I knew the first time I met Bekah that she was the one for my brother. Any girl who is willing to meet her boyfriend’s family (especially our crazy family) for the first time on week long beach camping trip is a brave soul. As I got to know her that week, I saw how she was exactly what he needed. She’s so sweet and kind and has just enough sass to keep life interesting. I could see that she brought out the best in Josh and I knew she was the one.

My brother has been one of the biggest supporters of my photography. He has been a source of encouragement so many times when I have really needed it, so when he half-jokingly asked if I would drive over five hours to photograph him proposing to his girlfriend, I asked when and where because I was not about to miss that moment! There were several times throughout the day that I was so nervous it wasn’t going to work out for me to photograph Josh’s proposal. The plan was for them to go hiking in Big Sur and I would drive to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I’d find the perfect location and then text Josh and tell him where I was so he could bring Bekah to where I was for the proposal. Things started out great. I got on the road by 7am with my music up loud and I was doing a little car dancing, excited for the day. Then at 7:35 I realized I left my wallet at home. The car dancing stopped all the way back to the house to get my wallet. I let Josh know I was an hour behind schedule and found out they were running behind as well so I resumed my music and dancing and made it to the state park in good time. When I went to text Josh to let him know I made it I realized there was no service. I panicked and started babbling to the park ranger, who I’m pretty sure thought I was the craziest city girl she’d ever met. She graciously let me use their landline and I called Josh and left him a message as well as Eddie asking him to also call and text Josh to let him know where I would be. Then I showed the park ranger a photo of Josh and Bekah and asked her to discreetly direct them to where I would be. I walked down the trail telling myself I had covered all my bases and Josh would find me with no problems. Little did I know, Josh got none of the messages and the park ranger didn’t recognize them when they came through, so Josh was just relying on sibling telepathy to guide the way! Well, sibling telepathy for the win because after nervously sitting on a bench for an hour, I see them walking down the trail. And as my brother got down on one knee to ask Bekah to be his bride, I was crying and my hands were shaking so much I’m amazed I got any clear photos at all! Josh and Bekah, congratulations! I couldn’t be happier for you and I’m so grateful you allowed me to be there for such an amazing moment! Let the wedding planning begin!!