Have you ever taken a moment where you sat down, reflected on the past, and realize it’s crazy how fast time flies by? Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in life that time can just become a blur and then there you are, years later and so many things have changed and yet some things remained exactly the same. Running an Orange County Wedding photography business keeps me pretty busy these days and truth be told I get to be a part of many special moments. Yet today’s adventures were even more special for me. I met Antonia and Connor while in college at Hope International University. In fact, if I am honest, I didn’t really “meet” Connor but rather he just always sort of ended up in my dorm room on my couch. For that, I blame my friend Jason but looking back on it, I’m glad Connor was forced upon me.
Anyone reading this knows that Connor is a great guy (and goofy) that you’d be blessed to have as a friend. Connor and Antonia also met during their time at Hope and their friendship blossomed into something beautiful that has only grown more over the last five years. Ironically I got into photography shortly after these two began dating and I remember that when I first started off they were so supportive in my venture and have remained so over the years. In fact, they were one of the first couples I shot and this picture below is from years ago when we were all young and still in college lol.
Since our time in college has ended I have been thankful to keep in contact with Connor & Antonia. So much so that occasionally Antonia has helped us out with bridal events and other areas here at Three16 Photography. A few months back Antonia had reached out to me about wanting to surprise Connor with a photography session for his birthday. She wanted me to hide at Cal State Fullerton and then she would bring Connor for the unexpected session. Antonia had told me how much she had been wanting to just get some nice pictures of Connor and her together. Now little did she know, the same week my initial conversation started with her about this surprise for Connor; Connor himself was working on a surprise as well. I had often given Connor a hard time asking when he was finally going to pop the question. After all, it’s been five years, yes FIVE YEARS!!! So it was such a pleasant surprise when Connor told me he wanted to propose to Antonia. So for the last few months between random phone calls, Facebook messages, and texts Connor and I discussed his plans for the proposal.
Which brings us to today. It started with me hiding in the men’s bathroom at The Huntington Library and Gardens so Antonia wouldn’t see me upon their arrival. Connor met me in the bathroom where of course I had to do a quick interview (check it out here!) Afterward, Connor went back out to sit with Antonia to give her a gift he made for her as I hid in some bushes. I loved the gift Connor made for Antonia, it was a book with a collection of pictures of them over the last five years. It’s crazy to think about how far life has taken them since college yet love has kept them together. As Antonia came to the end of the album, Connor got down on one knee to ask Antonia to be his bride. With complete strangers surrounding them and applauding; tears, smiles, and laughter ensued. Truly it was an incredible moment to capture and for me, it was also special to see Antonia being surprised when I finally came out of the bushes. Of course, I had a quick interview with the newly engaged couple (check it out here)! Now the day couldn’t just end there so we decided to walk around for a little bit and of course, our sweet couple just had to have some fun! I hope you enjoy these sweet moments from today!!! Congratulate our lovely couple in the comment section below.
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