A few weeks ago, I photographed Xander and Marissa for a styled shoot for Labellevie Weddings that was featured on Southern Weddings. A few months after that Xander contacted me to help him plan a styled shoot. However, what Marissa didn’t know was that it was a chance for him to propose.

After the Hair and Make-up Collective got Marissa all dolled up, the photoshoot began by taking a few images of the both of them. I carefully posed them making sure no pose would bring attention to the ring box Xander had hidden in is suit! I then told Marissa that I was going to take a few single shots of just her in her gorgeous Rent The Runway dress. Xander knew that was his cue and he stepped behind her, bent down on one knee, and waited for me to tell her to turn around “for their next pose.”  He totally caught her by surprise! Our plan worked perfectly and his proposal was so sweet. I wiped tears from behind the camera barely holding together and thanking my lucky stars that I get to be a part of moments like these! They popped some bubbly and celebrated with some champagne. The rest night consisted of celebrating while taking photos around iconic spots in downtown Birmingham as the sun set.

“It was the perfect proposal and the surprise of a lifetime!” – Marissa