The engagement session I’m sharing with you today isn’t just any engagement session. It was a SURPRISE proposal in Charleston! Not only that, but it was of one of the sweetest friends I have. Double emotional whammy! I had been looking forward to this trip to Charleston for a very long time as Alex, the future groom, had got in touch with me to let me know he would propose during the shoot LONG before it happened. He knew. I knew. Sweet Peyton was the only one out of the loop for obvious reasons!

I can’t even begin to describe how exciting and emotional that actual moment was. So I figure why not let the person who shed the most tears explain it?!

Peyton tells the whole story beautifully of how her sweet future husband asked her to spend her life with him and I am so excited to share it with you! Keep reading to hear the story of the surprise proposal in Charleston and also read to induce probable tears…

“Once I found out Alex’s family was going to Charleston I almost lost my mind I was so excited! After talking to my sweet friend Jannah, she told me she and Hunter were going to take a weekend trip there. We knew we had to meet up and swap pictures! (Photographers you’ll know why this is a must!) Alex and I had never taken pictures together like this before so we were pumped!

This whole story reminds how intentional Alex is and is a small glimpse of the intention Christ has in pursuing us. That might be my favorite part.

We woke up early Monday morning to get ready for our sunrise session and I actually left the hotel nervous to be in front of the camera! We started down Rainbow Row and found the prettiest spots. I was completely oblivious throughout the first few locations!

While we were standing at the battery, Jannah said we were waiting to start taking pictures until some pedestrians cleared out. Being a photographer, I talk to my clients throughout their session so it wasn’t strange to me what happened next! One thing I love about this day is that we remember everything we said. So I thought I’d share it with you! 

Jannah said, “I’ve got a new thing I do with my couples and I wanna try it with y’all! Peyton, when I tell you to, I want you to tell Alex something you love about him.” Holding hands I looked up at him and said,”I love how caring you are.”

Jannah then said, “Okay Alex, it’s your turn!”

Alex then looked at me and said, “Peyton, I love everything about you.”

Then he tried to keep talking and I said,”Why are you still talking? Jannah said say one thing!” (I promise it was more funny than rude, but looking back I laugh about the fact that the boy was about to propose and I shut him up!) 

On his knee Alex, said “Peyton Reid Neal, will you marry me?”

Before I said yes, I just cried and cried. My reaction took me to the ground! I had no idea or ever thought how I would react. In between my crying I kept saying, “This isn’t real. Is this real??!” Sweet Alex was patient with me and kept assuring me this was really happening. After a bit I realized I never actually said the word “yes!” I looked up at him and said it!”

That night we walked to the Waterfront Park pier a few blocks away. It was a beautiful night with a breeze! We sat on a big wooden swing, talked and processed the day and this season we were entering. We read every comment and message we received and were so overwhelmed in the best way with gratitude. The whole day we saw Jesus’ hand in it. He’s been the reason we’re at this point and it was so sweet to see His faithfulness in our lives!

Peyton & Alex, I love you guys so stinking much. I am SO grateful to have been apart of this life changing moment for you. Peyton, ugh I just love you. You’re an actual angel and I am so thankful for your friendship. You’re going to be the most beautiful bride. & Alex, you did good friend! Not too many things are as dreamy as a surprise proposal in Charleston! You both mean the world to me and I am SO excited to capture your wedding day this October!!!