Suprise Engagement at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

It was her birthday. He told her that they’d go to the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden for a birthday photoshoot. It was one of those instagram places everybody goes and typically he’d use a tripod; but, this time was different. He advised her to get a white dress while he wore shades of cream. She knew that he booked a birthday photographer. I dodged her question of, ‘what photography do you mainly do?’ replying with coastal and people. It would be a dead giveaway if i’d revealed destination couples, weddings, and elopements. That would ring engagement too soon.

The nerve-racking part for him — asking the question came later in the session. We planned it so that she would get birthday portraits while he got ready with the ring and on one knee. This once in a lifetime moment was exactly what he’d dreamed of for her. He’d held onto the ring for a month, hiding it in his carry on, he wanted her to enjoy the surprise. And yes, she did say ‘YES!’