“Can my proposal still be intimate even if a photographer is there?” This is a common question I receive. Let’s be honest, most of the time it is the girlfriend who is already sold on having the photos of the proposal to cherish forever. All the guys know is that their girlfriend wants a random person there to take photos of a big milestone in their relationship. “But is it still intimate,” they wonder.

While some couples have an elaborate plan to propose with tons of friends and family around, many want that moment small and quiet. That was Noah and Ella’s dream for this special moment. Ella dreamed of an intentional proposal with gorgeous photos. Noah wanted to keep it intimate and quiet. He wondered if having a photographer there would ruin that.

So girls, the moment has come, you have spent months, weeks, or days wondering, “is this it? Is he proposing today?” Then when the day comes, maybe you are completely clueless and thinking you are going about your day as planned, or you are picking up on clues that today is different. Then one moment you are with your love, and it happens. As he is telling you all the reasons he loves you, he gets down one knee. You are so enthralled with this moment that the world around you is passing by.

Now guys, you have probably spent so much time planning. You’ve had the ring for weeks or maybe months. You’re hiding it in your car, in your closet, or in your kitchen junk drawer. You’ve asked her best friend to take her shopping to lead her to you, or maybe you’ve planned the perfect date. Finally, you are standing there in front of her. She’s looking up at you with so much love in her eyes. Then you are on one knee asking her to spend forever with you. Everything in this moment is perfect and all you can focus on is her.

Everything in that moment of anticipation is so perfect that the world passes by you. You are focused on your love. You barely comprehend what is happening. When she says yes and you embrace, then you look over and see the world is still going, including the photographer capturing your once in a lifetime moment. Your proposal is so special and overwhelming that you usually do not notice who is or isn’t there. In that moment, it’s just you and your love. 

Noah trusted this would be the experience, and it was perfect. While Ella picked up on clues that the proposal would be soon, she had no clue just how soon. Ella woke up on her college graduation day excited for this life change of graduating, not knowing what else would change. After graduation, Noah led her to Spirit Ranch in Lubbock, Texas before they would meet her family for a graduation dinner. Under the Texas sun and over a quiet river, there he asked Ella to marry him. After she embraced him and jumped with joy, he was surprised to see how close I was to them to document that moment. Being in the moment, he felt how intimate the proposal was while Ella got the intentional proposal and beautiful photos she dreamed of. So why not document the intimate and beautiful moment to remember it forever? And maybe even have some photos with your loved ones to celebrate after the moment.