Lauren + Michael

When Michael contacted me and asked me to to photograph his proposal to Lauren I almost said no. I’ve never photographed a proposal before and I got all sorts of nervous.  What if I screwed it up?  It’s not like I can go back and ask for a re-do.  And I also don’t get many opportunities to photograph newly-in-love couples.  It hasn’t been my niche’ market and I wasn’t sure if my style of photography matched what is trending in couples photography.  I made him look at my website galleries first before hiring me.  LOL.  I’m SO GLAD I said “Yes” to this job.  It was far and away one of the most joy-filled things I had done in months.

Michael thought of everything.  He knew Lauren would want to be surrounded by her family so he lied about the date her cousin was being honored in a ceremony.  Then flew with Lauren out to Oregon for the fake ceremony.  He also arranged to have Lauren’s parents and brother and his parents fly into town (without her knowing about it) so they could be there for the proposal. And he incorporated Lauren’s Dad into the proposal by giving him the ring to hold until Michael was ready for it.  I mean c’mon!

Michael asked me to wait in the middle of a scenic bridge on the George Fox campus.  He, Lauren, and her cousin and aunt and uncle would be walking across from one direction.  And then the family that flew into town to surprise her would meet them coming the other direction. She was shocked to see her Mom, Dad, and brother and her future in-laws – all who do not live in Oregon – standing on the bridge.  Michael took her hand and started talking to his future bride.  I snapped and snapped photos while he got the ring from Lauren’s Dad, got down on one knee, and asked her to be his wife. Of course she said YES!

I didn’t even realize until afterward that I was shaking and crying behind the camera and I had just met Lauren and Michael that day.  It was just so wonderful to celebrate something good.  Congratulations Lauren and Michael.  Thank you for trusting me to capture this pivotal moment in your lives.  I wish you all the best as you plan your wedding and start your life together.

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