Chanelle + Joe // Proposal at Catskill Creek

A romantic winter getaway was booked, champagne and chocolates were hidden away and Gio, the dog, had the cutest accessory to announce the big news. Chanelle didn't suspect for a moment that she was about to be proposed to!

Joe and Chanelle have been dating for four years and met in New York. By coincidence, or not because this couple was destined for each other, they arrived in New York to live around the same time and soon crossed paths and fell in love. In such a busy city, it is incredible that this perfectly-matched couple found each other.

Working from their one-bedroom Brooklyn home during quarantine, they become closer than ever. Joe felt the time was right to propose.

Joe and Chanelle love traveling and often take romantic mini-breaks to the Hudson Valley, just out of the city, where they hope to build their dream house one day. So Joe thought proposing on a weekend away would be the perfect setting. After much thought on the location that would be just right, Joe booked an Airbnb in Cairo. It had a deck overlooking the pretty Catskill Creek that offered a scenic backdrop for the photoshoot booked to capture the moment.

When Joe first reached out to me, he was very excited to finally propose to Chanelle, but he had no idea how he wanted to do it. After a video chat with him telling me all about his dream girl, I devised the perfect plan. I would act like I was part of Airbnb, and call Joe the day before the proposal to see if we could drop off a celebratory gift because we would open for 1 year! I would ask if we could send an associate to get a few photos of them opening the gift for social media as well. Once Joe and I both decided that this plan would catch her by surprise, everything was set in motion.

To make the surprise proposal more fab (and to distract Chanelle), I arranged a bottle of champagne, and a huge box with a ribbon to hide the gifts. Thank you so much Lavender Sky Gift Box Design for the most perfect box! It included luxury caramel chocolates, “cheers” glasses, and an adorable bandana for their dog Gio that said, "My Humans Are Getting Married!"

Chanelle was excited about the gift but didn't see the proposal coming until the very last moment.

With their favorite song playing softly in the background, Joe waited until Chanelle opened the big box and read what was on the bandana. As she whipped around to face Joe, he got down on one knee with the most beautiful diamond ring and proposed. It was so intimate and romantic. And yes, I may have cried a little.

Chanelle burst out crying, they hugged, laughed and she said, "YES." The diamond engagement ring was a stunner and Chanelle was very excited to see how gorgeous it looked on her finger. Joe put it on her hand and it fitted nicely. There were lots of emotions and happy vibes in the air and questions about, “how did you plan this?”

After celebrating a bit with champagne, the ACTUAL owner of the Airbnb, Jeffrey, saw what happened next door and came over to congratulate the happy couple. He then let us know that we could use his property as much as we want for photos! So we went down to the rustic riverside for intimate photos of the newly-engaged couple - including some with cute Gio, of course. The couple's wintery jackets were a nice pop of color that looked fab against the cool winter tones of the river and trees.

You can see the close bond and connection this couple shares as they explore the rocks and riverside area and amaze that they are getting married!

Everything came together so wonderfully for Joe and Chanelle and I was so happy to be a part of this lovely marriage proposal. Congratulations to you both!

PS: If Gio is planning to be the ring bearer, I think he will be pawfect for the job!

If you are planning a proposal and want to document the joyful occasion with photos, please do drop me a line. I can't get enough of these dreamy proposals and am always happy to help execute the plans.