Patrick’s family and friends worked together to help him create an epic surprise proposal to his girlfriend. As these things do, trying to figure out the how, when, where and what story would be presented to Katie (making sure she had no idea what was to come) took some time. This is what we put together:

It was Cal Poly’s graduation weekend. Katie was in town to celebrate one of her best friends graduating, but Patrick had to stay home for work. Patrick’s mom was gifting this friend (and her boyfriend) a mini graduation photoshoot at Spooners Cove the morning before their graduation party. Katie helped her friend get ready for the shoot and agreed to come along to help for moral support. Also bonus points, Katie’s sister joined them for the photoshoot. Because they were planning on going wine tasting aftewards, they all looked adorable—Katie didn’t suspect anything. Our session began.

What was actually happening was Patrick came into town secretly. The two of us met on the stairs case the overlooks the cove and figured out our plan. He was going to remain there, hidden away, while I did a mini shoot of the two graduates down below. Two more friends were coming secretly—they kept hidden up above where Patrick was. After some graduate portraits, I’d lead everyone up the staircase, keeping Katie and her sister at the end of the line.

As she walked up the stairs laughing with her sister, she looked up. Utter shock came over her as she saw Patrick standing there. At this moment, she had yet to realize what was about to happen just a moment later.