A few weeks ago, Carter sent me a text asking if I could help him with his proposal to his girlfriend (now fiancée!), Avery. It was truly a miracle that I even saw the text because, at the time, I was hiking in Sequoia National Park. Thankfully, I happened to be at one of the few spots that still had reception, so I was able to see his message just in time!
Filled with excitement and eagerness, Carter was planning to propose just two days after he reached out to me, so we got to work quickly. We talked through the plan, and the very next day, I drove out to the proposal spot for a walkthrough. Carter had everything planned down to a T. He had even timed exactly how long it would take them to walk up to the spot where he planned to ask Avery to marry him. He also built a makeshift covering for me to hide behind while the proposal took place. Truly, this man thought of everything!
The day of the proposal, the anticipation was high. Carter and his family were eagerly waiting for Avery to arrive at their house, while Carter’s younger brother and I went ahead to hide near the proposal spot. We quickly hiked up, set up my phone to record the proposal, and tucked ourselves behind the covering Carter had made. After a few minutes, we heard them hiking up the hill, and I quickly got into position with my camera. When they reached the top, Carter and Avery took in the view for a few moments. Then, Carter got down on one knee.
His face lit up with joy while looking up at Avery, who was stunned speechless. A few moments later, they hugged, and Carter gave us the “all clear.” We immediately cheered and came out of hiding! Carter’s little brother and I hiked up to them and immediately started congratulating, celebrating, and hugging them. Everyone was on cloud nine. Avery was still in the best kind of excited shock, haha, and we were all so happy to be there to witness such a special moment.
Afterward, Carter and Avery joined me for some quick portraits to capture all of the excitement and joy of the moment. There was so much energy, laughter, and happiness between them, and it made photographing this next chapter of their story such a joy.
While the proposal was taking place, Carter and Avery’s close families gathered at the house for an engagement party to celebrate afterward. I know both of their families, and they have always treated me as one of their own. It was so sweet to be part of this celebration because I got to do what I love most: capture a precious moment and then celebrate alongside two families who feel like extensions of my own.
When Carter and Avery walked in, Avery’s mom was eagerly waiting to congratulate her daughter. It was such a sweet, tender moment watching both Avery and Carter’s moms tear up as they hugged and congratulated their children. The joy in the room grew tenfold as Carter and Avery joined their families in the celebration.
We took some pictures with their families and then got straight to dinner. We ate steak salads, and my goodness, they were divine. Carter’s family had also put together the sweetest display with pictures of Carter and Avery throughout the years. Back in April, Avery joined us for a few portraits during Carter’s senior session, so it absolutely warmed my heart to see some of my work printed out and on display at their engagement party.
These are the moments I feel so blessed to photograph. The moments that are full of anticipation, happy tears, laughter, family, and so much joy. The kind of moments that, years from now, will bring back not just what happened, but exactly how it felt.
Carter and Avery, congratulations on this exciting next step. It has been a joy to know you both, as well as your families, over the years. Thank you for trusting me to capture this milestone for you. I am excited to watch the Lord grow you both in marriage and what he will do with the two of you united!
With joy,
Elana
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