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Seattle Proposal Photographer: Brian and Melissa

A “Special Moment”

A few months ago, Brian contacted me about capturing a “special moment” while he and his girlfriend, Melissa, we’re visiting the Pacific Northwest for their anniversary. I hopped on a phone call with him to find out what this “special moment” was… and I guessed right! He was planning to propose & wanted me to photograph it! Brian had been to Seattle once before, but it would be Melissa’s first time.

He wanted to propose somewhere quintessential PNW and we brainstormed some options together. I also lent my expertise on when the lighting would be best, and which locations could be extra crowded. Since the sun sets so late here in the summertime, I asked if he would be interested in doing a sunrise proposal and he jumped at the idea. He was planning on proposing on their actual anniversary, and he exclaimed that there was no way he could hold it in all day!

Choosing the Location

Originally, Brian mentioned Kerry Park. While Kerry Park is a beautiful view of the skyline, it can be very crowded. I’m also not a fan of the big stone wall there haha! I suggested a few other locations that had a similar view of the city, and also a couple of other very “PNW” options. I mentioned the beach at Golden Gardens and it seemed like it could be a good fit for their quiet, intimate, sunrise proposal.

We FaceTimed at Golden Gardens so he could get a feel for the location. We talked about where he could lead Melissa, and where I would be hiding in the bushes! I included a little behind the scenes video from my Instagram story that morning at the end of the post so be sure to check that out! He felt great about the beauty of the location and thought it would be the perfect spot to pop the question. Facetiming was also key for us to know what each other looked like! I didn’t meet Brian in person before the big day, so this was a great way to put a face to the name. I always aim to avoid any awkward situations like photographing the wrong person (what a coincidence THAT would be!) or seeming like a major random creeper in the bushes LOL.

The Proposal

The morning of the proposal, Brian and I emailed and texted, coordinating their arrival. I got there early and posted up in the bushes. I was SO anxious and nervous – I can only imagine how Brian was feeling! Finally, Brian let me know that they had arrived and were walking towards the beach. I watched them sit on some driftwood and enjoy the view. Brian then read from a journal to Melissa. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but I could see how earnest and in love he was. It was so beautiful to witness. I had a hard time fighting back tears and focusing on photographing the event! (Truth, this happens to me a lot during weddings, too!)

I walked closer as Brian got down on one knee and placed the ring on Melissa’s finger. They cried, hugged, and kissed. It was so incredible getting to be a part of such a raw, joyful moment. I captured them enjoying each other for a couple of minutes, introduced myself, and then asked if they’d like to take some portraits. Melissa was blown away that Brian had arranged all of this for her! We wandered around the nearly empty beach together snapping some shots, and enjoying the euphoria of love. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my morning & I am so glad Brian asked me to be a part of this special moment!

Congratulations, Brian & Melissa! Wishing you two a joyful marriage & life together! xo

As promised, here’s the video of me hiding in the bushes!!

Want to see more behind the scenes videos like this? Make sure we’re friends on Instagram!!

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I believe in all things bright, happy & colorful! Specializing in capturing the JOY of life's greatest adventures!

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