In the Mist Along the River: Rachel and Tom's Proposal
Autumn in the Smokies is a magical time, what with weddings and engagements - and the precursor to it all, a marriage proposal.
A recent cold front had moved in right after Halloween. What this meant was that the morning hours would be COLD, at the freezing point. But even weather that some might call “bad” brings some advantages, one of which is the fact that the fast-moving waters of the Little Pigeon River in the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National park would be warmer than the air around it.
And that makes mist. Add a rising sun and it produces a dream-like quality to the ambience.
Tell me - what could be more fitting for a marriage proposal?
Tom had contacted me about proposing to Rachel while they were enjoying an intimate weekend in these mountains. I really love photographing marriage proposals - they are exciting and have a dash of subterfuge and intrigue thrown in, what with the planning and secrecy.
I got to our prescribed spot and set up one of my cameras on a tripod, aimed at the river. Yup, here I am, just another crazy nature photographer, out on a cold morning, that time of day when you can expect us. Tom played it cool - “Excuse me, ma’am - do you think you could take a picture of us on her phone?” Of course I could, a tactic that made them get into position.
Then this happened:
And Rachel said yes!
In the next hour, I spent some quality time with this lovely couple from upstate New York, now living in Manhattan. They met at John Hopkins University while studying economics, so I guess that means now they can test the theory that two can live as cheaply as one, right? Ah, but trust my grizzled, old spidey senses - I detect a lifetime of happiness in any event!
Tom did a great job choosing this ring!
Oh, and want to see it happen? You know that “decoy camera” I had sitting on a tripod? My cameras can take pictures . . . and record video:
Mazel tov, you crazy kids!
Are you looking to capture this wonderful moment in time? Call me today to start planning, whether it is in the Smokies or elsewhere in East Tennessee - or even beyond!