Joy & Theo's Redwood Proposal: Carbon Canyon Nature Preserve, Brea

I was so nervous, like couldn’t look Joy in the eyes, voice shaking, knees buckling kinda-nervous.

Months ago, when I first released my mini sessions, Joy emailed me for a slot at the best location. I squealed as I love this family so much and went about with the booking process.

One day, while in Bevmo to be exact, I get a text. “Hey, it’s Theo, can you call me?” Immediately, I called him. He let me know he wanted to propose to Joy at their family shoot and if I was okay with it. Ahhhhh, yes! Yes! Yes! He let me in on a bit about his plan, asked questions, we strategized and I know I let out a massive squeal while picking out which red to buy.

The days went by, each one getting closer to this moment, that I knew, would knock me off my feet, like literally.

The day of mini sessions arrived. Before I knew it, I see Joy, Theo and their family walking up. This sensation overcame my body.
Oh my gosh.
Oh my gosh.
Oh my gosh.

I was screaming inside. The plan was that I would do full family photos, then each parent with the kids, then just Joy and Theo together. I knew, at that point, not exactly when, Theo would be getting on one knee. They played around and giggled for awhile.

Then Joy started asking me about family shoots and the mountains. It took everything in me to concentrate on what she was saying as I knew what Theo is preparing behind her back.

He comes back and then I instruct them to head over towards the light. Theo grabs Joy’s hands and starting talking to her, quickly, her expression started to change, her smile turned into tears, her tears turned into hunched over tears, Theo at this point is on his knee.

It was the most beautiful thing I have witnessed. Joy had him come up and they held each other, long before he even put on the ring.

These two, have such a scared, special, bond. These two, are destined to grow old together. These two, have smiles that can quite literally become a movement.

Joy, Theo - congratulations. Getting to be in on and witness this moment, in yours and your families lives has truly been one of the greatest honors of my career. I adore you all so much and cannot wait it witness the magic you will all create.