Here is the story behind my first real engagement photo session...


 My client Jim emailed me asking if I would be available to travel to Bear Island, North Carolina to photograph his surprise marriage proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Sarah.
 Happily there was a twist that involved a little help from me to make it happen. 
The following is an excerpt from Jim himself as seen on http://www.engagementexperts.com..


"My girlfriend loves pirates so....
I plan on having a nautical map of OBX made and have navigation notes written randomly on it ... However one of the notes will be the proposal.

This "map" will be rolled up and put into a leather covered rum bottle (I know not authentic, but awesome). The plan is that we will take a walk on the beach and stumble across this bottle (a photographer friend will have placed it in the sand and be hiding to photograph the moment). "


 Yep, I was the photographer! 
 After a cool ferry ride across the sound to the uninhabited Bear Island I met the couple on the dock. I introduced myself to the couple ( they are from OH, we had not met before in person) and told Sarah that I was super happy to have the opportunity to shoot their "vacation" photos.
 We walked down a mile or so length of sandy trails until we arrived at the beach. This was Jim's very first time seeing the ocean ( bonus!) and I thoughtfully suggested that he and Sarah should take a stroll down to the waterline to look for sharks teeth in the waves (as a cool tourist memento) while I "set up my gear".
 Jim had texted me earlier about seeing a big piece of driftwood just laying on the beach so I made a bee line for it as soon as they turned their backs towards the waves and carefully covered up a ancient looking bottle of rum (that Jim had mailed to me the week before) in the sand and seaweed and wedged it up against the back of the giant dead tree.

  I shot a couple of cool pic's of the two of them walking in the waves and gradually led them to the driftwood. I had them sit down for a couple of shots and then asked them to stand on the driftwood knowing full well that she would not help but notice that weird little clump of debris ( with a bottle top sticking out) that was shoved against the side.
 Sure enough, lo and behold she found the hidden bottle and picked it up to inspect it.
It took her a few mins for her to open it and even longer for her to read the note that was inside.....


"Ahoy, ye matey – and avast these tidings:

I used to sail the world, singing, “The pirate’s life for me,”

But all alone, I grew weary of sailing the seven seas.

Quickly I tired of searching for a love that is true.

Until that blessed day I cast my eye upon you.

“Shiver me timbers!” I cried from the deck,

You were drifting alone, on that cursed shipwreck.

We pulled alongside, and as you came aboard,

The other mates swarmed, I had to draw my sword.

“Stay back – you scurvy dogs,” I yelled to my men.

And your honor at once I chose to defend.

A fair maiden, at last, whose beauty made me swoon.

Quickly I cashed in my booty – even all my doubloons,

And bought this here bauble to adorn yer soft hand,

And ask that you marry me and move to dry land.

So what be your answer, my lady, my love?

You are my angel, surely sent from above.

Make me the happiest pirate on this earth,

Say yes to me lassie – I pledge forever to prove my worth."




The rest of this story is history :)
Here are the pics....