Grace & Ian’s engagement
Intentional. Authentic. Timeless.
Ian began planning his proposal to Grace with me, four months into their relationship and two months before he proposed. Together we poured over every detail. The location, what he should wear, the kind of photos he wanted to be taken, every little moment planned out with care. Not a detail was left undiscussed as he planned for the perfect day. After months of planning, it was decided. The proposal was to happen in the middle of a horseback ride—Ian’s passion for horses and days spent as a cowboy choosing to show their flare. Strapped to the saddle of his horse was a fur shawl that had been passed down through Grace’s family for generations, hidden neatly beneath a blanket.
The location had been selected with my hiding in mind, so armed with my camera, I set out. The day was beautiful. Sunny, bright, and clear. A perfect Wyoming day. I climbed up a large rock, double and triple-checked my SD card and batteries, and waited. A little while later I received the text that they were on their way. Although, anxious I could not wait for their special moment. When they were about 100 yards away, I crouched down and began shooting, making sure I didn’t miss a moment. As he gently helped her off of her horse, he stole a quick look at me just to make sure I was ready. Then turning back to her began telling her how he truly felt for her. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing.” he quoted as he knelt. She seemed stunned and overjoyed as she uttered her agreement. He unrolled the heirloom and placed it on her shoulders, the second meaningful surprise of the day. A few more intimately shared moments passed before he said “oh and there is another surprise” and pointed to me. I loved the look of joy on her face when she realized one of the best moments of her life had just been caught on camera. I scrambled down the rock and over to them to wish them congratulations and take more “engagement style photos”. During which Ian revealed the final surprise of the day. Another photo shoot at the beautiful and classic Cheyenne Club at The Farm at Brush Creek Ranch. After they mounted back on their horses and rode off into the sunset ( haha get it:) ) I hustled back to my car and edited a few photos for them. Not wanting them to be left waiting. Then headed to the Cheyenne Club.
Ian had told me that Grace and he wanted to “trust my artistic vision” for the second engagement shoot in the bar and I could not have asked for more artistically driven and clearly in love clients. Over the duration of a few hours, I was blessed to observe the simple joy they felt for each other, their photoshoot filled with laughing and whispers of love. We talked about how they met, the way God had shaped and guided their relationship, and countless stories and jokes. It was clear that their love was not fragile. What they felt for one another forged in faith. A beautiful display of provision, trust, and paramount above all others, love.
By the end of this amazing day, my creative tank filled to the top, I was thankful to have two new friends and some of the most gloriously beautiful photos I had ever had the pleasure of taking.
