Chris and I are cube-mates at work. You know, we share a 4 foot wall along with casual conversation every weekday. He moved into the cube next to me about two years ago. Over the course of two years we got to know each other pretty well. He would often talk about his amazing girlfriend Jessica, who was an amazing girl, a kind soul, and the hardest worker around. Chris would tell me how Jessica “puts up” with his golfing expeditions and fill me in on her kickball adventures. These two have a big group of friends that they enjoy spending time with, and overall, they are a really amazing couple.

Within our little cube area, we would often ask Chris when he was going to pop the question, as they’ve been together for five years. This past fall, he started getting a little more specific with his answers when we would ask. And then before we knew it he had been to a jeweler.

Chris asked me if I would be able to snap some photos of the proposal, and we started brainstorming. He came up with an intricate plan. Friends would be in town. They would grab dinner with them at a nice restaurant. The friends would be late. Chris and Jessica would grab a drink and go for a stroll in the park across the way. He would find an intimate spot and pop the question. We talked about the fact that Thomas and I would need to be pretty hidden, as we had met Jessica before and it would be a little odd to run into each other at this park.

The day arrived and, let me tell you, I was nervous! And excited! “Nervited” as some would say (shout out to you Melissa!). Thomas and I pulled up to the park in full workout attire. Wearing hats and sunglasses, and carrying a large duffle gym bag (filled with about 30 pounds of camera equipment). When we pulled up, the park was busy. Busier than I’d ever seen it. There were food carts and swarms of people. Soon, we realized there was a gospel concert happening…and the initial spot that Chris and I had picked out as “the spot” wasn’t exactly going to be intimate.

Panic ensues. Do I text Chris? Do I just play it cool? I texted Chris. He played it cool. “We just have to roll with it.” so that is what we did.

We see them pull up. Thomas and I acting cool and collected (well, he was acting cool. I was trying not to watch them…while totally watching them). They walked straight past the restaurant. Not checking in for the reservation. Not stopping to get a drink. They were walking towards the park. Thomas and I discretely followed them…watching them through a snowcone machine. And then it happened. Chris got down on one knee.

And the rest was absolutely perfect. Jessica was shocked. Her only “requirement” for a proposal was that she had to be surprised – and that is exactly what she was. I’m not going to lie, I started crying, so I’m thankful Thomas was able to capture most of the photos below (no shame). Jessica melted into the ground, so overwhelmed by the moment. Once it was all said and done, Jessica said, “Who knows about this?” and Chris replied “Everyone…!”

From there, they made their way to another local restaurant where a surprise engagement party was in store with about 30 of their closest friends! Such a fantastic night!

Being a part of this moment was absolutely the best feeling! Chris and Jessica – I’m so stoked for you two! I know you’ve got a lot of big things going on right now, but enjoy this time of your relationship! You two are the best…congratulations!