Planning the Perfect Surprise
Before the big day, I worked closely with Tony, his mom, and the decorator to help plan the proposal.
The setup was absolutely beautiful.
The entire space was filled with elegant white décor, a gorgeous flower wall, and a light-up sign that read:
“Will You Marry Me?”
It was honestly every girl's dream proposal.
The best part? Chelsea had no idea what was actually happening.
Tony had told her that they were going to my studio for a family photoshoot. So, as far as Chelsea knew, she was simply showing up for some family pictures.
In reality, Tony had rented an entire Airbnb for the proposal—and for the two of them to stay the night afterward.
The surprise was officially underway.
An Hour Early... Because I Was Nervous
I arrived over an hour early.
Not because I needed that much time to set up—but because my nerves were absolutely eating me alive. 😂
I knew how important this moment was. If I missed the reaction, wasn't ready with my camera, or somehow gave away the surprise, I would never forgive myself.
This wasn't just another photoshoot.
I was responsible for capturing a moment that Chelsea would hopefully remember for the rest of her life.
Once everything was ready, I greeted Tony and Chelsea and started with some fun, silly photos outside. Everything looked completely normal.
Exactly how it was supposed to look.
Then came the moment.
“Will You Marry Me?”
I started walking with them toward the proposal setup, which was hidden around the deck of the house.
As we got closer, I knew it was time.
I started recording video on my phone, put my camera into burst mode, and got ready.
And then...
She saw it.
The decorations.
The flower wall.
The giant “Will You Marry Me?” sign.
And suddenly, she realized this wasn't a family photoshoot at all.
It was a proposal.
Chelsea was completely surprised—and so incredibly happy.
And I was standing there behind my camera thinking:
I DIDN'T RUIN THE SURPRISE. 😂
That might have been one of the biggest victories of my photography career at that point.
Tony got down on one knee, Chelsea said yes, and just like that...
They were engaged. 💍
And Then We Took Their Engagement Photos
After the proposal, we got to celebrate the moment by taking their engagement photos.
It was such a beautiful transition from the nerves and excitement of the proposal into a fun couple's session. We captured the two of them together, newly engaged, soaking in the fact that they had just taken this huge step in their relationship.
And honestly, that's what made this shoot so special to me.
I didn't just get to photograph a proposal.
I got to photograph the beginning of a new chapter for them.
My First Proposal Will Always Be Special
Looking back, I'm incredibly thankful that Tony and Chelsea trusted me with such an important moment.
This shoot pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I was nervous, I was overthinking everything, and I was constantly worried that I would somehow mess up the surprise.
But I showed up.
I prepared.
I captured the moment.
And most importantly, I didn't ruin the surprise. 😂
This experience gave me so much confidence and made me realize how much I love being able to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments for people.
Tony and Chelsea were also incredibly kind about being part of this chapter in my photography journey. After their session, Tony sent me:
“We appreciate that we have been able to be part of your photography journey and we are hoping to see you again in the next year for our wedding plans!”
That message meant so much to me.
To Tony and Chelsea—thank you for trusting me with your proposal, for letting me be part of such an exciting moment, and for being one of the first couples to take a chance on me.
I truly hope I get to see you again for your wedding day. 🤍
And as for me?
This was only my first proposal.
I cannot wait to capture many, many more. 💍📸
