Greg + Morgan // A Surprise Proposal 01.13.2015

I'm a natural light photographer, so it kinda goes without saying that I hate any kind of inside light other than natural light streaming though a big picture window (although I'll admit, that's basically saying I haven't yet learned to use my flash to it's full potential). I feel as if, even with my flash, there is always too much grain in the picture, and the color is always awful, which makes editing that much harder. But I'm learning. So hey, for a time like last night, I'll try not to worry about how bad the lighting was, and focus on how important memories are. 

Last night (01.13.2015) a very sweet and romantic surprise proposal happened.  It included a 1900's vintage ring, placed in the most quaint and beautiful book box, absolutely perfect for the girl intended (everyone who knows her well knows exactly what I mean). I am SO happy for this couple, and can't wait to see the next few months and years unfold into whatever greatness God has in store for them. These two are not only family, but I'm blessed to call them friends- invaluable friends who can't ever be replaced, no matter how much our lives or circumstances change. I'm so pleased to see their love and happiness grow more and more complete in each other. Congratulations to Greg and Morgan on their engagement!

A surprise proposal // Nathan + Grace // 10.18.2014

It was a cold and blistery day- rainy, even.  Their skin was red from the cold.  But love being love, and as grand as new love is, this couple didn't seem to mind the weather.  Love provides it's own warmth, as we all know.  

It was an extreme honor and privilege to capture the surprise proposal of Nathan + Grace (albeit hiding in the bushes and shivering with cold that I could barely hold my camera...but of course, it was so worth it).  Nathan had been planning the surprise for weeks, and thankfully Grace didn't have a clue (Nathan had been dropping hints about a different day a week later so she wouldn't suspect).  That is, until he stopped her on their [seemingly] secluded walk and pulled out a big bouquet of two dozen beautiful red roses.  The night before he had strung a few lights in a little spot he chose, and at the given sign I turned them on from my hiding spot.  Lights...camera...action!  It was the sweetest thing seeing my sister light up with the utmost happiness and joy as Nathan got down on one knee, ring in hand, and asked her to spend the rest of her life as his wife.  It was a priceless moment to photograph.  

And needless to say, the ring...gasp... is unbelievably GORGEOUS!  I can't wait until we do more pictures soon! 

Photographer's note: Because it was such a dreary day (weather-wise), plus the fact that we were in a wooded area, the lighting was pretty awful for pictures.  However, there will be an "official" engagement session coming soon (so stay tuned!) on a much nicer day.  The pictures that follow are just the documentation of the surprise proposal...we had to wait another day to do the engagement pictures.