It’s not every day that I get asked to hide in the bushes and take secret pictures, you know? Usually my clients set up an appointment, and it’s not really a secret, BUT the images I’m sharing today are from a SURPRISE Clemson SC proposal at the Clemson Botanical Gardens.

I’ve known Sam and Dani for some time now, and they are a truly wonderful couple in every way. I photographed Dani’s professional head shots earlier this year, and when Sam messaged me on Facebook a few months back letting me know he had purchased the rock, had a game plan, and needed a photographer to secretly shoot him popping the question, I started jumping up and down. Not only because I’m friends with Dani and I knew she was going to be so excited, but also because I knew I’d have the opportunity to be a secret ninja photographer for day. Trust me it was as fun as it sounds!

Now, enough of my chatting along, I’ll just let you hear from the person you really want to hear from today, the girl who said YES!

From the soon-to-be bride herself…

“Sam and I met in college at Clemson through a couple mutual friends. That’s when we realized all the geekery and tastes in humor we had in common. We eventually became best friends before he finally asked me out. Our first date was at the best BBQ pit in all of SC – The Smoking Pig. Sam recreated this the day of the proposal. After, we went to our favorite spot in the Botanical gardens, and right there on a beautiful summer evening is where he popped the question.”

 Now, I’ll let the images speak for themselves and tell you the story…

If you look closely, Dani was about to turn away because Sam has faked asking her in this spot so many times as a joke. He puts his arm out to catch her from turning because this time, it was the real deal…

And then she JUMPED into his arms, not even concerned about the ring, just so overcome with emotion for him. I started to tear up, y’all…

Crying:

Still crying from happiness as this point, but she also wanted to see the ring too!

More tears, more hugs; I just love it.

Look at Sam’s face in this frame on the right… He’s the happiest man alive in this moment. The girl of his dreams said YES! AH!

Checking out her rock… okay, she LOVES it, judging by the next image! ha!

And then we moved into some portraits of the happy couple…

So happy, SO in love. Sigh, I love this job.

SHOW ME THAT ROCK GIRLLLL!!!

One of my favorites right here:

You can just see it on Sam’s face in every shot; he’s so happy to be with her. I LOVE being able to see the love on people’s faces. There’s no hiding it, he really was the happiest man alive in this moment!

Congrats to Sam & Dani!! I can’t wait to for your big day!