I have often thought the most pivotal decision one can make is the decision to become engaged. Weddings are incredible, yes, the vows are meaningful, yes, but saying "Yes" to the question, "will you marry me" is HUGE! Hence, I love photographing engagement proposals. I was very happy to get an email this January from Kevin that he was looking for a photographer which said: "I was wondering if you might be interested in working with me to make this amazing?" Um, Heck YEAH!
Kevin had been planning their surprise engagement at the Cliff House (who cannot love the Cliff House, incredible!) for a while before contacting me and I was all-in hearing his enthusiasm. Kevin's terrific plans included getting Amanda up to the Cliff House, taking her outside for a stroll overlooking the ocean, and then fireworks would start*. The plan was that Amanda would turn to him twice to comment on the fireworks and on the second turn to him he would be down on bended knee. Then OMG OMG, and hopefully she says yes and then friends and family join in on the surprise and celebrate.
We had plans A, B, and C, with sidebars for A and B. Technically between Kevin, Kim (from the Cliff House) and me, we had five plans of action. Kevin had made videos documenting the process all along the way, including some of the people that were in the loop. In the end, there were well over 25 people in the secret loop because they all secretly traveled to the Cliff House to celebrate with them. She said yes, amongst multiple screams, fireworks popping and a bunch of "Oh My God"! Once the question was asked, time seemed to slow down while Kevin waited for her answer. He said it felt like 60 seconds, but may have been more like 15!
Below you will find a sample of photos, a video of Kevin's sneaky planning, and then a separate slideshow of the night. After being there that night and looking over all the frames of joy, I can only imagine the absolute satisfaction Kevin felt knowing that all his planning brought so much (ecstatic) joy to the woman of his life and all their friends and family. So fellas if you are reading this, take notes, you could make someone really happy one day too!