Let's start off by saying that I am a sucker for a good love story and  I certainly found that in Boykin, SC last night. Matthew called me because he wanted to propose to the love of his life, Carsten, before they had dinner at the Mill Pond Restaurant.  He was unfamiliar with the area and wanted some good options of where it should happen.


I love how rustic the buildings are next to the restaurant and I sent him pictures.  I also knew that right down the road was the Swift Creek Church that was established in 1752 and prayed he would select this important background. He felt the same way and now it just took making it happen without Carsten realizing that I was taking capturing them and not the church and grounds.  I said hello and headed back to my car to hide while Matthew was standing in front of her and talking with her.  I heard a squeal of happiness and my heart just about burst. She leapt into his arms and almost knocked him on his behind. There was no doubt at all as to what her answer was!!


It was one of the sweetest and joyful surprise engagement I had ever captured.  They were so happy and they were a photographers dream because they  were so wrapped in their feelings and the moment, that I was just able to capture all of this love before she even realized the camera was pointed at her.  


You can feel the love and happiness in all of these images and I couldn't be happier for them both.

Two people on the steps of a white clapboard church with tall columns during a proposal moment.
Two people share a loving embrace on the white steps of a traditional church building with columns after a romantic proposal.
A couple shares a romantic moment on the steps of a white columned historic building with siding after a surprise proposal.
A romantic couple embraces against a gray wooden wall, with her wearing a floral green dress and him in a navy vest.
A couple embraces on the steps of a white clapboard church with classical columns and a hanging lantern.
A couple shares a romantic kiss while holding hands, with her wearing a green floral dress and him in a navy vest and plaid shirt.
A couple shares a tender moment against a rustic wooden wall, with her wearing a green floral dress and him in a blue vest.
A couple in a floral dress and navy vest share a joyful moment outdoors against a white wall.
A rustic wooden building with a front porch, rocking chairs and vintage BBQ and Sea signage creates a nostalgic scene.