The Big Question That Almost Didn't Happen

 Sometimes, one of the biggest moments of your life doesn't go as planned. Let me tell you the story from the perspective of a photographer. 

I was contacted by a man in his early 20's. He was visiting the area with his girlfriend and they were planning a romantic weekend. They had never been to the area before (don't forget that part.) He was contacting me because he was planning on proposing to her on the beach at sunset and was wanting me to photograph the event. As a fool hearted romantic and someone who knew it would be a good picture for business, I of course said yes. We setup our plan.

Tiscornia Beach in Saint Joseph is typically flooded with photographers wanting to capture the sunset. It was easy for myself and my assistant to blend in. We got there early to find a spot and setup. The entire time I'm messaging the client on Facebook, checking in and sending him pics of the spot that will work best. Everything seems good to go. Or so I thought. 

Come to find out, he had desperately underestimated the availability of ride sharing services (practically none) and they would have to walk to the beach. It was a 20 minute walk and the wind was whipping off the lake violently. Through his messages he expressed his uncertainty but I told him to press on. They could make it still. 

Throughout the walk he would send me occasional updates and the mood shifted between them. Between the wind and the walk he wasn't sure if it was going to be the right moment. I told him to just get to the beach and if it didn't feel right, no worries, don't force it. As the sun was closing in on the horizon, my assistant and I spotted them walking up the drive to the beach so we quickly got to our positions, me blending in with all of the other sunset following photographers and my assistant as just another teenager on their phone. The phone she was using to peak behind her and wait for the queue that it was about to happen. I had previously told him that once he was about to pop the big question to point out to the lighthouse.

 As we waited nervously, my assistant spying from her phone and me trying not to turn around too early the sun was escaping from the evening sky. Just when I wasn't sure it was happening my assistant slowly turned around to capture them on the video camera she had for the moment. I slowly turned around and started snapping shots as he got down on one knee and popped the big question with the sky turning bright red and the giant lake waves crashing on the shore. Tears flowed for both of them as she said yes and the embraced. 

It was a magical, amazing moment for both them and myself. I was blessed to have captured it.