We met for coffee around 4:45. Elizabeth and I are both feeling pretty tired as our seasons slowly begin to wind down. We sipped and encouraged one another and prepped for what she thought was a photo/video engagement session.  For weeks her boyfriend Dale and I had been planning the events of this night.  Weddings, engagements- they are what Elizabeth and I do.  It takes a lot to surprise us, and Dale wanted to make sure Elizabeth was knocked off her feet with surprise.

Elizabeth and I hiked to the spot in the woods Dale and I had scouted the week prior, and I asked her to pose so I could test the light, something that we do countless times (see first photo below). Such a common request which set up an opportunity for Dale to pop around the corner, much to Elizabeth’s confusion, and kneel before his future bride.  Though I couldn’t hear what was being said, I watched as Dale pulled a box from his pocket and Elizabeth jumped into his arms in an embrace.  This was the PERFECT proposal…. and as a photographer…. I mean how romantic is it that Elizabeth thought she was going to an engagement shoot but actually she was going to her ENGAGEMENT????  Just melting over here.

I am so happy to have been there, to have been able to help Dale completely surprise Elizabeth, and to document such an important moment. It’s an evening I won’t forget!