One Year Engaged-Proposal Story | Park of Roses

Andrew asked me to be his wife a year ago today. This year has flown by, possibly faster than any year I can remember. I think back to this day ALL. THE. TIME... It's a favorite day, one of my happiest memories to date. Before I share our proposal story its important to note that everyday with him is a surprise. From elaborate fully thought out birthdays, flowers just because, randomly booking me surprise head shots for my business, to what he will cook for dinner every night. It is all a surprise!! I'm not going to lie, sometimes this drives me nuts. Like crazy nuts!!! Its hard to meal plan, we go to the grocery store almost every day, and I hardly know if I am ever properly dressed for some of our adventures. But all in all I'm thankful for these moments. So when you read this story and you think how did she not see this coming.....you will know that it is because I have a guy who does little surprises all the time. That a day like this day happens, not everyday, but often enough to keep our relationship exciting. I wouldn't change it for the world. I've learned not to ask so many questions and to just let this man surprise me here and there. 

Our Proposal Story

Thursday, August fourth, two thousand and sixteen. Two days before our 5 year anniversary and the only day Andrew and I had free to celebrate together that week.  Andrew was driving us around Clintonville, killing time before what I had thought was a surprise dinner date. We looked at all the beautiful homes, dreaming about one day owning a home of our own (we now own a house and I can't wait to blog about this soon). Since we had time to kill, I suggested we go to the park of roses to explore while we waited. Andrew has always talked about playing tennis at this park and I thought I could scout it for a future photo session. So....totally thinking it was my idea to go to the park, we drove in.

As soon as he started to drive through the park I spotted my best photo friend, Ashley Wallace! I immediately yelled for Andrew to stop the car and started to roll down the window with excitement. I jumped out of the car to hug Ashley and asked her why she was there, Ashley responded with, " I'm here to photograph you, silly!." I was shocked! Like completely shocked! Andrew, the man who never lets me take his photo, had surprised me with an Anniversary Session, at the Whetstone Park of Roses. Not only was I shocked, I was so happy that Ashley made me a flower crown for our session. I remember thinking in my head that I wouldn't have worn this outfit for our anniversary session if I would have known we were going to get our photo taken, but the flower crown made everything better. I instantly felt so pretty!  With all the excitement, I didn't have time to process everything that was about to happen. 

Less then 5 minutes into the session Andrew was down on one knee. I remember leaping over a gap in the cement and feeling Andrew shake on his way down. The specifics of what was said is a bit of a blur to both of us, but we will never forget the feeling. I had the pleasure of second shooting for Wallace for West during their entire 2016 wedding season, and I had never thought I would be one of their brides. We are so thankful that we have these images that document our emotion and excitement. I couldn't be more excited to have Wallace capture our wedding in less than 2 short months. 

After the proposal, newly engaged us enjoyed a celebratory dinner at M at Miranova. An old friend was working there, poured us some champagne, and took our picture. We texted our closest friends and family the photo below. We laughed about all the signs that I had missed leading up to the moment. 

I later found out that Andrew had just contacted Ashley days prior to the proposal and thankfully she was able to fit us in.  He literally picked up the ring 3 hours prior to proposing and had never seen it in person yet since he had the ring made through a private jeweler. Andrew was hoping I would suggest going to this park because he had planted a seed for over a year about playing tennis there. He drove by the park three times before I noticed the entrance and "I" suggested going to the park, making me think it was my idea to drive in. Before the proposal, Andrew had never met Ashley so he had no idea what she even looked like. He said if I didn't spot her like a puppy excited to see its owner, he would have driven right past Ashley. Thinking back Ashley had a grin on her face when I saw her, if you know Ash you know this grin, and If I wasn't so excited to see her I totally would have known that she had something to tell me.  Andrew said he wasn't sure when during the session he was going to do it but Ashley pressed him to "DO IT NOW" hahaha. We look back and literally everything somehow went better than perfect. The only thing that didn't go as planned for Andrew was being able to contact my dad prior to the proposal to ask for permission. Andrew is full of surprises for me, and this surprise is my all time favorite.

iPhone photo on the patio of M at Miranova 

iPhone photo on the patio of M at Miranova 

#ILoveYouToTheGoonAndBack

NEW BRAND + WEBSITE LAUNCH

Well, today I finally get to say what’s been a long time coming…I launched a NEW brand and website!!!!! This site has been “under construction” for long enough!! No more emails from clients starting with, "Do you have a website?" I'm literally so excited! 

I wanted a place to showcase my growth, because after all, growth is important for being deeply rooted in my passion!!  I have always desired a little corner of the Internet to call my own. One that I can showcase my style, wonderful clients and express my personality for anyone who wants to listen, oh ya, and blog about my favorite moments in life, like my own wedding plan experiences and how Andrew and I do life! 

Web/Logo Design: Susie Marie Photography

“I think you should just go for it!” What I finally had to hear before I could make waves with launching a website and brand. Sometimes you just need help and that’s why I sought out Susie after meeting her at one of our monthly creative meetings.....and let me tell you, Susie has been a dream to work with. She helped me to express my brand, deeply rooted in Love Life and Emotion.

Without further adieu, I introduce to you - my new brand & website!! Go check it out and let me know what you think in the comments below!!

Photo taken by our sweet friend, Elizabeth Conley Studios