josh + emilee | proposal

Weddings are great. Okay, they are more than great. They are meaningful and wonderful and filled with beautiful moments. But proposals? They have to take home the first place trophy, ribbon AND plaque.

There's something about that moment. You are standing with the person that you love and you want to spend the rest of your life with. And then it happens. You will spend the rest of your life with the person you love. It's beautiful.

I got a call from Josh's mom a few weeks ago asking if I would be able to take pictures when Josh proposed to his girlfriend Emilee. I immediately said yes, there was no question in my mind. I have never photographed a proposal before, but I was so ready. And I was so honored that they asked me to be there for it. Truly honored.

So last Saturday, I drove to a park where I met Josh and some family members. We hiked to the spot where she would come (after completing an adorable scavenger hunt) and Josh would propose. Emilee's dad was telling me, "Josh is a great guy. Every dad wants a good man for his daughter. Josh is amazing. He does so much for Emilee."

Josh and his mom. He kept getting updates about where Emilee was on the scavenger hunt. "What, you didn't see her? Well she should be gone by now! Okay, she's on her way from Panera? She's on her way to the next stop." 

We waited for quite a while in the field. We laughed and chatted and more family members showed up to be part of the congratulations committee.

His mom gave him one last hug. :)

Finally, Josh got the call that Emilee was on her way. Emilee's dad gave Josh a hug and a few last words and then went up to meet Emilee and her mom.

The family was hidden. I was hidden. And Josh waited.

He saw her coming and he smiled. He ran back and crouched down. 

I sat in the grass and watched the whole thing unfold. Emilee saw Josh and began running. When Josh emailed me the details he said, "When Emilee sees me, she's probably going to start running! It's just her thing!" It's a cute part of her personality.

So much love.

As the proposal unfolded, Josh told Emilee that she was his best friend. That he loved her so much.

Then, he got down on one knee and before he could even finish asking, Emilee said yes. 

And they gave each other the happiest hug I have ever seen. I can't really tell you in words what was going on in that moment. A beautiful thing had just taken place and the joy in that place, that field, was amazing. I was crying behind my camera. :) 

Josh gave his family the thumbs up and they all came up to celebrate with more hugs, tears, and lots of "let me see the ring! oh congratulations!" We all journeyed back to the parking lot and talked for a while as the sun set. It was a gorgeous, beautiful afternoon.

Love the way he looks at her.

I snapped a few pictures of them "freshly engaged." I think they are adorable and so so happy.

Congratulations again you two. Can't wait to see you again soon! :)