The Beginnings

Nerves have never struck me as much as they did leading up to this surprise engagement session!  But first, let me share a little history as to how this came about.  Who would have thought a web search would have connected me to such a great experience!  Alea’s mom made contact about 4 weeks ago.  Thanks to a simple search, she landed on my website.  From day one, her communication was beautiful and so detailed!  She and Alea’s boyfriend Matt were working on a great detailed plan!  How great of a relationship is this already?!  I knew is that this would be a huge surprise!

The Couple

As I grew to learn more about the couple, their story was beautiful. Like many, paths would cross, veer, cross again and eventually land back together.  They are very accomplished in their fields and two absolutely genuine people!

The Setup

The owner at Olde Raleigh Distillery was in on it from the beginning.  For me, there was a LOT of anxiety at how ‘obvious’ it would be that a photographer was following them along.  However, as it all began to unfold, it all fell into place! I arrived just before the couple did.  Jennifer was already there with a BEAUTIFUL holiday setup she had put together.  The idea was that they would be getting holiday/Christmas card pictures as part of the tour.  Just before the tour began, the owner asked if it was okay if I “tagged along” the tour to gain images for the venue.  It made sense!

As we went through the different areas, we learned about the processes from selecting the type of bottle they use, to tasting bourbon infused honey!

The Proposal

Immediately after the tour and tasting and everyone had gone, the plan began.  We did their “holiday photos” in front of the tree that Jennifer had set up.  They were BEAUTIFUL!  They are both so photogenic and I had shared that as ‘part of the tour’, each client receives a gift.  Again, the venue asked if I would document this as they hope to gain traction for this ‘holiday tour experience’ (again, a bit of a fib) 😉 BUT, it worked!  Matt went first, I joked about how we ‘act surprised’ when we get a gift.  He opened his to reveal a nice Olde Raleigh Distillery shirt.

Now it was Alea’s turn.  I told her to act surprised, the venue would love it, you name it! She did the job perfectly! Then she quickly turned and asked why her box was pink… then she began reading the text on the box which said BenzDiamonds and the rest was a beautiful moment I am humbled to have witnessed.

Immediately after emotions had settled down, Matt began to text everyone who came into the room cheering!  I am so privileged to have been a part of such a beautiful surprise!  Also, if you haven’t been to the Olde Raleigh Distillery, take time to go!  There is SO much as that has gone into this business. I may even have purchased a bottle on the way out for my husband. 🙂