Janine has quickly become one of my closest friends. We met while we were attending a workshop in Charleston in November 2017. She told me she was from San Francisco and I instantly knew that I wanted to hear more about her (as I knew that we were hoping to end up there one day). We kept in touch after the workshop and she was so welcoming when we moved to San Francisco! I remember the first day she and I hung out – she toured me around all of her favorite locations to take photos in the city. She was so kind and so willing to share. It is hard to find people like that sometimes, and I so appreciated that she treated me like a friend and not a competitor.

A few months later, I received a text message from her boyfriend, Alex. He was ready to propose and asked me to be a part of it! He and I hadn’t met at this point, but I was so flattered that he reached out and that I got to be in on the surprise! That goodness he only asked me two weeks before he was ready to propose because I could hardly contain my excitement! Every time Janine’s name would come across my phone my heart rate would increase!

The day was finally here. Alex had a friend set up an engagement session for Janine to photograph. She headed to Lover’s Lane – assuming she was going to work. But, before she knew it, she realized that her boyfriend was standing there – not the couple she was expecting to see. It didn’t take her too long to figure out what was going on and then the shock set in. After she finished saying “yes,” she was in for another round of surprises – their families emerged from the trees and joined them to celebrate! This is especially touching because Janine’s mom lives in Costa Rica – so Alex coordinated with her to make sure she got to be a part of it too!

Before they headed off to their celebratory dinner, they were kind enough to let me take a few portraits of them on the Lyon Street Steps. Aren’t they the most beautiful couple? And that pear-shaped yellow diamond? Perfection!

Janine and Alex… I’m so, so happy for you two! I am truly honored that I could be there for such a monumental event in your lives! I wish you two the best as you prepare for this next chapter of your lives.