I was hiding behind a door with Caleb (our assistant) and Nicole, the event coordinator at Crosskeys Vineyards just outside Harrisonburg, VA. The door led outside onto Crosskeys’ covered balcony where Hunter and Laura were enjoying their last glass of wine as boyfriend and girlfriend. Unbeknownst to Laura, the bottle of wine that Nicole was about to bring out was going to change her life forever. Nicole stepped out onto the balcony, showing the bottle to Hunter. “Is this the bottle you requested, sir?” He turned to Laura and asked her if she thought the bottle looked okay. As soon as she read the words engraved on the bottle, Hunter got down on one knee and she immediately began to cry tears of joy. After a moment of embracing and hugging and crying, Hunter asked, “So I didn’t actually hear any words yet – it’s a yes, right?” Laura nodded excitedly, still too emotional to even speak, as Hunter swept her off her feet in a huge bear hug.

 

I know what you’re probably thinking – “Wow, this is really confusing to read. Hunter photographed Hunter’s proposal?” And yes, you’re absolutely right. Trust me, our “Dear Hunter, from Hunter” email chain is hilarious to read in retrospect. However, it was in that email chain that I realized what kind of guy I would be photographing on the 9th of November. Weeks before the proposal, he reached out to me about photography. For once, I didn’t have to give a single piece of planning advice! He had communicated with the venue, worked out a plan with an accompanying timeline, and even had a rain-plan, which turned out to be much needed. But more than all of that was the beautifully engraved wine bottle he procured just for this special occasion. A bottle, I imagine, that will be cherished as a family heirloom for generations.

 

Hunter + Laura,

It was SO great to serve you two on such an important day in your lives! If we’re any judge, the amount of effort that Hunter put into making this day perfect, and the way that Laura fought back tears of joy throughout the entire engagement mini-session that followed — we think you two have a long and happy marriage ahead of you! When the torrential downpour suddenly stopped just in time for us to go outside for portraits, I couldn’t have been more excited to capture the beautiful landscape of Crosskeys, and the overflowing emotion you two had for each other in that moment. Sarah and I sincerely hope that you decide to return to the Central Virginia area for your wedding so that we can work with you two again. And if not, Delaware isn’t that far away from Charlottesville 😉 Either way, we wish you all the best in this joyous season!

 

With love,
Hunter + Sarah

 

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If you’re interested in speaking with Hunter and I about your own surprise proposal, click HERE to get in contact with us!

 

If you’d like to view more of our surprise proposals, click HERE to view our portfolio!