They walked into the scene as I pretended to take photos of birds and flowers. The excitement! The adrenaline! Ben got down on one knee. How her face immediately lit up as she let out an audible gasp. Their love and admiration for each other so palpable. Tina, of course, said yes! Their joy warmed up a cold autumn morning. In fact, Tina commented how beautiful and magical the frost looked and we teased that Ben painted the frost beforehand. 😛

While Tina experienced the surprise of her life this morning, the adrenaline build up has been for awhile with Ben and their families. This was a concerted effort from so many. They knew how much Tina would treasure her proposal being photographed and we worked closely to make sure everything will be perfect. Ben and I met beforehand to do a trial run through (after many text exchanges where I was “Adam” 🤣). We considered multiple photo spots and my photographer’s heart danced when I saw the beautiful diffused light shining through the willow tree. I captured a photo of Ben “practicing” getting down on one knee so he could see what I saw. We both knew, then, that this would be the perfect spot for them to start their next chapter. I also learned that Ben and Tina have a dog named Willow. How perfectly fitting!!

I love how giddy they both were and how excitedly Tina gave Ben a hug jump (or affectionately known as ‘huju’ ☺️). And the surprise isn’t over! While making our way through the arboretum and savoring in this deliriously happy occasion with engagement photos, Ben’s and Tina’s families were waiting at the pavilion. They all flew in to celebrate with the happy couple. 😍 Dare I say this second surprise was even more meaningful? Tina may have expected a proposal coming (as soon-to-be engaged girlfriends should), having families there blew her away. She choked up when they revealed a whole itinerary has been planned. They recounted the proposal story. They toasted. They cheered. They were all grinning ear to ear while congratulatory hugs were exchanged.

Ben and Tina – Over and over again, I hear your families mention how the stars aligned and how over the moon happy they are for you both. I’m sure Ben hasn’t heard these phrases before as an astrophysicist. 😛 Truly, you two are fated for each other and so are your families. It was such a beautiful morning, a beautiful day, and surely a beautiful beginning to the rest of your lives together. When your eyes met, I see not just love. I see admiration, respect, and a total sense of comfort. And of course, how much fun you have together! You’ve found something so unique with each other and the strongest, most endearing support circle I’ve witnessed. Congratulations again!