Have a friend who is thinking about proposing? Do they want to do something really special, but not sure how to do it. Well ... you should definitely share this feature with them. They will not only be inspired to plan their own covert wedding proposal mission, but will gain insider tips into planning a surprise proposal.Get Strategic
Before the proposal Matthew Morgan Photography visited Google Maps, and took a screen shot of the area of the proposal site, and made a few key notes. Illustrating where the photographers would be, where he would actually propose and where they could keep supplies and staging materials without Ashlee seeing. Smart ... right? If you look closely above you can see one of the photographers hiding out in the rocks.
For instructions on an apple computer on how to take screen shots and make notes like Matt did go here.Make your story believable
Matthew asked Ashlee to to assist him on shooting an elopement ceremony at the beach in Laguna Beach, California. She had done this once before so it wasn't too much of a shock. Matthew told her it would be just the couple, a pastor and a dinner setup for two on the beach. Little did she know that the couple wasn't real, and it was her own proposal.
Matt and Ashlee arrived early to scout and prep for the ceremony when the coordinator, came over to inform them that the fake couple, Joel and Cindy, were running 20-30min late, stuck in traffic on PCH. So she said that they could eat their meals while they waited for the couple to arrive. Ashlee felt okay taking a seat, since coordinator, Kari Bradbury had doubles of everything.Incorporate your first date into the proposal
With a stack of photos of the fake couple staring at us, we had dinner all the while she remarked, "This is so weird, I feel like we're stealing Joel and Cindy's romantic evening!" though it still didn't keep her from finishing her burger and beer, an echo back to their first date at Crow Burger on Balboa Island.Make Something Special
Eventually, towards the end of our meal, I revealed to her that we were the couple and pointed to the stack of photos on the table. Behind the first couple prints of Joel and Cindy were photos of the two of us. This is when she knew what was actually happening and started to get really giddy. I told her I wanted to show her something and led her to the shoreline. Then I said I wanted to give her something and walked over to my gear bag and grabbed a memory book, filled with photos and cartoons documenting our dating history, and also the ring, which I hid in my suit jacket pocket.You too can make a memory book like Matt did. Visit Shutterfly and upload photos to share your story.The Reveal
I returned to Ashlee, first giving her the memory book and we peeled through a few pages recalling some classic moments from dating. The sun was setting quickly so I had her set the book aside and immediately dropped to a knee, shared my heart, pulled out the ring and asked her to marry. She said it all felt so surreal, replied "Yes!" and then awkwardly tried to hug and take a seat on my bended knee.
Adorable ... right? We love that Matt put out so much effort, love and time into planning the perfect engagement for Ashlee.Mission Accomplished
Of course Ashlee said, "YES!"
