HALLELUJAH! HE FINALLY ASKED.

AND I SAID YES.

Ya’ll. I cannot believe I am officially Alex’s fiance. And yes, it was a TOTAL surprise, despite me hinting Hawaii would be the perfect proposal spot. We had flown out to paradise for #babymoon and a photography workshop so I had set up some trade shoots with a couple of the ladies beforehand. Claire & Kyle had arranged for some adventurous photos up at Mauanawili Falls which sounded like an easy hike to a gorgeous waterfall.

12.13.18 // IT WAS NOT AN EASY HIKE. The previous day’s rain had left the trail an absolute mudslide. We tripped, slid and scrambled up the three+ miles to the river and waterfall which was STUNNING.

Claire directed us to the large rocks as we were wrapping up Alex and I’s photos and told him to nuzzle me from baby bump to face. Inbetween kisses, he whispered, “Can you keep a secret?”

I WAS TOTALLY OBLIVIOUS.

“Of course. What secret?”

Honestly the next few moments were a blur of THIS IS HAPPENING and HOLY CRAP IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING ?!?!?!?! as he kissed me, in what felt like slow motion, and whispered “Will you marry me?”

I think I got a yes in before pulling him into the tightest embrace I could.

At this point, Claire was like wait what is happening? (because Alex was a freaking ninja and told NO ONE) and I turned around and was like HE FINALLY EFFING PROPOSED. Cue all the happiness and all the photos.

Earlier that day, we had had lunch and he had disappeared to the restroom. He mysteriously took a long time but came back saying he had a coupon for a free pearl. SUSPICION AVOIDED. So we picked out an oyster and purchased a necklace. It’s gorgeous and beautiful and I figured that was the only surprise gift I’d get this trip and loved it.

APPARENTLY. he had noticed a wave ring with sapphires that had caught my eye while browsing the store and when he had “mysteriously disappeared” he had also snagged this ring. It matches my real ring (which I have NOT seen) which was delayed and is currently waiting for us when we fly back. I am thrilled because I have an incredible Hawaiian ring to commemorate this trip and surprise engagement.

Hello Hawaiian Elopement 2020

Huge thank you to Claire of Doxa Photography for capturing these moments.