Odell Surprises Stephanie with a Wedding Proposal at Seattle’s Kerry Park

Way back in early December I was contacted by Odell.  He and his girlfriend Stephanie were going to be visiting Seattle just before Christmas and he was planning to surprise her with a wedding proposal.  Odell wanted to know if I was available to capture the event, and if I had any suggestions for a good location for the photos.  I reponded that I would love to photograph the proposal, and gave him a number of suggestions.  After discussing the options Odell chose Kerry Park, which has amazing views of Downtown Seattle and the Space Needle, and (if the weather cooperates) Mt Rainier as well.

We discussed the logistics of setting up the photos so that Stephanie would not be suspicious.  Because so many people come to Kerry Park for photos, another photographer was not going to catch Stephanie’s attention.  The big question was whether the weather would cooperate; Seattle in mid December tends to be both cold and wet, often VERY wet.

The morning of the planned proposal I heard from Odell.  Stephanie was not feeling well, and it looked like we might have to find a way to reschedule.  But about an hour late Stephanie was feeling better so we were on again.  I told Odell that I’d be set up with my camera on a tripod at Kerry Park and gave him a description of my clothing to make it easier to spot me, and Odell told me he’d text me when they were getting close to the park.

Things worked perfectly.  Odell spotted me, and as I was already set up to take photos of the city asked if I would take a photo of he and Stephanie using their phone.  I did this, and after giving back their phone (and clearing a nice view of the city from any other people) moved back to my own camera.  Odell took advantage of the area being free of photo bombers and dropped to one knee after taking the ring from his pocket, while Stephanie was looking at the city.  When Stephanie turned Odell was waiting.  Her reaction was great!  He clearly had surprised her, and I got photos as he gave her the ring.  I don’t think she had a clue that I was taking photos even though I was no more than 15 feet away.

Odell then introduced me to Stephanie and we spent another half hour taking photos at Kerry Park and other nearby locations.  It was really a fun shoot, I love it when plans like this work out so well!

You can see more sessions like this by visiting my blog at this link.