It’s so rare we get to photograph proposals- And I got to help *plan* this one, too!!! :)
Alex is my best friend’s little brother. He’s an *incredible* music composer and lyricist currently living in New York (you can check out his work here, but *my* favorite is “Hey There,” a song he wrote for Veronica when she was pregnant with Scarlett!)
I’ve only met Rachel once but she’s basically one of those rare women that are just as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside and I basically want to be her best friend. <3
It’s been my goal this year to cement a place for myself in Veronica’s family, so when Veronica mentioned Alex wanted to propose to his stunning girlfriend, I couldn’t help but immediately blurt out that I wanted to photograph it!! Veronica was helping to plan the proposal so naturally I jumped in and offered my help took over the situation! ;) Veronica and I came up with the ruse (that began in truth like most good ruses) that she would invite her family to take photos during her daughter’s 6 month old photo shoot. That way there’s no way it’d be weird for me and Nate to be there with cameras and we could sneakily pick a photogenic spot for the proposal to take place! Veronica made sure to “insist” Rachel be dressed up for the photo session and even convinced her to get a manicure!
We scouted out the week before to find somewhere that family could look on without being spotted (Alex was amazing and arranged for Rachel’s parents to be there- She had noooo idea!) So after we took photos of Alice, Alex arrived with his parents and his girlfriend. Veronica was feeding Alice a bottle and casually mentioned that we should take them out for a few couple photos while they wait. :)
We brought them to our favorite patio and the family secretly watched from the windows behind us. I started off with some simple portraits while I gave everyone time to shuffle in! Once I got the thumbs up, I told Alex to tell Rachel how much he loves her hoping and praying he’d take the hint that it was time to take a knee! The message was received and *I* think it went absolutely perfectly- Rachel had no idea it was coming! :)
Starting off with my favorite photo of them, which happens to be in their last few seconds of ever being girlfriend and boyfriend. <3
I believe this was Rachel saying something along the lines of “How DARE you! You lied to me!”
One of my most most favorites. <3
Rachel’s sweet parents coming out to surprise their daughter- I think we were all crying at this point! <3
One with Alice, our lil’ sneaky scapegoat. <3
With their mamas. <3 <3
Alex and Rachel, we love y’all so so much- Come back and visit again sooooooon! <3
These photos were on Vanessa’s bouquet to remember her grandmother. She loved Disney and we learned she was quite the spitfire! <3
Favorite shot of the day- Nate took this of Brian and Ryder’s shoes. <3
Vanessa and her girls got ready in a ballroom at the Yacht and Beach Club Convention Center. I looooooved this space, because there was plenty of room for her girls to spread out, but there was also this long hallway with gorgeous window light so we could pop out and shoot details, and even get Vanessa dressed!
Father daughter first look. <3
Not pictured : The utter confusion when Vanessa saw her wedding gift from Brian was a pair of Vans, lol! This was when she opened the box and saw they’d been hand painted with her favorite Disney things. <3
LOOK. AT. THIS. FAMILY. PHOTO. <3
Vanessa surprised her *Dad* with a ride in Cinderella’s Coach and his reaction was precious!
Don’t let their small size fool you. ;)
Off to the American Adventure Rotunda for their reception- My favorite space! <3
Vanessa’s choreographed dance to “My Girl” with her father gave me all the feels…
But so did Brian’s dance with his mom to “You’ll Be in my Heart.”
Vanessa, Brian, and Ryder- Thank you for having us along for the ride. And happy Mother’s Day, Vanessa!!! :)