I cannot contain my excitement as I share this incredible proposal story with you today. Buckle up because we’re diving into the world of surprise proposals, where love, anticipation, and meticulous planning come together to create unforgettable moments. In this blog post, I’ll take you through the heartwarming journey of Sarah and Brenton, two of my friends, and their incredibly special proposal.
I met Sarah and Brenton while I was coaching at OTF, and since, they have become two of my dearest friends and biggest supporters. I’ve had the joy of watching their romance blossom over the years, watching Sarah go from Brenton’s cool best friend who also happened to be a photographer to seeing these two become THE power couple! Throughout that period, Sarah also became one of my regular second photographers, so if you think she looks familiar, yes, there is a chance that she was helping me on your wedding day! (She is a ROCKSTAR!) Knowing how much these two mean to me, you can only imagine my excitement (and nerves!) when Brenton asked me to capture this pivotal moment in their lives.
Before we get to the pretty pictures, you absolutely need to hear the crazy backstory from the day of their proposal!
Brenton had envisioned this proposal for quite some time. He wanted it to be an unforgettable surprise, knowing full well how difficult it would be to catch Sarah off guard. But he was determined, and his dedication to keeping things a secret was so incredibly sweet. He embarked on a mission to plan the most magical surprise proposal, leaving no stone unturned.
To ensure everything went smoothly, Brenton and I scouted potential locations where I could discreetly hide yet still have a clear view of their rooftop months in advance. He meticulously planned every detail, from secret Amazon orders placed on my account for decorations to somehow hiding the engagement ring in their shared home… Brenton’s commitment to creating a beautiful and surprise experience for Sarah was evident in every step of the process.
Brenton’s vision included transforming their rooftop deck into an enchanting (and functional!) space. Together, they had ordered furniture, and he wanted to surprise Sarah by assembling it, and then adorning the area with twinkle lights, candles, and a plethora of vibrant flowers. This romantic ambiance would set the stage for the moment where he would get down on one knee and ask Sarah to spend forever with him.
The anticipation was palpable as we worked to bring Brenton’s vision to life.
A trip to Trader Joe’s, Wegman’s, and Michael’s occupied the early portion of our afternoon before we raced home to get everything together. Friends and neighbors rallied around, contributing their time and expertise to create a truly magical setting for the proposal. With the help of their neighbors and friend, we built furniture in the summer sun, crafted floral garlands (Thanks to their neighbor who has a background in floral design!), and strung twinkle lights. Together, we raced against the clock, determined to finish everything before Sarah’s return home.
Brenton’s excitement and nerves were contagious. I couldn’t help but share in his emotions, knowing the significance of this moment for both Sarah and him. With the rooftop deck prepared and my hiding spot secured on a neighbor’s deck, we eagerly awaited Sarah’s arrival. (All while hoping we could score an extra minute or two to clean up floral clippings and return their kitchen back to its pre-proposal setup without floral clippings and boxes of electric candles giving away the plans that were well underway a few stories above)
Soon, we got the text that Sarah was on her way home!
I headed to Brenton and Sarah’s neighbor’s rooftop deck with one of their friends where I was staking out for photos while she snagged a sweet video of the moment. We were halfway between giggling and also so nervous that we would give away the big surprise if Sarah glanced our way. There’s always pressure that comes with a surprise proposal, but when it is two of your closest friends, the pressure is a little greater!
When Sarah stepped onto the rooftop, I could immediately see her surprise, joy, and happy tears. Her reaction was a testament to the love that Sarah and Brenton share and the beauty of the moment that they had both pictured for so long. Somehow, Brenton pulled of the surprise! Both overwhelmed with emotion, Sarah said YES! As they admired the ring and smiled from ear to ear, we celebrated their love with a sparkling champagne toast, captured celebratory portraits, and reveled in the company of their loved ones who came along to wish the happy couple well~
Cheers to Sarah and Brenton who will be saying I Do later this year! I cannot WAIT for you to see the sweet surprise that was their proposal!
We spent the day before their proposal celebrating down at Pride in DC. Let me tell you, it was TOUGH to keep the surprise, especially when Sarah started asking what I was doing for the rest of the weekend! I was SO relieved when these two were officially fiancés because I no longer had to keep the secret… but more than that, I am SO excited that these two are officially engaged!
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