A few months ago a co-worker asked me if I would help him pop the question to his girlfriend. Originally it was going to happen around Christmas time, but the smart fellow Jeremy was, decided to save his pennies for the perfect ring. Along comes a fabulous day in April, and a surprise engagement in Merrickville, became a reality.
We didn’t put a whole lot of planning into it, except scouting out the location and how he was going to do it without her seeing me. I told him to somehow get her to wear something she would want to be photographed in and make sure she does her hair and make-up. He decided on inviting her out to his mother’s place in Merrickville for dinner. This is where I would be hiding in the neighbours back yard when he took her outside to pop the question. Luckily it was a nice day. After a long brutal winter, the sun finally came out and the day was warm, a perfect excuse to get outside!
Sneak attack!
They were sitting on the back porch, when Jeremy saw me sneak into the neighbours yard. He took Morgan by the hand and led her over to the spot we had previously chosen (except now there was an outdoor sofa there which wasn’t there before…ah well) and proceeded to get down on one knee. Morgan was so surprised she did not even see me barely hidden and sneaking ever so closer as the proposal went on. When he was finished, Jeremy pointed over in my direction where Morgan finally realized I was there and was trying to take in everything that just happened. The look on her face was priceless (as you will see in the following photos). After the shock wore off I took them into the village of Merrickville to do some more romantic engagement photos.
Wardrobe Malfunction
There was one little problem however. Despite me telling Jeremy to try and trick Morgan into looking photo ready, I had assumed he would make himself look dapper as well. Jeremy, I love you but man, your choice in proposal wear was a little more ‘special’ than I had anticipated. A tight Hawaiian shirt, and the rattiest ripped jeans I have come across since listening to twisted sister circa 1985. His mother, Morgan and I all insisted that he change before we got down to the business of taking more photos. He ended up lookin’ pretty good after that.
Moral of the story for me: Always make sure to be clear with clients what constitutes good wardrobe choices for photos (insert smiley wink here). As the sun was setting on the village, we walked around to a few different locations and took some fun and romantic photos. Congratulations Jeremy and Morgan, and don’t forget to call me for the wedding!
