For Emilie’s birthday this year, Alex gifted her a hiking trip to Shenandoah National Park. This gift was a full weekend plan, starting with traveling from North Carolina to the mountains of Virginia, multiple hiking trails, and a few small winery visits. That’s when the real planning started. When I started as a Virginia Proposal Photographer in 2020 I never thought I would get to work with such amazing grooms-to-be like Alex. We had been working together and planning his surprise proposal to Emilie for almost 3 months before the big day. With so many calls and several location scouting trips, it’s true I have a very hands on approach for my proposal clients. Like seriously all my proposal shoots at least include:
- Location planning and advice (which includes pre-scouting)
- Photography of the proposal moment
- An immediate couples session afterwards
- Highlight photos delivered within 2 hours to immediately share on social media and with friends and family
- Full online gallery of digital images delivered within 5 days!
Alex and I exchanged tons of phone calls and texts back and forth while searching for the perfect location along Skyline Drive. Here’s how the day played out.
The Proposal
Virginia has been extra rainy this year, so Alex and I were constantly checking the radar. There was a clear break in the weather around 9 am so we planned for Alex to arrive at the overlook at 9:30. Which meant I would need to be there by 9 am no later! So I arrived to the point at 8:50. I just had enough time to place the shooting dots, get my camera set, and to squeeze into the perfect hiding spot as I heard their car pull up and them start to come down the mountain towards me – 25 MINUTES EARLY!
Once they made it down to the rock face it was go-time! From my very close hiding spot, I could clearly see Alex shaking from how nervous he was, but that didn’t matter now. He was so ready for this moment, and couldn’t wait. Alex quickly searched and placed Emilie on her mark (a little teal dot sticker I placed to make sure I had a clear shot of all the perfect moments) Then, as Alex got down on one knee, I stepped out from the bushes I was hiding in. Emilie was completely shocked. Alex said “Will you marry me?” and Emilie clearly replied “YES!” with a little excited jumping.
We spent another 20 minutes exploring the rockface for those just engaged glow portraits, but quickly our clearing in the weather was closing as the lightest of rain started to fall. It was time to make our way back up the mountain before the inclined trail got too slippery. Once back up the mountain to the overlook we snapped a few more photos to finish up their portraits. But Alex & I still had another secret plan for that afternoon.
The Engaged Welcoming
Alex not only planned a weekend trip to Virginia, he had also it total secret invited their families and closest friends to celebrate their engagement at Philip Carter Winery. Their friends and family traveled from all over the East Coast! I’m talking Georgia, Alabama, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania! I arrived ahead of the couple by 30 minutes to capture the moment Emilie was surprised (for the second time that day) with all her favorite people.
It was such a pleasure to be part of this special surprise and unforgettable day! Here are some of my favorite images from Alex and Emilie’s Virginia proposal.
These mountain top images were photographed starting at 9:05 am ending at 9:40 am
You can see more proposal photos from Silverbridge & Co in past posts! & if you’re thinking of proposing to your favorite person, I want to chat with you!! Reach out to me today so I can help you plan, & photograph this magical moment for you! I want to be your Virginia Proposal Photographer!
