Charleston Surprise Proposal: Whitney & Hayden are Engaged

A Surprise Proposal at the US Customs House in Downtown Charleston

I don't think you can be a wedding or engagement photographer and not have a touch of hopeless romantic in you. When Mariah (from Pampered and Pretty) mentioned that her best friend was about to proposed to and they wanted a photographer their to capture it, I was all in. 

I had no idea how nervous I would be. I'm a planner at heart and all the unknowns had my stomach in knots. I would have loved to do a walk through with Hayden (future groom) ahead of time, but he was coming down to Charleston to help move Whitney (future bride) out of state.  I had to describe the location to him and send him the address.  I went down a few days earlier and took a video of where he should stand. We talked a few nights before so he had a good cover story. 

The day arrived and I was sick with nerves all day. I kept laughing and thinking I had to be just as anxious and Hayden was. That afternoon, right before sunset, I sat outside the US Customs House. All I had seen were pictures of Hayden and Whitney. Mariah came early and stood across the street hiding in a doorway. We chatted on the phone while we both acted as lookouts watching for them. 

Hayden did great. He walked her where he was supposed to and took a selfie with her. I was so worried I would miss the moment hiding behind the 10 feet wall that I walked sideways with my back to them (because that's not obvious-ha). I don't know if Whitney suspected anything because she never let on. And then it happened. Hayden was down on his knee and asking the woman he wants to build a life with to marry him. Of course. She said yes!

We took some family portraits there at the spot and then I quickly stole them before we lost all light to get a few in front of the market. They were adorable and I could have played with them for an hour, but they had dinner to get to and were both just ready to celebrate.  Hopefully we can pick back up for an engagement session on their next visit down.  

Congratulations Whitney & Hayden!