Okay, boyfriends and husbands to be, listen up. Considering proposing to your girlfriend? Then take some cues from this romantic AND extremely thoughtful guy. Seriously. Pay attention.

I was so excited when Jonathan from Charlotte, NC, contacted me about scheduling what would be my first official Asheville engagement session. And then he told me the details! He and his girlfriend were driving over to tour the Biltmore Estate on a Saturday morning followed by a picnic somewhere on the grounds. He planned to pop the question right after the picnic and wanted suggestions on the perfect place. A proposal at the Biltmore AND most importantly, he thought to call me to capture it all. Can you say, “Impressive, ladies?!” Uh, definitely.

Jonathan wasn’t familiar with the Biltmore area so, being new to Asheville, I decided to invest in the Biltmore annual membership and scout out some places for him. I found a perfect spot overlooking the Bass Pond just down from the Biltmore gardens. We exchanged photos which included a photo of my blue flowery camera bag, and he agreed to text me when they were on the tour. Operation Proposal was underway. (Excuse the dorky CIA agent lingo.)

On that Saturday, I got the text and was on the move. (Cue the secret agent music.)

I drove to the pond on the estate property, waited in my car until the couple arrived, fumbled with a large fried chicken coupon as they walked by to make it appear like I was a lost tourist, and then quietly walked down the trail. I spotted them at the picnic spot and casually walked by so he could see my camera bag and know I was there.

I found my spot across the pond from the couple on a park bench and waited. I honestly think I was just as nervous as Jonathan. It was so sweet. They ate, they talked, and Jonathon nervously fumbled until popping the question. And drumroll, please…Lori said yes! I waited a sec and then made my way over. “Surprise, here’s a photographer who’s been watching our every move!” Can you imagine?! But I quickly pointed out how sweet her new fiance was to factor in a photographer. Again, seriously, ladies…he did good.

But Lori was so sweet and handled it all graciously. And I was excited by how absolutely gorgeous she is! Makes my job easy! We took photos around the pond and even though it was crazy warm, they were great sports. I had a ball and hope they did, too. That’s one of THE best parts of this job, getting a front row seat to the most special moments in a person’s life. Thanks, Jonathan, for allowing me that opportunity. Congratulations to you both!

The ring…Brian Gavin Diamonds

 

One of my favorites…while he cleans up, she looks at her new ring. I so remember that feeling!

Beautiful couple!