Surprise Proposal from the Cutest Trio - Engagement disguised as family photos

Back story: Toby reaches out asking if I would be up for a surprise proposal disguised as family photos with Echo (Echo was a sweetheart and even helped with the proposal as you will see later..) I said HECK YES!

I’m going to do this one a little differently:

I’m going to walk you through what I was thinking as this session went on because I have no better way to describe this experience. So Let’s begin.

“Okay… If my Instagram searching led me in the right direction those are my humans and oh wow what a cute doggo! This is going to be so fun, this little fam is adorable.”

*starts walking along the path*

“Okay I’m so glad I ran this way last night to plan the sunflares, we’re gonna frickin nail this golden hour sun. Typical family shots… typical portraits.. keep it normal nothing is going to happen let’s do small talk Kris we got this”

*Many squeals at passing puppers, fun conversations, appreciating our beautiful fall weather*

“God d*** she is definitely going to say yes, these guys are frickin perfection together! Okay… water spot is next, need to get some close ups of the two of them there before we get to the willows in case she super cries and makeup is everywhere and we can’t get those after. Omg I got you girlfriend. Alright now how to impress him… I know they’re artsy, he might like different vibes, lett’s shoot two different films and play with pushing cool tones. If they don’t notice at least I’ll have fun experimenting with the film…”

“Well. The water was pure gold, can’t wait to see those flares. and now, my fav willow ohhhh yes. So glad we’re shooting in my hood. Okay I’m going to suggest some without the dog and hope he takes the hint cause this is the prettiest little private spot. Will this be the moment?!”

“well… nothing yet… maybe he needs a minute to get the ring out from somewhere.. How can I get her away from him for a minute… hmmm OH!”

Me: Okay so I like to get one head shot of each person individually just for fun, Echo’s already done hers, so who wants to go first?! **super proud of myself* “wow I’m good at making shit up on the fly, what a great plan, he’s gotta take this hint”

Him: does not take the hint

Me: so frantically watching him out of the corner of my eye to see if he’s taking my hint and getting the ring out while pretending to take a slow headshot of her that I actually mess up the focus and don’t even get a headshot for her*

“Okay... Is he chickening out? Where’s the tennis ball? This is the prettiest spot, and we’re forty minutes in… is this happening? Maybe if I slyly hint at it once more…”

Me: Okay guys did you want to do some more portraits here? It’s a really nice spot for light right now… Otherwise I was planning to end on the bridge as the sun goes down, whatcha thinkin? Good on this spot? Want to go watch the sunset there?

Him: Let’s maybe get a couple more shots with the dog actually, I like this spot. I’m just going to grab the tennis ball from the bag here to distract the dog”

Me: For sure! “OH HELL YES OKAY IT’S HAPPENING I’M SO READY THANK GOD HE CUED ME” pretends to check phone, HITS RECORD, secretly and very slyly places it perfectly in the pocket of my iconic fanny pack and see if I can get some on video for them"

sURPRISE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT — So Echo may have then stolen the tennis ball that Toby had slyly hid the ring inside…
May have panicked a lil.

Ring may need a slight repair after the chomp but she didn’t run far thankfully.
She started realizing what was happening about here before he even got down on one knee….

Me: *quietly squealing and crying and laughing and stepping back to watch these two in the most beautifully raw happy moment and feeling eternally grateful and having the most incredible time and SERIOUSLY regaining hope in dating apps*

My fricking favorite shot of her. I’m pretty sure that look says YES <3

I kinda stepped back at this point and put down my camera to let them relax for a minute. There was a lot to soak in and a perfect 5 minute walk ahead to absorb before getting into engagement portraits. I adore the quick candids I snuck on the walk and the motion they capture <3

We had the most perfect sliver of sunlight left for some ring details before the sun faded, and I patted myself on the back once more for the perfection of planning out the light for this session.