Being a photographer is a job that inherently brings with it great responsibility. You are asked to be the guardian of memories, the maker of art that, in a single frame, will capture one moment in time. You are asked to create that image in such a way that it evokes the very same emotions as it did the moment it happened.
Perhaps it is that great responsibility that thrills me when I am asked to photograph events such as weddings, family parties, milestones, and newborns. It is more than a job; it is my passion.
This week, I had the opportunity to photograph something I’ve never had occasion to photograph before.
God’s timing is always perfect, isn’t it? A touch over two years ago, I met a wonderful, god-fearing couple who became one of the most inspirational couples I’ve met– a couple who shared some of their story and who has prayed for me and with me. They have invited me to photograph special moments with their family. They have called me friend, and I am so blessed.
Two years ago, I photographed their daughter and her boyfriend at what really was the beginning of their relationship. This week … I had the chance to photograph their engagement.
These two are just a beautiful couple – inside and out. I’ve watched their relationship grow, and, every time I see them – in person or on social media – I can feel their love. So when he asked me to capture this moment, I gladly accepted.
The engagement has been in the works for quite some time, and this poor man has been holding on to this ring since before COVID-19 permeated our lives. That awful virus has delayed this particularly well-planned proposal extensively, but, God will always use situations for good.
Since he works in the horticulture field, the man had been looking for a location that reflected his passion. We had a few venues picked out in early March when he approached me with this idea, but, social distancing rules and traffic patterns had other ideas, and, more than few months later, we ended up in the beautiful Elmhurst at Wilder Park Conservatory.
It was hot. And it was a greenhouse. But this couple had flown in from their very humid home climate, so, despite a looming proposal and a gorgeous diamond buried deep in his pocket, the man looked sharp, cool, and collected. If he were nervous at all, he didn’t let on.
I, on the other hand, was a sweaty mess and apprehensive about the proposal and where it was all going to happen. As we stopped for photos along the way, I was suddenly and acutely aware that he and hadn’t planned a code for this, and I didn’t know how it was going to happen. I just had to be ready for anything.
She looked stunning, as usual, in a white, Marilyn Monroe-esque dress. As we ventured around the premises in 90-degree heat under the guise of fitting in a quick photoshoot while they were in town, we explored the flowers and gardens before we went in the much hotter greenhouse to see what lay in store for us.
He looked around for the perfect place to pop the question while I took photos – desperately looking for a sign. His soon-to-be fiancé stood blissfully unaware of the planning going on underfoot, yet her sparking eyes and genuine smile seemed to hint of the joy that was to come… all the while, from behind the camera lens, I see him staring at her … smitten. And all I can think is: when?
Then, in front of a koi pond, with gorgeous greenery in the backdrop and a few stunning flowers in the foreground … he pulled out a box, asked a question, and received his answer. And, through tears, I kept shooting.
Congratulations to this gorgeous couple – your hearts are so pure and your love is so sincere. May this time of engagement be just as special as the two of you are!
