Happy Birthday! And....a proposal?!
When Patrick invited me to shoot his surprise proposal, I was absolutely ecstatic! I was a little anxious as I gravitate towards natural light photography, and indoor-nighttime photography is not really my thing, but you know what is my thing? Pure, raw emotion. THAT, I knew I wanted to be a part of and I knew I was not going to miss the opportunity to witness such a moment!
Before I share their photos with you, I have to set the stage a bit. You see, Patrick's birthday was last Thursday and he brilliantly got Gabriella's family to guilt her into having a surprise party for him on Friday night. Pretty smart guy, right? Have your future bride arrange it by inviting all their close family, take care of the food and bake an incredible cake! When Patrick rang the doorbell rang, and she opened the door and everyone yelled 'Surprise!' little did Gabriella know that she was the one who was about to experience the surprise of her life!
Shortly before Patrick was set to arrive, Gabriella's mother convinced her to run to the store so I could get into the house to program my camera settings. Indoor lighting is harsh, but I knew I wanted to stay away from using a flash as it can make our images appear flat. Once the settings were in place, I hid in the basement with Patrick's sister Kathleen. It was so fun to sit downstairs in the dark (eh-hem....thanks Mom for forget to turn on our light!) and listen to the conversations going on upstairs. We heard her Mom's feet pacing back and forth, we heard Gabriella casually talking about everything from paying for pizza to who was taking the dog out. I did not envy her parents or sister (and future brother in law, Joe....they just got engaged two weeks ago themselves!!!!) for having to be up there with her, as they were all bursting with excitement knowing what was about to happen! Kathleen and I stayed downstairs until the door was opened, which was our cue that big things were about to happen.
By the way, the mug he handed her, says inside, "Will you marry me?" Gabriella was in absolute shock, she did not see this proposal coming! The entire evening, she repeatedly kept putting her hand over her face or covering her mouth. Gabriella's mom, Darlene, was in on the whole thing for the last month and a half, and she even went with Patrick to pick out her ring. There's something so special about that, isn't there? Not only was her ring chosen by her future husband, but also by her mother, who has dreamt of this very moment since the moment she gave birth to her.
As soon as the proposal was over, I pulled my camera away from my face to find tears streaming from my eyes. I hadn't even realized I was crying! Being a photographer, and the fact that I'm able to hide behind my camera, allows me access into moments that I otherwise would have no opportunity to be a part of. To witness the moment that someone's life is about to change, and to change forever, is something I feel so blessed to have been able to observe and something that I will truly never forget.
I couldn't be happier for these two. They've been together through his time in the army, while he was stationed in Afghanistan; her going to school for her undergrad and now her masters; and his apprenticeship through the electrical union as he finishes up his requirements for his licensure. It's been a long road for these two, but they are so obviously full of love for one another and I wish them nothing but the best in their future together.
And if you're wondering, Gabriella did make that cake!
Their new puppy, Cash (as in Johnny Cash!), could not miss the festivities!
Patrick's parents (and his other dog Dixie...I'd be shunned if I didn't mention Miss Dixie!) arrived along with his brother Walter. And then Gabriella's best friend Stephanie came to celebrate too!
One of the last moments of the night will stand out as one of the most memorable for me. Everyone sang happy birthday to Patrick (it was still a birthday party, right?!) and someone yelled out 'Make a Wish!". Without missing a beat, Patrick replied "I don't have any wishes left". Amen to that, my friend.
