A Winter Wonderland Blue Lake Provincial Park Proposal
December 2020
I have never photographed a surprise proposal before and I have always wanted to. When Liam first contacted me about how he'd like to propose to his girlfriend Cassidy, I could hardly contain my excitement. We made a plan to discuss ideas and details over the phone and it was so exciting to hear what he had in mind.
He decided on Blue Lake Provincial Park as the location for the shoot, as this is where he first asked her to be his girlfriend back in high school. So sweet, and I loved this idea! We had it arranged so he would leave the ring, sign, champagne & glasses at his Dad's in a bag and I would pick it up after they had left for Blue Lake. After our phone call, Liam's Mom called me and came up with the idea to send her a fabricated gift certificate for a couples session to give to Cassidy for Christmas. Genius! I could hardly wait for the day to arrive! I also know most of their parents too so that made it much more meaningful for me to do this for them.
When the session day finally arrived, it was cloudy driving out and a little cool. It could have been worse for sure, but there was fresh snow on the trees and the park never looked so beautiful! We started with some casual photos with their dogs and as we moved into some more intimate poses, the sun came out! I beamed with delight as I just love how the sun makes everything glow. It also wasn't snowing, but the wind ever so slightly, would knock some snow off the trees and it gave the appearance that it was. Timing doesn't get more perfect than that. Sunshine & snow equals pure magic!
When it came time for Liam to propose, I handed the ring that I had placed in my camera bag to him while Cassidy was holding onto him in a "pose." When he let go and got down on one knee, it was sheer joy, surprise, and emotion that overwhelmed Cassidy, and I shed a few happy tears myself! I will never forget it! What an amazing moment to witness and capture. Afterwards, she mentioned she had an inkling that something was up but it was still a great surprise.
After a few pictures with the newly engaged couple, we headed back to the car to grab the champagne, & other items and of course for them to warm up a little. While they were in their car, I photographed Cassidy's beautiful ring from Peoples Jewellers. We then headed back to the same location to celebrate with the champagne & the sign Liam made. Afterwards, we made our way down to the snow covered beach and then ended the session with some fun candids on the road.
This was such an amazing afternoon and there are simply no words to describe how honoured I am to have captured this moment in their life story. A million thank you's Liam for asking me to do this for you and congratulations to you and Cassidy! I wish you all the happiness in the world!
Love,
Michelle