Photographers’ Story: I was running a giveaway session on my Instagram page and Gabi was one of the winners. We were coordinating dates, times, outfits, you name it like any other photography session one might have. One day, I see an email from Dillon (her boyfriend) pop up saying “please call me I would like to discuss something special for our giveaway session”. This is when I had an inkling of what was about to happen. Dillon and I talked on the phone about a secret proposal to the love of his life. I could tell how excited/ nervous he was but also thankful that this opportunity came about. From then on I was emailing Gabi and going back and forth with outfits, making sure that she was comfortable with our vision, and what was originally only supposed to be a fun easy-going photoshoot for her and Dillon. On the other hand, Dillon and I were also communicating making sure that she wore “the dress” second in the sequence of outfits because that is what he wanted her to be in when he popped the question as well as he knew she would love it as well. Also discussing the perfect spot and the time of day and the perfect way to go about the proposal.

After all was said and done saying Dillion pulled off the surprise of a lifetime is an understatement. To this day, Gabi had no idea that during our before photos the reason Dillion was so tense and nervous was not just because a camera was in his face. She had no idea that when they were changing into their second outfit Dillion had the ring in his pocket ready to go and she was soon to become a fiance and engaged to her person. After the change of outfits, I centered Dillion and Gabi between the row of pines in the Metro Park. Dillon and I were having the longest staring contest making sure he knew when the right moment was and that I was ready. We did a few practice shots, but when I was ready Dillion was aware and got down on his knee for the most epic proposal. The best part of the whole photoshoot was seeing Gabi’s face so excited with joy but also shocked and surprised. Gabi even turned to me and said “WAIT DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS TOO?” I nodded my head and got back to capturing this beautiful moment.

Gabi’s Viewpoint: Before the proposal 💙

“A while back, I won a photoshoot giveaway with Laura Johnston Photography over Instagram! She emailed me & we talked about the vibe we wanted for pictures, got to know more about us, and sent a location guide for us to choose where we wanted pictures taken. Dillon, being sneaky, had me forward him the location guide while he was at work, and attached, was Laura’s email of course. Little did I know, after I forwarded that email, he contacted Laura for himself and had this whole day planned to propose. Laura, in the meantime, was still emailing me back, making me think I was the one setting up all the details of the photoshoot. Dillon had every little detail planned perfectly, I mean I could go into novel mode here but literally everything. This took me by the biggest surprise because I plan everything, Dillon, most of the time can’t even get himself to write down his week in his planner lol. The fact that he made sure this was the most special day for the both of us, is what holds it so incredibly special to my heart. And on top of the proposal being such a surprise, he also had our families waiting for us at lunch afterward, words can’t describe this guy

These before pictures hold such a special place in my heart because I had no idea what was going to happen in about an hour. Meanwhile, Dillon’s stomach was turning. It’s funny to look back on because at the beginning of these photos I asked him why he was being so stiff with his arms but played it off as cool as a cucumber.

Couldn’t be more thankful to have these pictures to look back on for the rest of our lives.”

I couldn’t be more thankful for being a part of Gabi and Dillion’s proposal, the reason I am a photographer is to capture the joy and love all around. Turning organic moments into time capsules to look back on. To Gabi and Dillion CONGRATS!!!! I could not be happier for you both, I will cherish this forever 💙.