Proposals are a lot like weddings, in that there is a window of time when there are NO do-overs and I have to make split-second decisions. After a planning call between Matt, myself, Matt’s Mom, and Grace’s Mom–brilliant choice to bring the moms in the planning early on–Matt spent time working through all the options of how he would propose to Grace.
He wanted to propose at the Arboretum, so I suggested a few key spots for him to get on one knee. Nancy’s Garden was one of my top recommendations, as it’s close to the front but secluded. Once we were all there, it was time to coordinate where family and friends would hide, where Colton and I would hide, and where Matt would stay until it was time to reveal himself to Grace.
Grace may have caught a quick glance of Matt as she walked by, and you could tell from her face she was happy but trying to process what was going on. Matt proposed beautifully, the nerves hitting in just the last few minutes before Grace arrived. Colton–ever the romantic and more emotional one out of the two of us–thought Grace bending down to kiss Matt while he was still on one knee was just the sweetest.
After celebrating with family and friends, and showing off her stunning new engagement ring, it was time for some celebratory portraits. I love a quick engagement session after a proposal; it can be tricky, because I don’t have the “warm up” time for my couples like I do in a normal session, but Matt and Grace were so relaxed in front of the camera (not to mention on cloud nine from getting engaged), it was a joy to capture their portraits. I have so many favorites from this morning, I just need to stop writing words and let you enjoy their photos.
Look how proud and happy he is!
