I got the call from Jeff on a snowy afternoon.

“I don’t have the ring yet- but I love your work and know that I want you to photograph me popping the question! Are you available?”

Jeff wanted Rachel to be able to relive the moment again and again- so together, we came up with the perfect plan for a memorable Michigan proposal. Wine/cheese tasting at the Henderson Castle would be the setting for popping the question- and I would pretend to be photographing the grounds for the 2015 newsletter.

She’d never see it coming. 😉

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This post features my favorites from Jeff and Rachel’s proposal story! Want to see them all?
Head over to the full gallery to view or purchase prints/files from among all the photographs!
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Jeff, Rachel, and two close friends gathered in the wine tasting room to sample Henderson’s finest. (bonus: this plan meant that everyone was dressed up and looking great- without making Rachel suspicious!)

I introduced myself as the “winery photographer”, and asked if it would be okay if I caught them candidly as they enjoyed the wine “for the newsletter”. 😉 They agreed, and I subtlety shot them as they enjoyed the evening…

After enjoying the yummy treats, I asked if they would like me to take a “posed” shot of each couple for them to have as my “thanks” for being my “models”! They loved the idea, and I brought Jeff and Rachel into the fireplace area.

After posing them nicely and getting a shot or two, I told Jeff (as we planned, ahead of time) : “You’re a bit tall for my shot… can you get a little lower?”

“Lower?” Jeff began to sink to the floor- and Rachel began to laugh, thinking it was just Jeff being his typical silly self.

And then she looked down.

After a lot of crying, laughing, and staring at the gorgeous ring, I introduced myself. 🙂

“Hi Rachel! Congratulations!! By the way, I’m not a Henderson photographer. Jeff wanted to do something extra special for you, and hired me to capture this moment for you.” 😉

“AHHH you’re so sneaky!!!!”