Jackson called me with a plan to propose to his girlfriend Rachael. He threw an idea out during our conversation that involved me pretending to be a cleaning lady showing up to their vacation rental as they were departing. Then he said he knows it sounds crazy.

My response? I have coveralls and I can bring a bucket with cleaning supplies to sell it.

After a quick trip out to scout the location, we drilled down on our plan to cover every detail. Jackson had told me how HARD Rachael is to surprise so we were hopeful our little sharade would keep her none the wiser until the very last second.

Galveston Proposal

I arrived in coveralls with a bucket full of spray bottles and my game face on. I left my camera bag outside on the deck where the proposal was going to happen. I stepped into the house and apologized for having to arrive so early and let them know they could take their time.

We chatted for a bit and I could tell she was buying it, and that Jackson’s confidence was soaring. We were pulling this off!

While gathering things to leave, he led her out onto the deck for one last glimpse of morning over the intercoastal. As they were chatting, I snuck back outside, grabbed my camera, and started shooting.

She had been waiting for this day. She knew they’d get married, she just had no idea when the proposal would come. It hit her all at once and the laughter and tears started flowing.

The ring Jackson proposed with was designed with a stone from his family, and is very meaningful to both of them. Rachael was so excited to have it on her hand. She knelt down to the deck to embrace her new fiancé. Not gonna lie, I got a little leaky behind the camera.

A Surprise Brunch with Their Families at Carr Mansion

After the proposal shoot we parted ways with her thinking they were off to brunch at a hotel. What she didn’t realize is that I was on my way to our second stop to meet their parents and all their siblings at Carr Mansion. Their families had driven in from Austin the day before, with Rachael’s brother even flying in from Georgia to celebrate!

When they arrived and stepped into the ballroom, she was so surprised to see everyone. She couldn’t believe, with all of the schedules that needed to be coordinated, that this was really happening. Jackson threw his arms up in triumph that we had made it threw the entire plan with no spoilers!

After the happy couple made their rounds for hugs and congratulations, we did some fun family photos in the garden. They closed out the morning gathered with their families over a gorgeous, intimate brunch full of Belgian waffles and heartfelt toasts to life ahead.

As mimosas were poured, they openly talked about joining the families. Their parents shared how happy they were to add a new daughter/son to their family. Their siblings talked about how happy they were to have a new brother/sister in their lives.

They talked about values and support. Parents shared lessons they’d learned through marriage. Everyone talked about what they appreciated in each other. No one shied away. It was a genuinely moving thing to see.

Jackson and Rachael might not remember everything that was said, but they’ll remember how they felt, and that is no small thing. When obstacles arise, memories of these feelings can be a solace, and fuel for the road.

In the throws of trying to plan the proposal, I’m not sure any of them planned for that level of conversation to arise in the following hours. They just followed the moment and the feelings and ended up with this beautiful, quiet, slice of time that will almost certainly inspire and comfort the couple days long from now.

They had been talking about marriage for awhile, so Rachael knew a proposal was coming, she just didn’t realize it was going to be this day, that there was a massive coordination effort to have their families present for an afterparty, or that there would be a fake cleaning lady involved.

If you’re on the hunt for a Galveston proposal photographer that’ll make your crazy plan happen, contact me to book and plan!