I have been so excited to blog about this proposal, because it was so long in the making.
In June, I received a phone call from Bryan, asking if I'd be interested in photographing a proposal. Being from Pennsylvania, he wanted to do it on their vacation to Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, during a hike, so he was looking for a photographer who could keep up with them and their two dogs. Was I game?
I SURE WAS!
We spent months emailing back and forth, making sure our plan was solid. I contacted a few photographer friends (a special thanks goes to my good friend Michele Stapleton, who suggested North Bubble, and then Matthea Daughtry, who happened to be hiking it one weekend and reported that not only was it a gorgeous view, but that I'd survive the hike while lugging two cameras), proposed a plan, and before I knew it, I was waiting in the parking lot of North Bubble, joined by my husband, Tony (to make me look a little less suspicious), and feeling a little nervous.
But soon enough I saw Bryan, Brittany, and their two pups arrive and I recognized him immediately. Tony and I managed to get right behind them on the trail, where I pretended to be completely inconspicuous while sneakily photographing them. Tony told me later on that I was ridiculously obvious, but I luckily didn't give anything away because Bryan and Brittany were too focused on each other. Aww.
We eventually made it up, and the view was gorgeous. I milled around, and when the outcropping was open, offered to take a photo of the two of them. Bryan knew it was time. He walked over there with Brittany, I took a quick photo with his cell phone, grabbed my two cameras, and started shooting away as he pulled out a box and dropped to one knee.
Photographing that proposal, no doubt, was one of the coolest things I have ever done. Just thinking about it brings a ridiculous, goofy smile to my face. Anyone else want to have their proposal photographed??
Here are a few favorite images from the day.
Bryan told me later that during the hike he was so nervous he felt like he was going to faint. Poor guy!
I love these next few images as they show the progress of the proposal.
The two were game for some portraits, so we spent the next hour or so taking portraits on the top of North Bubble. By the way-- this would be such a gorgeous location for an elopement! Hint, hint!
By the way-- Bryan had that ring specially designed so it could be the rose gold that Brittany wanted. Nice!
The little brown dog's name was Frankie, and the black and white dog was Elsa (and she likes to sit like a human).
These two were so. happy. I think more people should have portraits done immediately after they become engaged, because these two just giggled the entire time!
I'm not sure here if Frankie was yawning or if he was annoyed at me-- turns out Frankie doesn't like things pointed at him, and my camera was definitely pointed in his direction. Sorry, Frankie. I do think this photo is hilarious.
These two met at a Halloween party. She was Xena, and he was dressed as some sort of random businesses' cat mascot. They started dating almost instantly, and before he knew it he moved so he could be nearer to her. When you know, you know.
You look so dreamy here, Brittany.
I hope they return to this spot for future anniversaries :)
Eventually, we had to hike down so the four of them could celebrate their upcoming marriage over dinner.
Bryan and Brittany, thank you for including me in such a magical moment. I feel as though I'll be connected to the two of you for the rest of your lives because of these photos, and I love that. Don't be a stranger if you ever return to Maine!
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