Boy do I have a good one to share with you today! ☺️

Ryan contacted me several weeks ago and shared with me that he would be proposing to his long time girlfriend in Zelienople. As a photographer who literally lives IN Zelienople… I was absolutely stoked to get to document this moment!

Ryan shared with me that he planned to propose at his girlfriend (Amber) after a meal at her favorite restaurant, Kaufman Tavern (if you’ve never been there… it’s a must try! So delicious. The charred cauliflower appetizer is my absolute favorite!)

Together, we chose a location in Zelienople that would be photo-worthy for such an occasion. The day was set, the location was set, and everything seemed to be falling into place… except for a few surprises!

The first surprise (which won’t really be a surprise if you’re familiar with the weather here in Pittsburgh) was the weather. All week leading up to the proposal, there was a strong chance of rain (and storms) for the majority of the day. The day of the proposal, however, it was only overcast, no rain. Woo hoo!

The second surprise came from me. After cleaning out our attic the day before the proposal, I slipped down our steps and rolled my foot. Nothing was broken, but I couldn’t walk on it and couldn’t put a shoe on it (definitely a problem if you’re photographing a proposal…) There was no WAY I was going to cancel, so I did a lot of praying, and the next day, I was able to at least put some weight on my foot. I still couldn’t fit a shoe on it, however… so yes - I photographed this entire proposal with only one shoe on, hobbling around. The ground was cold and wet, but that’s nothing that a pair of fuzzy socks and a heating pad couldn’t fix after the fact!

God bless my husband, Nick, who came with me and was my human crutch.

But back to Amber and Ryan! Ryan popped the question to Amber, she said yes, and then her best friend (who had been in hiding across the street in the Walgreen’s parking lot!) came over with some very on-theme “Bride-to-be” and “Maid-of-honor” bedazzled sunglasses! We took some photos at the gazebo, then headed back to Kaufman Tavern to take some photos out front… since it is a special part of their story now!

Amber & Ryan, thank you so much for letting me be a part of such a special moment for you two! Congratulations on your engagement!

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