I absolutely love when guys think about having their marriage proposal photographed! Seriously, what could be better?  It just adds to the excitement and surprise of the entire thing. And I guarantee neither of you will remember how the entire proposal went down so it is important to have these memories documented so you can look back on that moment forever. Proposal photography is actually a “thing”, but I don’t think most guys realize this.  So if you are a guy and reading this, now you know.  Pretty sure you will get extra points for thinking about something like this.

Evan and Erin grew up within minutes of one another, were student-athletes at the same college, and shared mutual friends, but their paths never crossed.  Finally, at Macky’s in Ocean City, 180 miles away from their hometown, these two lovebirds met and basically fell in love instantly.  Erin says she walked into Evan’s life this day while Evan says he danced into hers.  I absolutely love this!

Evan contacted me about two weeks before he planned to propose.  I was so excited! The proposal was happening in my very own neighborhood–even better.  I met Evan at “the spot” the Monday before the proposal to go over the details of the surprise.  Evan was planning on taking his then girlfriend Erin out for their one year dating anniversary.  They would take their boat from Middle River to Anchorage Marina and then walk to “the spot” which was the corner of S. Ann & Thames.  This spot had sentimental meaning to the couple because Evan and Erin had a long relationship talk here about what they wanted out of life and where their relationship was going before heading to dinner on Labor Day of 2012.  Love that he was thinking about all of these little details–so sweet!  After the proposal, both sets of parents would be waiting at John Seven’s Tavern to celebrate with them.  Now, everyone say Ahhhhh.

On the day of the proposal, it was raining on and off the entire day.  But this proposal was happening rain or shine.  Luckily, the rain held off once the couple docked.  I was pacing back and forth at my spot waiting for their arrival and finally I spotted them.  It was time to kick my non acting abilities into high gear. I took a picture of Erin and Evan walking towards me, but then took a picture of another person, and then of a building.  Erin actually did see me taking their photo, but didn’t think anything of it once she saw me taking pictures of other things and people.  They walked to the spot and I followed slowly…..trying not to get too close.  A group of people saw me following them and asked who they were thinking they were famous-ha!  They were talking and just looked so cute and content just being with each other while looking out at the water.  Finally Evan got down on one knee and Erin said YES!!  By this time, I was in somewhat close that she could tell I was photographing them.  The whole thing was such a surprise and then she found out her parents and Evan’s parents had been watching the entire time and were right across the street.  She was shaking (and so was I!).  After a few moments to calm down and stop shaking, Erin couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear or kissing Evan.  She has one of those contagious smiles that I can imagine just makes anyone in her life happy too.  I followed the couple over to John Stevens for some quick photographs before they headed off to Bond Street Social for a romantic dinner to celebrate their ENGAGEMENT!!

Being able to photograph these events for people is truly an honor.  I’m invited into people’s lives on these most important days and I’m able to give them something that they will cherish forever.  Seriously, how could my job get any better?  I’m so happy and excited for Erin and Evan and I wish them so much happiness in their future together.  Now, let the wedding planning begin!