Surprise Proposal | Kari & Will | Ithaca, New York

I am thrilled to be able to share this very special proposal on my blog. I first met my very good friend, Kari, at Cazenovia College on my second night as a Freshman on campus. I had gotten the news that someone I loved very much had passed away my first night away at college and Kari was my RA. She let me spend the evening with her and her friends, watching movies and chatting in her room. We were both in the same photography department and we quickly became friends. I am so fortunate to have met Kari and to have a friend like her in my life. Over our college days I modeled for her projects and so when I came up with a waterfall styled photo shoot idea, I knew exactly who to ask to model for me.

It was a bridal styled shoot with Kari modeling as the bride, and her boyfriend, Will, posing as the groom. Isn’t that going to put pressure on Will to propose?” Matthew asked me. I told Kari and Will about his question and we laughed it off, but when Kari went into the other room to get dressed into the wedding gown, Will said, “Actually, I have this!” as he pulled out a ring box from his coat pocket. “After we take photos, I’m going to propose! Could you take pictures?” Yes!

I have always wanted to photograph a proposal. After taking bridal photos under Taughannock Falls, Kari and Will changed into their non-wedding clothing, and we went to their favorite park and view for some “Christmas card photos.”

Will’s code to tell me he was going to his jacket to get the ring was, “I need to get my sunglasses.” I quickly positioned myself so that the bright setting sun was to the side of us, and I caught Kari’s surprised reaction when Will pulled out the ring and dropped to one knee. She said yes before his knee hit the ground!

I did my best to stay back and tried to be as unobtrusive as possible. I am so thankful that Will included me in this amazing moment! To see someone else’s proposal is always fun, but it was a very special experience to see my friend get engaged.

A happy occasion like this one calls for more photos in a gorgeous garden.

The amazing story behind this ring is that Will had it custom designed. Not only is the ring custom, he mined the lovely gem himself! Kari and Will go mining for fun and he knew right away that he would be using this gorgeous quartz as the focal point for the engagement ring he wanted for Kari.

Congratulations, Kari and Will!!! I am beyond happy for you both!