This day was such a different and fun moment to capture! So much emotion, suspense, surprise, and pure joy in this Willamette Valley Vineyard proposal! Brian reached out to me several weeks before to chat about his ideas for the big moment. Brian lives in Texas and his soon-to-be fiance, Julie, was here in Oregon. She was under the impression that he was back at home. When in fact he was planning an epic surprise for her at the vineyard.

I loved working with the amazing event team at Willamette Valley Vineyard to make Brian’s vision come to life. Julie’s best friend, Olivia, who is the sister to one of my other brides, was in on it too. Olivia took Julie to the vineyard for a wine tasting tour that day. While they were upstairs beginning their tour, Brian was downstairs in the barrel room setting up his surprise. He even arranged for her family, parents and sister, to be there to share in the moment! How sweet is that?! He sprinkled rose petals on the ground in the shape of a heart. There was a bouquet of flowers he placed on the table. Celebratory wine and glasses waited for after.

The Big Moment

Julie’s family anxiously waited off to the side. I tucked myself back against a wall camera in hand ready to go. We waited for what seemed like an eternity. Every little noise causing us to jump in excitement. Finally we heard the voices coming closer to the closed double doors that led to the barrel room. The door swung wide as Brian stood ready in the middle of the heart-shaped rose petals. Julie was stunned and in shock as he stepped forward and led her into the middle of the room. Brian began his super sweet speech and ended on his knee as the emotions began to flow from them both. Julie said yes and we all watched in rapture as they embraced. Brian motioned for her to turn around as her parents and sister came forward. She was in utter surprise to see them.

From then, the wine bottle was opened, glasses were filled and toasts began. Julie was stunned and had so many questions about how Brian had arranged all this. We then stepped outside for a few minutes to capture some “newly engaged” photos. The weather held out for us and it was the most perfect moment. I was so honored to be part of this epic moment in their lives! A huge congratulations to this super sweet couple!

Obsessed with this beautiful story of romance? Take a look at Sara + Samuel’s gorgeous Pittock Mansion engagement session! https://joniloraine.me/2021/08/13/a-summer-engagement-session-in-portland/