Developer and Photographer | Amber Wilkie

Stu & Emily | Jefferson Memorial proposal photography | Washington, DC

We photographers get to view a lot of intimate moments for our clients: stolen glances at the altar, the smallest detail of how she wrinkles her nose when she's really laughing, maybe even a little skin in a boudoir session. But in April I photographed a moment I'd only seen once before: a proposal. (The once before was when my own husband flashed that ring.) It was, frankly, nerve-wracking, but in the end really special and a huge honor for me. Emily and Stu: In my opinion, the best option to get your proposal on camera is to do it at the end of a portrait session. She's got a reason to dress up and I've got a reason to be there with a big camera. So I met up with Emily and Stu looking super-dapper and adorable. There were still tons of trees blooming (don't you miss Spring already?) I still believe I more or less got away with this one without arousing suspicion. One secret password of exchange, and Stu was off to do his thing. All these kids started screaming as soon as Stu took a knee, and we went over to say hi after. Congratulations again, you guys! I hope you've been enjoying your engagement!