A Maternity Session Turned Magical: A Surprise Proposal at Furman

Some sessions start out as one thing and transform into something truly unforgettable. What began as a standard maternity session quickly became a magical and emotional celebration when I received an unexpected call from the father-to-be.

“Can I propose during the session?” he asked.

The excitement in his voice was contagious, and I knew right away this was going to be one of the most memorable shoots of my career. From that moment, we dove into planning every detail to ensure this moment was as perfect as their love story deserved.

The Call That Changed Everything

When I got the call from the dad-to-be, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s not every day that you get the chance to capture two monumental life events—maternity photos and a surprise proposal—in one session! My excitement only grew as we brainstormed ideas to make this moment extra special.

We decided on a location at Furman University, a spot known for its picturesque scenery and romantic atmosphere. The plan was to end the session at the serene Chinese garden, where family and friends would be waiting to witness the big moment.

The Sneaky Planning

The next day, we met to finalize the plan. The father-to-be and I had to be as discreet as possible because Bria Starkes, the glowing mama-to-be, kept calling during our meeting. Her timing made the whole situation even more exciting—and just a little nerve-wracking!

We decided on a “tour” theme for the session, with each location leading us closer to the Chinese garden. It was the perfect cover for what was about to unfold. The beauty of the garden and the peaceful ambiance made it the ideal spot for a proposal.

The Session Begins

When the day arrived, Bria thought she was simply showing up for a maternity session. She looked stunning, radiating joy and anticipation as we captured sweet moments of her and her growing baby bump. Little did she know, this session was about to take an unforgettable turn.

As we walked through Furman, I guided them from one beautiful location to the next, snapping photos and chatting casually to keep everything feeling natural. Meanwhile, family and friends were quietly gathering at the Chinese garden, ready to surprise Bria when the time came.

The Big Moment

When we finally reached the Chinese garden, everything was in place. Bria was completely unaware of what was happening until she saw the familiar faces of her loved ones waiting for her. The look of surprise and joy on her face was priceless.

Then, as everyone watched with tears in their eyes, the father-to-be got down on one knee and asked Bria to spend the rest of her life with him. It was a moment filled with so much love, emotion, and celebration.

Her answer? A resounding yes!

Capturing the Magic

As a photographer, moments like these are why I love what I do. There’s something incredibly special about being trusted to document such intimate and meaningful events. The surprise, the emotions, and the love shared between this couple made every photo feel like a piece of art.

The combination of the maternity session and the surprise proposal created a story that’s truly one for the books. It was a reminder of how beautiful life’s unexpected moments can be and how love can take center stage in the most magical ways.

To Bria and Her Fiancé

To Bria and her soon-to-be husband: thank you for letting me be a part of this incredible moment in your lives. Watching your love story unfold was such a joy, and I feel so honored to have been there to capture it all.

Your journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see all the beautiful chapters that follow. From the arrival of your sweet baby to the day you say “I do,” I know your future will be filled with so much love and happiness.

A Session to Remember

This session is a reminder of why I love what I do. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about the people, the stories, and the connections that make every session unique.

For anyone considering a session, let this be your reminder to embrace the unexpected. Whether it’s a surprise proposal, a special family tradition, or simply the beauty of life’s milestones, these moments are worth celebrating and capturing forever.

Check out the highlights from this unforgettable maternity session and surprise proposal below. It’s a story of love, family, and new beginnings that will leave you smiling!