Surprise engagements sure do set our hearts aflutter. But of all the sweet proposals we’ve seen of late, this one takes the cake. These are no ordinary proposal photos you see. There was no hired hand photographer or friend hiding in the bushes. All of the beautiful shots you see here today were captured by the groom (a photographer), alone with his future bride in the breathtaking wilds of Catalina Island. It’s such an intimate and magical look into these two lovebirds’ lives.
From the bride-to-be… Earlier this spring, Aaron and I began planning a trip to kayak and camp along the Catalina Island coast to celebrate our four-year anniversary. Little did I know, Aaron had been making plans to ask me to marry him during this trip for several months beforehand.
The day we arrived, we kayaked to Parson’s Landing where we set out to find the perfect spot to look at the sunset. At highest point possible, we sat and talked about what we wanted for us this coming year. One of the things that I love most about us is that we are constantly pushing each other. I am so blessed to have found such an amazing and talented photographer as a best friend and lover. The creative nature of our work brings us close on a whole new level. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I truly feel like we were destined to be together. As the sun started to go down, Aaron set up his camera and got down on one knee. All I remember him saying was, “I’ve got a question for you.” I was in such shock that I blanked out. My ears were ringing, my throat felt closed shut, I couldn’t even speak. I’ve never felt this way before. I was laughing and crying all at once!
I have never been the one to fantasize about my own wedding, but I have always wanted my grandmother’s ring as my engagement ring. After Aaron told me he had flown my mom to Mexico to get my grandmother’s ring and he had written a letter to my grandfather asking for my hand, the tears began falling down my face. That night I was unable to sleep from the excitement. The sky was pitch black and the stars were shining the brightest I’ve ever seen—it was the most beautiful night!
The next couple days were so magical. We had the second campsite, Goat Harbor, all to ourselves. It was like our own little private cove where we swam, talked and laid out in the sun for hours on end. I had never known paradise until that day.
We kayaked a total of 21 miles following the beautiful coastline alongside the most colorful marine life and sea lions. Catalina Island has always been a very special place to us, but it will now forever have a special place in our hearts. In a little under a year we’ll be back in Catalina with our closest friends and family, where I will marry the love of my life!
{Photos by Asmith Photography}
