John & Katy — A Surprise Proposal at Secrest Nature Preserve
John planned every detail of his surprise proposal to Katy — right down to a ring-pop decoy on the bridge. Here's how it unfolded in the autumn woods at Secrest Nature Preserve.
About a month before the big day, I got the kind of message every photographer secretly hopes for: John reached out about photographing his proposal to Katy. Of course I said yes — knowing full well that Katy was going to say yes too.
A plan down to the last detail
John thought of everything. He knew exactly where I should set up and stay hidden, what time they'd be walking the trail, and how the whole thing would unfold. My favorite detail? He had me place a ring pop on the little bridge ahead of them. As they walked up, Katy spotted it, crouched down to pick up what she assumed was a piece of trash — and when she stood back up, John was down on one knee with the real ring.
The look on her face
I'll never get tired of that split second of surprise. Katy's face when she realized what was happening was absolutely priceless — pure, overjoyed, a little disbelieving. The seclusion of Secrest Nature Preserve, quiet and wrapped in autumn woods, was right up her alley and made the whole moment feel like it belonged just to the two of them.
A little celebration in the trees
After all the hugs and happy tears and plenty of admiring that new ring, we took a short walk to an open field nearby for a mini session. With the pressure of the big secret finally behind them, John and Katy melted right into each other, and we captured the raw, glowing emotion of a moment they'll never forget.
Congratulations, John and Katy. Here's to a lifetime of happy memories, celebrated together. 💛