I had the honor of being asked to photograph a surprise wedding proposal last weekend. A lot of preparation and thought went into this... it was a huge "surprise party".. maybe 60 guests...there was a DJ, catered food, and hours spent decorating...a path and a heart made with flowers and candle lights, tiki torches providing the ambience, and... the only lighting I would have. Being that the couple were to arrive around 9 pm, this would be a bit of a challenge. I wanted to preserve the atmosphere they had created... not add glaring light sources to the mix. I weighed my options, and went with... "let's just see what my camera and lens are capable of"... with a bit of anxiety... 

As I waited for the big moment.. between periodically checking what my shots looked like... I mingled with guests and asked if the possible bride to be had any idea... and was told each time.. "no"... wow... In the back of my mind was... I really hope she says "yes"! But I guess the families knew the couples relationship, and would not have gone through all of this preparation if there was any doubt.

The moment was coming closer... and I found that I actually had some butterflies in my stomach... this was really exciting! The guests mobbed Monica when they arrived, and Anthony stepped into the waiting heart of candles and flowers... When Monica came into the area... her reaction was priceless! Overwhelmed with emotion, unbelieving what was happening... she stepped into the heart and into the arms of her love. He then got down on one knee, and asked the question everyone waited to hear... and she said YES!!!