John contacted me almost 2 months in advance, he had the ring and the sweetest plans to propose to his girlfriend, my dear friend. She had told him I must be there to take pictures, and there was no way I was letting this happen without me! He got down on one knee in the middle of a bridge that connects to their favorite little historic city, Old Salem. While hiding we got the sneaky shot of him taking out the ring and then started to move in to get some closer shots. We got about 6 feet away and she still had no idea because she was so wrapped up in the moment! John finally said “Oh yeah, Jake and Erika are here.” which resulted in some of my favorite images. :)

Afterwards we all celebrated by going to the towns Moravian Christmas festival where we sipped hot apple cider, sang Christmas songs and Rachel shared the news with all of her close friends and family.

Getting to be a part of those moments - of such anticipation, the purest emotion, the exciting new love and adventure that is to come - is so refreshing.

Every. Single. Time.

I always leave reflecting on all the special moments in my own relationship and just wanting to give Jake the biggest hug. I’m so grateful this job I get to do reminds me to love harder and more intentionally.