Anna & Josh’s Engagement in Charleston

This engagement was special to shoot because I got to photograph it for an important person in my life. My best friend’s (now) finance, Josh, called me weeks ago to plan a surprise engagement to be shot at in Charleston, South Carolina for the summer. I’ve been friends with Anna since 6th grade and have watched her grow into her relationship with Josh in high school. I was waiting for this day to come because I knew they’d be a perfect match and was honored that I could photograph this memorable moment with them. 

After months of texting and phone calls, we were able to finalize the engagement plans and got to work. We scouted the beach beforehand and chose our location in advance so we knew where they’d be located. Our idea was for me to be hiding in plain sight on the beach but after going to the sight minutes beforehand, we decided that I’d just follow them to the beach after they arrived while they planned to take couple photos with Anna’s cousin, Grace. 

Grace helped give me time to walk to them while they were close to the shore. She instructed them to turn around and look towards the ocean. She pretended to be taking some pictures when she was actually filming them conversing and looking out while I ran to the beach to meet them. 

I got there right on time when Josh he knelt down. When he got to one knee, Anna looked towards Grace, saw me with her mouth open, and then she jumped and squealed for seconds before she said yes. I was able to shoot the surprise on her face and it is a memorable photograph I will never forget. 

After, she ran to me and we were able to hug and take their engagement photos before it got dark. The weather was cloudy and rainy all day, but it stopped right in time for the proposal which we were so grateful for. I am thankful and so happy I got to be a part of this for them, and I can’t wait to be there when they get married. 

Location: Isle of Palms, South Carolina 

Date: July 20, 2024