Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of photographing this incredible family. Jennifer & Christie and their beautiful boys live in Alberta, but came to The Kootenays as part of an awesome summer-break roadtrip. Jennifer booked this session with me many months ago, and we had been planning things every since via email. Since they were staying at a picture-perfect AirB&B in Nelson, we decided to do part of their shoot as an 'in-home' family session. Jennifer's partner Christie knew about the family session that we had planned, but she did not know that Jennifer planned to propose during the shoot. We started the session at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, and shot there like a normal Family Session. We really had a blast! Afterwards, we went back to their Air B&B for some 'in-home' style photos. Unbeknownst to Christie, while we were away at Kokanee Creek shooting, Danielle of Wild Smile Events had snuck into their AirB&B and set up the ultimate proposal! We returned from Kokanee Creek and I had Christie 'show me around' their Air B&B. I casually suggested we start upstairs (where I knew the proposal stuff had be carefully set out). Once we got to the top of the stairs. Christie was met with gorgeous water-colour paintings that Jen had secretly been painting and compiling for the last 6 months. Each painting depicted the setting of a signiciant moment in their relationship. Where they first met. Where they first kissed. Where they first said "I Love You'". As we walked from photo to photo their love story unfolded itself and brought us to the present day. After Christie tearfully observed the final painting, Jennifer had her look over the loft railing to the dining area below... Where their boys stood holding a beautiful metallic sign which read, "Marry Momma and be our Mom forever too" Jennifer immediately pulled out a ring, and the two shared some really beautiful, personal moments. The boys joined us upstairs immediately after, and I will never forget when one of them sweetly, and so excitedly asked, "DID YOU SAY YES?!" I could not be more thrilled for this beautiful family. These two women are pilars of strength and love, and are doing a hell of a job raising these two boys together. I am humbled to have been part of such a momentous life event, and to have been trusted to do my part in capturing it all as it unfolded. Of course, none of this could have been possible without help from Danielle at Wild Smile Events. Danielle did so much work behind the scenes; gathering, prepping, and setting everything up absolutely perfectly. This whole event was very much a team effort, and it went off without a hitch thanks to Danielle's careful planning and attention to detail. |