The proposal story, in their words...

I thought about how i was going to post this, and i think that it is best stated in their own words... so, without further ado, here it is....

This is the story from Mike & Jen's point of view...



"Do you want me to tell you a story?"

"Yes! I would love to hear a story."

pause........realization moment.......

My breath is taken away and the world is spinning fast as Mikey and I stand still. Butterflies flutter all throughout me and I cannot believe this is it....'Is this really it??? Oh my gosh......what do I do.......breathe Jen breathe and listen. Listen.....take it in.'



"This isn't what it seems." pause. Breathe. "The main reason for us being in Cabo isn't for a photo shoot Jen." pause. I have been waiting for this, longing for this moment and now it is here! My heart is beating out of my body. He is looking me straight in my eyes and and I am looking right back at him. I am giddy, in shock, and so in love. This is it. "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." ...I can't explain this feeling now...I have never experienced it before... He drops to one knee and pops open the box, "Jen, will you marry me?"




"YES!!!!!!!!!!.........of course I will." I throw my arms around my boyfriend, no, my fiancé! Yes, I throw my arms around my fiancé and I can't believe it. I never want to let go. Ever. I suddenly remember...there is a ring involved here! Almost too abruptly I reach around my back and find Mikey's hand with the box. He shows me. It's absolutely perfect. "I designed the band," he says proudly "and the center stone" pause "is your great grandmothers". Speechless. Perfect. He is perfect. Perfect for me and perfect for the rest of my life. I love this man. We are the only two people in the world in this moment.

We are starring at the ring, looking at each other, laughing, enjoying, asking and answering questions....putting all of the puzzle pieces together. I hug him so hard that we fall over in the sand together. He tosses the ring box as if his work is done and now a new chapter is born. We embrace and laugh and float together. These feelings have never been felt before and need to get out so we run close to the water and let the waves take us in...we are running and hugging and dancing around. Nothing in the world matters. I am as content as ever and as happy as I have ever been. This is my man, my Mikey J and it's final.....we are getting married!!!!!!




Well, as it turns out, Mikey and I weren't the only two people in the world. It just so happened that Mike Larson (camera in hand) and Ben Potter (video in hand) were documenting our magical evening. I thought we were doing a bridal gown photo shoot, which we were, but the 'extended' portion of the shoot happened to be very planned out, little did I know. Mike Larson and Mikey J have been planning this for quite some time...my mom was even in on it too! They played it off to the 't'. Sneaky, sneaky!

So, next August Mikey and I will be hanging out with Mike, Rachel, and Ben on a very special day. We will also be getting together in the mean time to beat them in Nertz!!(a fun card game) I want to say well done to all of you, for keeping a secret and documenting it at the same time...it is beautiful.







Thank you so much for all that you did and for your kind words and blessings...'Today is the day Mikey and I love each other least...our love will grow deeper and stronger with each day.' And to you Mikey J, that was the best proposal I have ever heard of. You are amazing and the man of my dreams. I love you today, and forever. Now get ready for a fantastic year fiancé!!!!

WOW!, I am so excited for Mikey & Jen. They have such an amazing relationship, family support behind them. I feel that this is why I do what I do. As a photographer, I do no justice to a couple if I don’t fully capture who they are, the story behind things, and get EVERY moment without missing a thing. It’s a challenge to cover an happening like this, there is no directing by me, just a combination of running around, shooting, and diving into positions, throwing myself in the sand to get the right angle, and then getting up again to move to another spot. It was quite a workout, but looking back, I would have regretted letting a minute or even a second slip by and miss the entire story of what happened. This is how I approach weddings, there are thousands of little things that happen, and from all different angles, no one angle can capture the entire day, and its my job to make sure I get everything that is happening to be captured in a consistent artistic and original style. To capture not only the decisive moments, but also the experience, details, and emotions. Those moments often change faster than the shutter speed of the camera. So I have to act fast! I am humbled as I see Mike & Jen propose, and I know that this will be something that their entire family will have as an icon of their relationship. Just as a trophy on the wall, or a diploma, or certificate, yet more important, this stands as the reason why they got married, the beginning of a beautiful family. Unscripted by me, but everything they wanted it to be, and more, this will open their eyes to every other photograph of them the rest of their lives, so that when looking back at this story, they would never settle for anything less than an amazing relationship (even during rough times say, 5,10 or 20 years in the future), and always remember the hope, joy and optimism they have when they proposed. It’s written on their faces, and it’s these “trophies” that will be the most treasured in their lives.

So Mike & Jen, Cheers to you, may this day and the story be a legacy, the start of your new family. I love the pride you have of each other. Its contagious and you guys are amazing, May God bless your marriage forever. Thanks again for the honor of having me be there to photograph this for you guys. Thanks to