It was the perfect night for a surprise proposal at Palmetto Bluff in coastal South Carolina.
Jordan had called me about six weeks earlier. He methodically worked through every detail about where he would drop to one knee. He would be proposing to the girl of his dreams, and it had to be perfect.
The plan, however, almost failed. YIKES. I arrived early at the gated community. I explained to the staff at the gate that I knew about the community’s photography restrictions. I had told Jordan he would need to secure permission, and he, of course, did. However the security personnel at the gate had not received that word.
The staff at the gate were extremely polite but firm. I took a deep breath and told them that I would get in touch with Jordan and tell him I couldn’t gain entry to photograph his once-in-a-lifetime moment. The security staff member said he would make one more call. He returned with a parking permit. The plan was back on!
And at the appointed time, Jordan knelt before on a path by the May River, a gorgeous ring in his hand. In tears, she said yes, of course! He slipped the ring on her finger, and she turned to see his parents joining her mom and twin sister to congratulation them!
Jordan popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate, and then we took a few portraits as the sun started to set.
And that’s when I realized I would need to use nicknames to direct the shoot. Jordan’s new fiancee is named… Jordan! So, I called him “Man Jordan” and her “Lady Jordan.” Jordan and Jordan have already started planning what I’m sure will be the most beautiful, love-filled wedding day!
