It’s no secret that photographing secret marriage proposals is one of my all-time favorite things to do! Jarrad’s proposal to Paige this morning is one I’ll never forget!!! 🙂

I love it when a gentleman really puts out the effort to plan every detail and make it truly special for his lady. Jarrad pulled out all the stops! After weeks of going back and forth, considering a number of great locations, we settled on a fantastic plan:

“Chris, I feel like Middleton Gardens is a beautiful place to do it and I really like the last two pictures near the tree and the water!” I had sent him sample images and a custom Google Map with suggested locations picked out. “I really appreciate all the time and effort you have put into helping me with everything!”

So this morning I got to Middleton Place bright and early…I was the first one through the gate! I waited to catch a few candids of them walking in, then hustled over to my “paparazzi” hiding spot in the bushes across from the famous Middleton Oak, which Jarrad had chosen as “the spot” to propose.

The Middleton Oak is a beatiful live oak, which overlooks the Ashley River as it meanders past Middleton Place. It was the largest tree in the eastern United States prior to 2008, when it lost several of its limbs after a strong storm. And it’s nearly as old as the nearby Angel Oak, which is considered to be the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi.

I thought it fitting that this is where Jarrad decided to propose to Paige, a biology major. Not to mention the symbolism of the strong roots needed to sustain a long and happy life together!

As Jarrad led Paige under the tree, my heart began racing…nervous for Jarrad after getting to know him over the last few weeks…and excited for Paige who I think at this point was starting to get butterflies in her stomach as well. 🙂 She did say YES! But I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

CONGRATULATIONS Paige & Jarrad!!!