She Said YES! 💍 Proposal at Gustavus Arboretum in St. Peter, MN

She said YES! 💍 After 10+ years as a wedding photographer, I had somehow never photographed a proposal — until the other weekend. Every detail was planned – both of their families were tucked away in the trees, waiting and watching. As Katie and Sander walked up the pathway toward a beautiful little setup their family had put together, their song began playing from a speaker nearby. I don’t think there’s a sweeter way to set the stage for a moment like that.

There was rain in the forecast and more than once I wondered if the storm was going to roll in before Sander even had the chance to get the words out. But it held off just long enough. Sander got down on one knee, Katie’s hands flew to her face in that completely genuine, can’t-believe-this-is-happening kind of shock, and just like that, their engagement began. Watching it unfold through my camera, knowing both of their families were hidden just steps away cheering them on, is a moment I won’t forget.

We had only a handful of minutes to capture photos together before the sky finally let loose. Katie and Sander walked hand in hand down the path, popped a bottle to celebrate, soaked in their moment before the rain won out completely. We did end up getting poured on by the end of it all — but every bit of it was worth it for the story these photos now tell.

Congratulations, Sander and Katie, and here’s to your next beautiful chapter.

If you’re planning a proposal of your own here in southern Minnesota and want someone to help capture the moment, I would be honored to be part of your story too. Reach out to start the conversation.