If you know me, then you know how hard it is for me to a) lie or b) keep a secret. So when Greg reached out to me to help plan his proposal to my sis-in-law, I was OVER THE MOON excited and so nervous that I was going to spill the beans, lol. Greg knew he wanted the backdrop to be beautiful and plan it like a casual hike where I happened to bring along my camera and take some photos of them. Tamolitch/Blue Pool was the perfect spot because Tara and I had actually been chatting about going on a hike there already! So, we made her think she had planned this nice hiking adventure with me — and Greg, Shannon, and Bryn just happened to be free, too =] Of course, it was pouring rain, but that didn’t stop us!

Greg had mentioned that Tara loved the song, “Can’t Help But Falling in Love” by Hailey Reinhart, so I had that saved to my Spotify, along with “Wobble” since he first wanted some goofy phots of them (the best, haha). When I told them to turn away from each other, Tara of course had to peek over her shoulder, but I’m so glad she did because her reaction is SO GOOD. She instantly looked at me to get a reaction from me, but when I just kept smiling and snapping photos, she looked at Shannon, and then realized we all knew (besides her, haha). And then when Greg told her that the two accent diamonds were from her grandmother’s earrings (which Tara had given to Greg to use on her engagement ring whenever he was ready) she started crying and it was the sweetest moment.

We popped champagne, ate some cookies, and Tara was showing all the hikers her ring on the way back, so we got lots of cheers and congratulations! When we got back to town, her parents had set up a cute engagement party in their garage, complete with twinkle lights and delicious drinks.

The next day, we hiked to another spot (a backup in case it snowed too much for Blue Pool!) and took some more gorgeous photos on a perfectly overcast PNW winter day. Congrats again you two, I can’t wait to photograph your wedding next year!

xoxo,

M.