Surprise Engagement Shoot at Popham Beach

Meredith's mom texted me in early November to see if I was available on December 3rd. I was! She was so excited because her daughter Meredith was going to be engaged to her college boyfriend Ethan. She thought it would be extra special if I was there since I have been their family photographer since the girls were in grade school. Yes! Michelle, Meredith's mom, clearly approved of Ethan and beyond. She told me I would hear from Ethan. It took a couple of weeks before I did hear from Ethan but as soon as I heard his voice on the line I felt comfortable. I was getting worried he wasn't going to call me! Other guys had emailed to also do a surprise engagement shoot on that same day. Ethan had it planned out, that Saturday, take her to Popham Beach because it is her favorite place and a surprise party after with their Boston friends at her parents in Freeport. Perfect! He didn't care what the tides were or the weather it was going to happen. Thankfully the tide was out, and yes it rained but it really felt like when we stepped out into the park we were in another world. It was SO romantic! I brought my assistant Olivia along to be the model decoy with my dog Pepper. We drove in my daughter's car so my Jetta with PEAVEY plates wouldn't give it away. Meredith does know me, even though it has been a few years! In fact, she did notice on Thanksgiving that her mom had recently texted me when she was using her phone something. She asked her why she was getting in touch with me, and then Michelle came up with a story that she wanted family photos done. Meredith found out an hour before arriving to Popham that the family photos planned that afternoon we off! The weather of course ;).  When we arrived at Popham there was the park Ranger and another family with a toddler. And that was it. There is also no cell service at the park so texting had to be done and plans BEFORE time. Right on time, Ethan escorted Meredith down the boardwalk right past Olivia and my spazzy dog going crazy with the wind. They walked about 50 feet past us and he asked Meredith to look over there. I could tell only from body language because you couldn't hear anything past a 3-foot radius of you over the sound of the wind and waves. Meredith finally turned around to see Ethan down on one knee which was perfect because it gave Olivia and me time to take long strides and get closer. Olivia has a video from her iPhone which is on my IG. All the emotions were high, tears and smiles on the beach that day, It felt like we were in another world. 

I love that I was there to capture it all and experience it myself.

"I just am thinking about all the people who lied to me to pull this off!" That is what Meredith told us when we were walking back down the boardwalk. All the dots started to connect. Her sister with a straight face lie told her to not be upset he hasn't proposed yet that something special is coming at Christmas. We laughed, this is the best kind of lie! Cheers to Meredith and Ethan!