Proposal at Quarton Lake

Ayo surprised Mai by taking her to their first date spot for their proposal at Quarton Lake.

I awkwardly waited, staring at my reflection as my phone rang and waited to connect with Ayo on FaceTime. Soon, a smiling face filled the screen.

“Helloooo!” Ayo exclaimed.

His enthusiasm was contagious. I started laughing. “Hey Ayo! Nice to meet you!” I answered.

Ayo was ready. I mean, ready for his proposal at Quarton Lake. I don’t think I ever met with someone so giddy and excited to propose.

He and Mai first met through not even two years ago and they have been emotionally inseparable ever since. I say emotionally, because physically, their relationship has been long distance. Ayo is finishing up his MBA in Massachusetts while Mai is working locally. Ayo, in his thoughtfulness, planned a surprise weekend for Mai, flying into town and setting up a series of events and surprises for her. Her second surprise, after his arrival, would be his proposal at Quarton Lake.

The day of the proposal, Becky and I arrived early and posed as a couple enjoying a relaxing spring afternoon. As Ayo and Mai crossed over the bridge, we had our cameras ready. Ayo, a bit nervous, sat down and gathered himself before inviting Mai onto the pergola. Once he started talking to her, she knew. Her expression was soft, caring, and beautiful. Her eyes welled with tears as Ayo took a knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Of course, she said “yes.”

Mai loved the way her custom designed ring looked on her finger. Even more so, she loved the way fiancé sounds next to her name.

I have said it on many occasions, one of my favorite emotions to capture, perhaps because it resonates with me, is the moment the man gets to hug his fiancé after the proposal. Sometimes it is laughing and exhilaration, sometimes it is a quiet reflection of love and protection. With Ayo, it was the later with a feeling of blessing.

After giving Ayo and Ma a few minutes to let is all soak in, we took a few portraits of them at Quarton Lake before they set out for their next surprise – their families waiting to celebrate with them!