Jason reached out about photographing his proposal in Beacon, NY not long after I'd broken my collarbone in what I can only describe as a tragic gardening accident. I wasn't sure I'd be holding a camera in time. Jason, a physical therapist by trade, assured me I'd be fine. He was right, thankfully. A few days before the big day, we scouted the location and found two problems: the Hudson River was creeping toward flood stage right where he planned to propose, and the local mosquito population had apparently been waiting for us specifically. We were attacked early, often, and with real purpose. Fortunately, by proposal day the water had receded and the wind had picked up to a steady 25-35 mph, which, it turns out, is exactly strong enough to ground an entire mosquito air force. I trailed Jason to the spot, and the second he turned to propose, I started shooting — not noticing until later that two strangers were sunbathing in beach chairs directly behind them. So a little while after the real moment, we recreated it, minus the interlopers and with better light, for posterity. She said yes. Twice, if you're counting the reshoot.

 

Man proposes on one knee to woman outdoors on gravel path surrounded by autumn foliage on sunny day.
A bearded man in a plaid shirt shares an item with a woman in a forest setting on a sunny day.
Happy couple embracing on a waterfront pier, woman smiling with hair blowing in the wind on a cloudy day.
Couple holding hands walking on a wooden boardwalk path in an autumn park with fallen leaves.
Happy couple sitting on lush green lawn giving thumbs up with red barn and trees in background.
Couple sitting together under a large tree on green grass surrounded by lush foliage during autumn season.
Couple sitting together at a waterfront picnic table on a wooden dock, enjoying a scenic lake view on a breezy day.
Couple sitting on green grass sharing a romantic moment near a red barn in autumn.
Couple opening a champagne bottle outdoors on green grass with a red barn in the background.