Bryan and Stephanie's Surprise Proposal
It has been a long time since I’ve blogged. And if there’s ever a reason to start back up again, it’s for Bryan and Stephanie’s surprise proposal! It all started with a {slightly} panicked voicemail from Bryan explaining that he was in need of a photographer for a surprise proposal that weekend! If I’m able, I will NEVER turn down a surprise proposal. Ever. These things make my heart sing!
I met up with Bryan that Friday over lunch to location scout and get our plan of action. It was a surprise, after all. I couldn’t be seen or it would ruin everything! I arrived at Pitt Street Bridge (a former bridge turned long, skinny park) to find zero hiding places. I mean, nothing. Not a single hill, bush, patch of sweet grass in sight. I would have taken a tall weed. Nada. Finally I found a spot where I could gain access to the side of the bridge. I looked down at it, scratched my head, and thought, “The side of the bridge it is!” That’s fine. Everything is fine. I’ll just climb down there and cling to the side of it because I’m Spider-man now. It was definitely a “make it work” moment. But I was excited. So excited I didn’t really think to compare the time of the proposal to high tide. But it’s cool. Bryan arrived and we worked out all of the details. I gave specific instructions on where to set their picnic blanket, and this man followed those instructions to a tee. He was superb.
The next day I arrive way too early because I just couldn’t risk ruining everything! I needed to be in place before they arrived so it wouldn’t become a “why is that girl clinging to the side of the bridge with a camera?” moment. Here I am in all my glory, remembering (a little too late) to check the tide schedule.
After what felt like 17 hours, Bryan and Stephanie arrive (on time). He places their picnic blanket down in the exact location, at the perfect angle and I’m thrilled. Then he “forgets the cork screw in the car” and goes back to bring the hidden balloons to her. Sigh. The balloons. This is where I try not to get emotional. Mind you, nothing has happened yet. It’s the very beginning and already I’m choked up. But I know the story. The day before, Bryan shared with me the story of Stephanie’s father passing a year prior. It was a hard time, so he brought her to this very bridge to release balloons holding letters to her father. Problem was, he didn’t put helium in them. So they kind of just sadly floated downward into the harbor. But this time, he was going to get it right. I watched as she looked at him perplexed as he explained that he still felt so badly about how the balloon release had gone the year before and that he wanted to do it again for her. Only this time, containing a letter to her father from him, asking for her hand in marriage.
Then he promptly drops to one knee and she’s COMPLETELY surprised. It was so sweet and I was able to get most of it from the side of the bridge.
Except for this one part…. take your time dawg…
Luckily, they kissed twice.
While Bryan popped the cork, I popped up from the side of the bridge like a complete creeper and grabbed a few shots of their toasts. She’s beside herself with the amount of planning he did, including getting dinner reservations for later in the evening so he could be sure she’d be dressed up for the surprise portraits.
We ran up and down the bridge grabbing some portraits, all while Stephanie’s head was spinning. She couldn’t stop smiling. It was so incredibly special to be a part of this moment for them.
I wish you guys the best in your marriage! Thanks for having me there!
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