Last week, Cody emailed me asking if I was available on a Saturday to photograph his marriage proposal in downtown Birmingham. A free Saturday in October is a rarity, but it just so happened that I had the morning free before heading out to photograph a wedding reception at the Whiskey Factory. I met up with Cody later that day to walk the downtown, hear about his ideas for the proposal and scout potential locations. I was in downtown Birmingham just two weeks earlier for some wedding photos and knew a potential spot. When Cody and I walked up to the Community House and saw that we could create a private and intimate moment for him and Janessa, we knew our work was done. Next step was the marriage proposal itself.
Cody convinced Janessa that they were meeting up with his parents to take family photos in Shain Park in downtown Birmingham. I arrived at the designate spot early to ensure the original plan would go flawless. Cody let me know he and Janessa were 10 minutes away. Those were the longest 10 minutes of my life! I think I was more nervous than Cody was. I don’t get nervous photographing weddings but proposals can be pretty intense since it happens so fast and you only get one shot at the right shot.
As Cody stopped and started to talk with Janessa, I raised my camera and started to shoot as his marriage proposal in downtown Birmingham began to unfold. Janessa’s reaction was genuine and priceless. She answered with a resounding yes before shock, disbelief, and elation set in. It was a beautiful moment to witness.
I love Janessa’s reaction in this photo! A moment of counting her blessings in life and Cody.
After reality set in, it was time for a little celebration!
After it all began to sink in, we strolled through Birmingham and did a mini engagement shoot to document the momentous occassion.