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I listened to Ryan’s voicemail while driving home, after shooting my third session for the day.

Erika and Ryan had booked me for one of my mini holiday sessions but had asked if I’d be open to a different location.  Because Erika is well, Erika and one of my very good friends, and I love her to death, oh, and on top of it, it was also her birthday, I was happy to oblige.  But when I heard Ryan’s voice I knew something was up.

“Is this about what I think it is?” I excitedly squealed on the phone.
“Most likely,” said Ryan.

Then, I nearly crashed my car.  Well, not really, but I was that excited.  Ryan wanted to shift the photoshoot from our original spot (another hotel) to the Montelucia, where he also made surprise dinner reservations at Prado that night.  And, I’ll walk you through what went down.

I text Erika an hour before our shoot to ask if she was open to a location change.  ”No big deal if you want to shoot at the other place,” I added.  She went for it.

When they arrived, I asked Ryan how he was doing, how work was, (I’m sneaky like that) and then asked if they had any ideas where to shoot.  Earlier, Ryan’s brother left a box by the fountain, outside of Joya Spa.  Inside was a gift for Erika.  This, I already knew but I wasn’t sure where the box was.  So I gave the floor to Ryan and he said, “I think we should go over here.”  Then directed her to the box.

“I think that box is for you,” said Ryan.
“Seriously? Babe!” said Erika as she went over.

Out she pulled mini speakers with a iPod docked in it.  The song on cue to play was Happy Birthday, because well, it was her birthday.

But tricky Ryan, instead it was actually Train’s “Marry Me” song.  The song played.  Then, Ryan got down on one knee.

 

I think my favorite part was Erika not believing what was going on.  ”No way!” she said.  Then, ”Shut up!” she said in between her laugh.
That was such an Erika phrase.  I could tell she was surprised!

The newly engaged couple!  All giggles…

Dang you both look good.  It’s ok, you can agree.

In between shoots they would giggle. I loved capturing their happiness.  And then, out came the props!  And the sassiness!

Ryan added a very special touch to the ring, see it?

Erika and Ryan, words cannot express how happy I am for you both.  Thank you for allowing me to capture this important part of your life and trusting me to capture such a moment.  I feel honored to have been there to witness it!   Thank you for being such amazing followers of Christ and I pray that you continue to keep him in the center of your relationship, marriage and during the wedding planning process.  I am grateful for having you both in my life and I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for you both into the future!

To see more of this surprise proposal and their engagement photos, CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW!

Diana Elizabeth always wanted to capture a surprise proposal!   Now she has and she is so so thrilled.

Engagements

6 Notes Left

1. Aimee Jeffries says:

   November 14, 2011 at 8:57 AM

   Erika,
   My beautiful friend and sister, I loveyou so much and am so happy for you!!! You were made to be photographed. You are so incredibly beautiful, not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Can’t wait to walk beside you both as you start your journey together as husband and wife!!!

   YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   XO,
   Aims

2. Christa Evernham says:

   November 14, 2011 at 1:03 PM

   I am absolutely giddy for you two! The pictures really tell the story and it’s so fun to see and read. You are the best sister and I am honored to be your matron of honor. Ryan was definitely worth the wait! I love you so much, sis.

3. Shannon says:

   November 14, 2011 at 2:48 PM

   E,
   I am overwhelmed at how amazing these turned out and how all of your natural expression were caught so we can feel like we are right there with you. I just love Ryan and can’t wait for many more happy days!

   Great job Diana. . .excepted nothing less than excellence from you my dear friend!

   Love you both,
   Shannon

4. Rachelle M. says:

   November 14, 2011 at 6:37 PM

   I am crying. Erika, congratulations! I am elated for you and cannot wait to hear all the details the next time I see you. May God continue to bless you and your marriage. And Di, nothing short of amazing ;)

5. Erika Jeffries (soon to be Hall) :) says:

   November 14, 2011 at 10:03 PM

   Thanks for all of the kind comments! We are so excited for our big day!!

   DIana, what can we say?! You are amazing! There are no words to express our gratitude. We love you oh so much!

6. Cynthia says:

   November 16, 2011 at 2:01 AM

   So sweet! This is just beautiful!