The back story: Stephen and Stephanie met a few years ago during their Junior year at Point Loma. When I asked who liked who first, they admittingly said that they both were interested in each other right away. Stephen quickly pursued Stephanie several times before she finally agreed to go on a date. The rest was history. Among both of the happy moments and the challenging, they have both been faithful to God and His plan in their lives. In this journey of faithfulness, they have grown into a strong love that will hold them together for many years to come.
The proposal: Stephen called me a couple of weeks before he was planning to ask Stephanie to marry him. Because Stephanie is a photographer, he thought it only appropriate to have the proposal photographed. Steph had planned to drive to California to see Stephen a week prior and had inklings that the proposal was coming. Knowing that she would probably suspect it, he didn't ask the entire trip. Afterwards, he drove back with her to Phoenix for a couple of days. He had planned to have her take him back to the airport on a Friday, where he would have a friend waiting to bring him back to Scottsdale. Only a couple of days before, Stephen found out that Steph had back to back weddings Friday and Saturday which would put him out of asking when he wanted to! He instead told her that he could stay longer and second shoot her weddings, both Friday and Saturday, and then she could bring him to the airport Sunday morning.
After Stephanie frustratingly (because she had yet to have a ring on her finger and he had had the perfect opportunities to do so) dropped Stephen off at the airport Sunday morning, he rushed back up to Scottsdale where he began setting up. On her way to what she thought was dinner at Market Street with her parents and grandparents, Stephen suprised Steph and brought her to a bridge where he dropped to one knee. I think you can tell by her face that she was suprised!
And yes, I am definitely hiding in the bushes. It was only a matter of time before she could here me clicking away.
This was one of my favorites of the night.
Praying with her after she said yes.
Stephen walking Stephanie to the dinner he prepared for her. I love how happy he is here and that you can see her wiping away a tear!
He prepared grilled cheese and tomato soup, which had a bit of history for the both of them. An extra surprise for Stephanie.
Love the emotion in this one.
And the fabulous ring. He engraved 'Ephesians 5:35" on the inside. And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her..
Congratulations Stephen and Stephanie! I am so honored to have shared and captured this moment with you!
