I am thrilled, like jump up and down thrilled, to share one of my favorite moments from 2010.  I got to photograph one of my great friends, Nathan, propose to his wonderful girlfriend, Stephanie.

The scene: a week before Christmas when it’s a combo of winter/fall in Houston, Texas.  The location:  the ever beautiful Hermann Park in the Medical center area of Houston. The subjects:  Nathan Lindstrom, a great friend and equally great photographer and Stephanie Persons, one cool chica who loves food like me and is always ready with a big hug and a smile.

They are prefect for each other and we have been hoping and waiting for this for awhile. I was thrilled when Nathan called me and told me his plans. I then jumped up and down with excitement when I found out he wanted me to photograph the event. I have photographed proposals before and it is so much fun. It means I get to photograph one more chapter in their story.

The plan was to hide the ring in a Christmas Pickle ornament. Stephanie and Nathan and friends had been playing a game where they hide the pickle ornament on the Christmas tree at his house and so he thought Stephanie might get a kick out of seeing one on a tree in the park. Nathan then carved and painted the ornament himself with a place for the ring inside. I went with Nathan to pick out the prime photo spot in the park and the waiting began. I dressed up in a hoodie and hid behind a newspaper waiting patiently for them to come along.  Very secret agent style!

Have a look at the fun that ensued.

Nathan poses for location test shots. I had to include his Stephanie reaction impersonations.

The actual moment. I love this!

The ornament in position and the hidden treasure.

I love the look in Stephanie’s eyes here and the fact that she is playing with the ring on her finger. Yes, Stephanie you never stop playing with the ring.  Even after eight years of marriage I still do that.

She couldn’t stop jumping. I love Nathan’s smile in the photo on the right. Can’t get much happier than these two.

The ring’s handmade hiding place.

Nathan had some friends hide out nearby with a guitar, flowers and cards. He had collected cards from her family to give to her right after he proposed sending their congratulations. It was very special. Good move Nathan.

Thanks again for including me in this very awesome time. And yes my disguise worked, Stephanie just thought I was a bum. I’m a sneaky one.

Congrats and I can’t wait to photograph the next chapters.