There are some moments in our lives that define us. Moments that we’ll look back on and remember for the rest of our lives. Moments that shape our future in beautiful, indescribable ways.
On Friday, my friend Jennifer had one of these moments when the love of her life, Scotlin got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. He had been planning this proposal for months and a few weeks ago asked me if I would be able to document this very important moment in their lives. I literally jumped for joy when I read the message that started so sweetly as, “Would it be possible to take photos of us the moment I ask Jen for her hand in marriage?” And I immediately replied “YES!” – Which brings us to the newly engaged couple that I am presenting to all of you today!
It was Scotlin’s desire to serve his country that brought him to the United States Naval Academy from his hometown in Texas. And it was Jen’s passion for theater and music that lead her to become friends with Scotlin’s sponsor. The pair casually met over dinner and after a year of friendship, started dating while Scotlin was at the Academy. It was over one of our group dinners, that I remember first hearing about Scotlin. Jen was smiling, literally glowing when she talked about him, and I remember thinking that I had never – in all of our years of friendship – seen her this happy.
As I continued to talk with Scotlin about documenting his proposal, I asked him if he would be willing to let me put together a short video for Jen that he could give to her before he left to return to Charleston! We filmed the video earlier in the day and I asked Scotlin to prepare a letter that he would read to Jen in the video.
Congratulations Jen & Scotlin! I am so happy for both of you!
The video was filmed on a Nikon D7000 & forgive the camera shake as we were hiding in the bushes trying our hardest not to be noticed by Jen just a few feet away! You can watch it in HD on Vimeo.
I wanted to share a few more lines of Scotlin’s letter because it so beautifully describes what a proposal is truly about. Scotlin writes, “This is the day that I am asking you to take a leap of faith. I am asking you to cast aside your fears. I am asking you to take a risk. I am asking you for your trust. I am asking you for your love. I am asking you for the privilege and responsibility to raise a family together. I am asking a lot because I am asking you for your hand in marriage.” You can hear the full letter in a longer video, here.
I love this shot, “Hey Mom, guess what? I’m engaged!” – So cute!
I also would like to thank Krista Jones of Krista A Jones Photography and Kate Yuen of Kate Yuen Photography for helping me to capture the video documentation of the proposal! I seriously could not have done this without both of you and I’m so grateful for all of your help!
Oh my word… cutest thing ever.
Natalie I just love this!
So cute!! What a great friend you are doing that whole video and everything:) I love when proposals are documented!!
Super, super CUTE!
This is so cute!
Beyond sweet! They both look so fab & happy
Awe, this is really amazing. They will look back and smile, laugh and maybe have a few tears. Awesome job!
So awesome! Loving that second to last shot!
so cute! love that video with her reaction and that second to last is fantastic!
Love the video Natalie, specially when she found out you where filming/photographing with you crew
) makes it all so natural.
I actually teared up while looking at those.
That is so awesome that you were there to capture such an amazing event!
so awesome that you were there to capture this natalie! great stuff as usual.
such a touching moment, great work and well captured!
Oh my gosh. The video of the proposal moved me to TEARS! This couple was so cute and it was very nice of you to catch it on film! I wish the very best for these two!
This has got to be the sweetest thing in the world. Great work capturing this invaluable moment!
This was SO much fun! I’m so happy I got to hang out with you and Krista and watch this unfold! yay for friends getting married!
These are adorable. I love real time e-sessions!
Awww, such happiness, and beautiful lighting! I love them in the last pic – too cute!
They’ll treasure these forever!
Great coverage.
Congrats Jen and Scotlin
Wow, love what you’ve done here, beautiful!
Beautiful shots, I love that lighting!
Super cute!
How amazing and such an honour! I love the candid way it’s captured!
I love it!!! So sweet!! The photos are beautiful too.
Such an awesome thing to capture on both photo and video. Great work Natalie.
[...] advice (I love when people do that!) for a proposal video that she was shooting. Go see how it turned out! Very [...]
Love, Love, Love this post! Scotlin is a longtime friend and I am so happy to see this day come for him! Congrats Ya’ll!!!
So awesome!!! I adore that “calling” photograph, too! <3