‘Will you marry me?’ sign. Family was keyed into the alibi to set everything into place.

It was my job to arrive early, meet the fiancé-to-be, take shots of all of the little details and the sparkly new engagement ring, and be back and my car ready to meet the family to play-through the story.

A Proposal: The Story Unfolds

Once upon a time… A girl fell in love with a boy. The boy would then go to great lengths to plan every detail for the perfect surprise proposal. A proposal she would simply never forget.

On the morning before Thanksgiving Day, Andie awoke to drive her boyfriend back to the airport so he could get back to school. Feeling a bit sad, she hugged him tightly and kissed him goodbye as he got out of the car.

Returning home, she had to promptly shower and get ready for her family’s photography session later that morning. Her nails freshly painted. Her hair perfectly curled. Her makeup beautifully applied. All ready for a Fall family photo session.

I watched the car pull into the parking lot. A happy family, all dressed in coordinated Fall colors, exited the vehicles and gathered around, moms doing the last-minute-final-touches on their kiddo’s outfits.

The plan was working…

As I led everyone into the park, I walked with Andie’s mom as we secretly gave each other the eye – we knew it was almost time.

We came upon the park’s great bridge, where I knew I had to strategically get Andie to the front of family members. Mom urged her girls to get up front so we could start with them first. Making our way to the end of the bridge, the sisters knew and started to slow their pace. I readied my camera.

Andie crossed the end of the bridge first and noticed something up head. Camera at the ready, everyone silenced knowing it was finally time.

“Is that Matthew!?” Andie exclaimed. (I have goosebumps writing this, remembering the moment.)

Recognizing it was, still unaware what was really happening, she started running toward him. The family stopped, watching in happy tears, but giving them the moment to themselves.

She hugged him tightly. He led her down the archway, through the photos, and got down on one knee.

She gasped shocked. The surprise worked!

Almost in disbelief, she responded, “Are you serious?”

Being the sap that I am, tears streamed behind my camera as I documented the moment with every shot and angle so they could always relieve this surprise proposal moment for their memories.

“YES!”

In full celebration, both families gathered around to congratulate the newly engaged couple and welcome them to the family. Tears, happiness, hugs, showing off the shiny ring, and laughter ensued through the park on this perfect Fall Day.

Then, began the Family photography session, documenting a new reason to celebrate!

Planning to Pop the Question?

This was not my first proposal, and it definitely won’t be my last. Surprise proposal sessions are one of my favorites – helping significant others plan every detail, make recommendations, and see it all come to fruition for the big moment, while documenting every reaction, smile, tear, and the love that they share during this special moment.

Whether you want to capture your special moment with a surprise Proposal photography session, announce your ‘Save the Date’ with an Engagement photography session, or document your Big Day with Wedding photography, I’d love to talk with you.

Book Your Proposal, Engagement, or Wedding Photography Here