As a wedding photographer, I know how magical your proposal story is. It’s such a beautiful moment, often filled with such surprise. And I wanted to share my proposal story with you! Michael and I have been together for 4 amazing years, and his proposal was more perfect than I could have ever imagined. And while COVID-19 made the planning a little difficult for Michael, it was absolutely amazing – and such a surprise! A huge shout out to Michael’s younger brother, Brett, who was there to capture the moment.
How Michael Planned Our Proposal
“I knew I wanted to propose to Andrea within a year of us dating! But as you know, 2020 has been a little bit out of the ordinary! I started planning it back in 2019, and I knew I wanted to do it during the summer. But I also knew I needed a distraction, so she didn’t see it coming. Looking at the calendar, my cousin was graduating summer 2020, and I knew that would mean the whole family would get together. So this would be the perfect distraction!
To find the perfect ring, I reached out to Andreas’ sister. She helped me pick out the perfect ring. My plan was to take Andrea on a hot air balloon and propose there. Since she was a teenager, she always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride – so I knew this would be the best gift and adventure. But, once COVID-19 hit, there were some roadblocks. I struggled to find any vendors who would be willing to take us on a trip! When I finally found someone and got the date booked – it rained. So we had to cancel. Needless to say – I was getting even more nervous! And of course, the ring was still being made, so I had to push back the date yet again. But, finally, on June 7th, 2020 – I was able to finally pop the question.” – Michael
A Bucket List + A Surprise
Now that you know Michael’s side of the story, I want to share mine! Like any relationship early on, getting to know each other is the first stepping stone. You share your stories, your dreams, and eventually, you begin sharing your heart.
In Michael and I’s relationship, our date nights would involve grabbing food on the go, rolling the windows down, and taking long drives on backroads. Sometimes talking about anything and everything. Sometimes singing along to the music. And sometimes just taking in the moment quietly.
As we were getting to know each other we asked about bucket list items. I told him a story about how I always wanted to ride a hot air balloon. My dad would always look up festivals, but as time passed, life got busy. I started photographing more and was in high school, so I just never got the chance.
On June 7th, Michael surprised me with a hot air balloon ride. Which I later came to find out would mean more than to just cross it off my bucket list. It was a gorgeous Sunday evening, with the most incredible sunset I have ever seen.
Michael had everything planned out to a tee. We had a simple morning and planned to go “pick up a guitar for a Father’s Day gift” in the evening. We were picking the guitar up from “a guy from Craigslist” (which I asked Michael…is that safe?!)
To keep us occupied during the day we took one of those long drives, listening to music and me reading off random questions for us to answer. One of those being “what’s the best day on the calendar” and Michael said “today”. I thought he was just being cute but now I realize just how serious he was.
My Hot Air Balloon Proposal Story
Michael has done grand surprises for me before, so seeing the hot air balloon was just another example of me thinking “this man is amazing”. It wasn’t until we were in the air, halfway through our flight that Michael started his speech I began realizing that this was so much grander than anything before.
Michael proposed to me while in the air as we watched the sunset. He’s known ever since I told him my bucket list story, that was how he wanted to propose to me when the time was right. Even when he had the ring in his hand, and was down on one knee in the basket of the balloon, I asked if he was serious about 3 times….then I said yes, of course!
I feel so amazingly lucky to have Michael in my life who is constantly showing me love and making my wildest dreams come true. June 7th was such a perfect day. From the simple moments in the morning, swinging in a hammock finishing a crossword puzzle together, driving around answering silly questions to later getting ice cream with our favorite topping, brownie batter – to the moment seeing Michael on one knee and hearing the words “Will you marry me?”
Let’s Capture Your Big Day!
Whether you are a current bride-to-be, or know that the proposal is just around the corner, I want to celebrate and document your story! Through my unique client experience, I ensure that every step of the journey — from booking to delivery — is smooth, carefree, and joyful. Ready to learn more about how to work with me? Contact me, here!
