I am sitting in my studio when I receive the inquiry: A young man would like his proposal to his beloved photographed and is looking for a photographer. He would like to capture the day’s events Paparazzi style. I respond immediately. This is the stuff that get’s my creative juices flowing. He will be flying in from San Francisco on Friday, February 10th to Dallas to make Sarah his bride.
Ryan and I began exchanging emails, then phone calls, then texts. He is so excited to propose to Sarah that his nerves are peeking through. Ryan shares the details of how he would like the proposal to go through many anxious emails and solid details. He gives me the time, the play by play of how he will pick up Sarah, right down to the color, make and model of the car. This man clearly knows what touches his lady’s heart and he intends to do just that.
It’s Saturday, February 11, 2012. Exactly 2 days before St. Valentines Day and Ryan is texting me to make sure all is perfect. A bouquet of blush roses and calla lilies to be tied with white ribbon on the famous tree at Winfrey Point on White Rock Lake. Next, the romantic stroll down the sandy path to the trail that will take him to the dock. Once at the dock, he will ask the love of his life to be his wife. We carry out his every wish!
2:30 p.m. and a very chilly 43 degrees on the lake, the royal blue Subaru Impreza with a big air scoop pulls into the parking lot. The two of them step out of the car and Ryan begins to walk her around the grassy knoll. Stephen & I hide behind trees, stand in bushes and duck out of site as we shoot every move Ryan and Sarah make.
They skip (literally skip) toward the tree where Ryan will untie the bouquet from the tree and present her with the flowers. As a little surprise to both of them, I have tied a silver chain with gems and silver initials that reads S&R. (A tiny gesture for their photo album. I also bring another surprise courtesy of Dallas Classic Photography, which you will see in the pictures.) All is going perfect as I am fighting back the tears watching these two so completely in love and clearly enamored with each other.
They walk the path to the dock. Many laughs are heard and many kisses are planted as they make their way to the dock. The final moments are approaching, as they get closer. Both cameras are clicking away. I swear I can feel Ryan’s heart beating as he holds Sarah’s hand and walks her to the end of the dock.
Then the moment arrives. They face each other. Sarah is still unaware we are there and having no clue what is going to happen. Ryan falls to one knee and asks her to be his girl forever! Through the lens all I see are smiles and tears, joy and happiness, and an overwhelming love.
It is then that I finally get to meet Ryan & Sarah for the first time. They truly have a powerful love with strength that says ‘forever!’ Congratulations and thank you for allowing us into your private world. It was a blessing to photograph your proposal!
Cheers to a perfect couple and a match made from two beautiful souls!
