One of my life-highlights is having been part of Ben’s Christmas proposal to Monica. Sharing in their raw, unrehearsed joy was something I will never forget. When Ben and Monica said they wanted to take engagement photos as well, I about broke out into song and dance. And here’s why:
While both sessions ultimately capture a couple in love, the emotions driving a proposal session are 100% spontaneous — full of surprise, outbursts, and an insane rush of endorphins that ensues after thoughts like, “the wait is over”, “I’m a fiancé” and “holy crap, this is really happening” (plus, there’s the part where one person has no idea they’ll be taking photos that day). Though similar in focus, there is a noticeable shift in the emotions that drive an engagement session, as they are more settled — full of radiant contentment, rest, and expressions that read “you’re my forever person”, “you’re my home”. In this environment, of course, everyone is in the know about taking photos, and rather than specifically celebrating a particular moment or a pinpoint in time, the focus becomes celebrating the greater story that got them there; the one we know we’ll never finish telling.
Below is part one from Ben & Monica’s engagement session at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. Enjoy!
ML Monique Lhuillier Dress / Rent the Runway