About a month ago, I received a message on Instagram from a stranger asking if I would be available to photograph her brother’s upcoming proposal at Children’s Harbor. To my delight, I was available for that date and we began working through the logistics of his proposal to his high school sweetheart. Peyton and Mallory first met in 9th grade and started dating. Their high school romance continued through college and finally reached a beautiful milestone last weekend.

I arrived extra early to Childen’s Harbor and began scouting the best vantage point to stay hidden and still get beautiful photos. The iconic lighthouse was a must for the background, but sadly there were tons of bright orange construction fences surrounding the lighthouse. Peyton asked if I could edit it out and I was glad to! Meanwhile, Peyton and his mom set up some beautiful flower arrangements on the pier. The finishing touch was the rose petals making a path to where Peyton would stand to ask Mallory to spend the rest of their lives together.

Mallory’s family had orchestrated a gathering at their lake house and the weekend began with Peyton flying in from Dallas, TX. As luck would have it, Mallory’s brother had just been drafted to the MLB. The plan was for Mallory to join her brother for drinks to mark the occasion. After getting drinks, her brother drove her to Children’s Harbor, where Peyton was waiting for her at the end of the pier.

Peyton watched as Mallory, dressed beautifully in heels, walked down the sloping hill toward the pier. They locked eyes and couldn’t stop smiling at each other. When Mallory made it to the end of the pier, Peyton pulled the ring box out of his pocket, knelt down on one knee, and asked Mallory to marry him. It was probably the easiest “yes” of her life.

After the proposal, Mallory spotted me snapping photos near the bank, and her smile got bigger and bigger as I continued to document the moment for them. She later shared with me that her one request for when Peyton proposed was to have a hidden photographer. The couple then headed back to the lake house, where friends and family were eagerly awaiting to celebrate this joyous occasion.

Peyton, thank you for trusting this internet stranger to document this special day for you and Mallory! In the small amount of time I spent with both of you, it was evident how much you both love and care for each other. Mallory, you are such a kind and thoughtful person. Not many people would think about others on their special day, but your first thought was cleaning up the rose petals in case someone else planned to use the pier after you. Congratulations to both of you! It just gets better from here!