This week we had the most fun being a part ofsurprise proposal at the Stone Arch Bridge.

It started with a simple request. "Help me capture this special moment". Soon it was scoping out the bridge, rehearsing the proposal and organizing the details of the evening. (Not going to lie... realizing I would be doing a night shoot with NO flash, strobes or modifiers had me a bit panicked at first.) With the help of a fake model to explain my presence and a gorgeous evening, the setting was in place for a very special moment. (Well, that is until all of humanity decided to stop at our marked spot, blocking our view of what was about to happen! Fortunately, we had a soon-to-be groom who could roll with the changes and hit his mark.)

When all was said and done, we had the beautiful opportunity to witness the start of a new life, a celebration with friends and family and the wonderful proposal between Scott and Lindsay!

Congratulations to you both!

I have known Caroline for 20 years. Actually, I have known her since I heard that first heartbeat and felt that first kick. She is my youngest daughter and most driven child.

I remember the first day she showed me a picture of Johnathan, telling me he would be a perfect model for one of my shoots. She didn't know him, but in an army uniform he easily stood out in high school. (Facebook is wonderful for stalking, isn't it?!) Of course nothing became of it and life went on. Then one afternoon a year later, she burst through my door bouncing so excitedly like a puppy about to piddle on the carpet when you return home. She could barely contain her excitement but the smile across her face said it all. She had met Johnathan and he was wonderful.

Two and a half years later, he is down on one knee and she said yes.

I wish their story was a simple as that, but the truth is, Johnathan is also my son. Okay, I never carried him and I have only known him for a couple years. But, together we have journeyed through a lot and he has become an integral member of our family and my life. Sitting here, all I can say is how proud and excited I am that... My son is getting married! My daughter is getting married! Better yet, they are marrying each other and I couldn't be more happy.

Thought life will be full of challenges as he continues his military life at Fort Riley Kansas and Caroline completes her college education here at home, I know they will be happy. They want the best for each other and somehow find a way to balance that with what they need for their own lives. This next year will be a rollercoaster of activity, but in the end, I simply want to say thank you Lord for blessing them both with the perfect person for them. May you continue to guide them through life and bless them as you have always done.

These formal images are part of the 'rouse' John and I planned for the engagement. What started with a formal photoshoot in downtown Saint Paul, became an intimate proposal in Mearse Park before moving to dinner at the St. Paul Grille and an evening at Radisson Blu Minneapolis. The next day? A surprise going away party for John in Minneapolis with all of our family and friends. (Talk about an adventure of secrets and lies! I have never told as many as I have while planning this weekend!)

These casual photos are from the next day, when Caroline was finally 'in the know' and we had a ring to photograph! :)