Patrick & Taylor: A Century Plaza Proposal | Roanoke Virginia | Proposal Photographer
Proposal | Adventure Photographer | Century Plaza
Let me start by saying, God has truly blessed me beyond measure to do what I love. Being a professional photographer has taken me to some jaw dropping places, I’ve met some incredible people and I’ve experienced some unforgettable moments. With that being said, photographing people I love in a location I’ve known all my life is still unforgettable.
Let’s go back to the beginning… in 2009 I met best friend Taylor. 12 years later (YUPPP) we’ve been through thick and thin and we are still best friends to this day. Becoming a part of each other’s family, we’ve seasoned every up & down in life. Three and a half years ago though, our men entered our lives and before we knew it, life was never the same! Since then, I’ve gotten to know her fella, Patrick, on a personal level and them as a couple. He’s from PA, she’s from VA and I wholeheartedly believe their paths were meant to cross. Both of them are active, driven, caring, have their heads on their shoulders and above all, they’re patient…. well, patient enough haha! Over the last three and a half years, together they’ve been chasing what they want in life.
Through those years, I witnessed their relationship grow and not only was Taylor itching to get married, but their friends & family started to wonder as well. Patrick had it all planned out though and the perfect ring to say yes to! The key word I want to focus on again though is patience! Through months and months of COVID, his plans changed and got pushed back; however, his vision came true for their December proposal. He had it all set up: they were going to walk downtown from their apartment to meet some coworkers and along the way, walk through Century Plaza where they shared their first kiss and propose to Taylor there.
Like any other proposal, we timed it out, I showed up early and I tried my best to hide but this time, MY HANDS WOULDN’T STOP SHAKING! Not a small shake, I’m talking like a photo altering shake that you would spill water out of a glass with if you shook this much! I was so nervous to capture this moment for them, so excited for it to happen yet so scared she would see me and my body took over and panicked! As I saw them walking towards me, I knew it was game time. This round though… it was TOTALLY different. Taylor wasn’t some random girl getting engaged and I wasn’t some random photographer. She knew my face.. and all my hair styles… and all my clothes.. and my photography getup.. she knew it all so hiding while Patrick popped the question was not only a physical challenge, it was a mental and emotional challenge. I laugh though because Patrick has hawk eyes and as soon as he saw my lens, he dropped down on one knee and
SHE SAID YES!
It all happened so fast and little by little, reality set in and I can’t even begin to describe how natural it was to capture them. I’m not used to working with people who know what they are doing so capturing their relationship was exhilarating! Knowing them as friends is one thing, but having them as clients is a feeling I can’t quite describe!
We started in the sentimental Century Plaza and then made our way to Elmwood Park, where they spent their first date. You know me… as an adventure photographer, I tend to explore and seek those epic views while focusing on my couple and downtown Roanoke did not disappoint. As the sun set on those Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, the Mill Mountain Star lit up behind us and we watched the city lights turn on. I could go on and on.
From dodging parking tickets, to cancelling plans with friends to spend the evening together, their December proposal in Century Plaza was absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to see what’s in store as my best friend gets married!
If you know Taylor.. we’re already planning their dream day! Congrats you two!
Roanoke Virginia
The city where they met, spent their first date, shared their first kiss and live!
Adventure Photographer
Seeing the world through an explorative view, no matter the surroundings! In a city surrounded by buildings or in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded by nature, being an adventure photographer has no limits on creativity.
Peep the planning skills… thanks to the help fo Google Maps, this drawing is an original work of art created to simulate their proposal. Not trying to brag but… I think we nailed it!
