Some moments are even more special when they're your own family's. On the morning of July 3rd, I had the absolute honor of photographing one of the biggest milestones in my cousin Lexi's life. Her proposal to her now fiancé, Mike. This proposal was a long time coming.
Lexi and Mike have been together for over five years, and if you know Lexi, you know she's been patiently (and sometimes not so patiently!) waiting for this day. Mike had promised her that he would propose before the end of this year so they could get married next year, and somehow, he managed to surprise her completely.
At every family gathering over the past few years, Lexi and I would inevitably find ourselves talking about weddings. We'd chat about venues, dresses, photography, timelines, and all of the little details she dreamed about one day planning. It always felt like those conversations were preparing for something that hadn't happened yet.
Now, those dreams have officially become reality.
The surprise started when my uncle called me to ask if I was available the morning of July 3rd. He wanted to make sure I could photograph the proposal, but there was one condition...I couldn't tell a single person.
Keeping that secret was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do! Every time I saw Lexi, I wanted to blurt it out, but somehow I managed to keep it under wraps.
On the morning of the proposal, my husband Thomas and I arrived early and hid in the tall grass along the river near the beach, hoping we wouldn't be spotted. As Lexi and Mike rode their bicycles toward the Amityville Beach pier, my heart was racing just as much as theirs probably was.
Then it happened. Mike got down on one knee. Lexi stood there completely surprised as he asked the question she'd been waiting years to hear. The second she said yes, I couldn't contain my excitement anymore. I yelled, "She's finally engaged!"
Once they reached the end of the pier, I quietly followed from a distance, camera in hand, trying to stay as invisible as possible.
It was such a joyful, emotional moment, and one I'll never forget. Not just because I photographed it, but because I got to witness one of my favorite people begin a brand-new chapter.
Congratulations, Lexi and Mike. I am beyond happy for you both, and I can't wait to watch you plan the wedding you've dreamed about for so long. It feels so surreal that all of those conversations we've had over the years are finally becoming reality.
I love you both, and I am so honored that I got to preserve the moment your forever officially began.
