Emma Wood State Beach
Surprise proposals are such a rush. Sky and Tanner's special moment on this sunny day in February was no exception. A little history for you. Sky and Tanner started dating in 2018, we were all in our senior year in high school and I have had the privilege of being close to them throughout their relationship. Sky became my best friend in 2021 and I couldn't have been happier to witness Tanner asking her "Will you marry me?".
The day of the proposal was warm and bright, I arrived to Emma Wood State Beach in my best tourist disguise and trekked to the site to meet Sky's family setting up flowers and light up letters. As time went on, we were getting closer to the big moment. I was soon left alone in anticipation of their arrival. I spent time figuring out the best rock to hide behind while having the best view of where Tanner would eventually get down on one knee.
The moment came when I saw Sky and Tanner walking in the distance, I couldn't contain my excitement knowing what was coming for my best friends. Before I knew it, Tanner and Sky arrived and he popped the question. The second Tanners head dropped below my hidden view, I sprung into action. Capturing continuous images of every second, ensuring I documented the in-between smiles, falling tears of joy, and sweet looks of true love. Allowing them to have their moment while documenting it is a line I walked for a few minutes, it was important to me that their moment felt honest and real without the interruption of my shutter sounds (pre-mirrorless days).
Once they had shared their hugs and happy tears, they looked to me and I couldn't have been more excited for them. We then started shooting with some playful prompts that would highlight their joy and genuine love in that moment. The sun illuminated every moment with utter perfection. Truly, my favorite part of photographing engagements is witnessing love and adoration between two people and this was ever present that afternoon.
