As I drove to The Sunflower Field for the second time on Friday, the clouds started rolling in.  The skies were dark.  Halfway there, it started pouring down rain.  Great.  Just what we needed.  I kept driving and praying the rain would subside just in time.  I arrived about 15 minutes early, so I stayed in my car and watched the rain flood my windshield.  Praying that it would clear up soon.  I decided to make the most of the situation and grabbed the clear umbrella I keep in the trunk of my car just for times like this.  I was prepared to shoot in the rain.

When the Singh family arrived, we picked out a good spot in the field for their “family” photos.  We started with just Zachary’s family, then added his girlfriend, Christina.  Then I took a few photos of Iqbal and Christina (Zachary’s parents) and then Oksana (his sister) in hopes that Christina would not be suspicious when I took photos of her and Zachary.  I kept taking pictures of Zachary and Christina and I could tell she thought it was strange that I was taking so many of the two of them.  I don’t think that she knew Zachary was going to propose.  Maybe she just thought I was really weird haha.

After we got a few different photos, Zachary put his arm around Christina and turned their backs to us.  They shared a sweet moment where he whispered to her and pulled her in closer.  He reached for his pocket.  His fingers grasped the ring box and stealthily pulled it out.  Within seconds, Zachary was on one knee.  With a smile that lit up the entire field, Zachary asked Christina to marry him.  She excitedly said, “YES!”  Everyone within earshot cheered for them.  Family members were teary-eyed and filled with joy.

Zachary and Christina, thank you so much for allowing me to document such an exciting milestone for you!  I love that you chose a sunflower field to propose because sunflowers symbolize many things, one of which is unconditional love.  What a perfect way to begin your commitment to each other forever!