a propsal to remember

When I proposed, it wasn’t just a single moment; it was the result of months of planning, scouting, and careful orchestration. Tracey and I had a trip planned in the fall to Glacier National Park and I knew there was no better place to propose. I wanted to capture the moment perfectly, timed with sunset and framed in a way that would last forever.

I got the help of my friend Chris Neir who joined along as a hidden photographer. Every detail mattered: from the gear checklists to knowing which knee to kneel on for the best angle, and making sure the ring came out of my pocket cleanly (it didn’t, but I didn’t pull my pocket out with it, so I’ll call that a win).

I scouted a few locations online but knew that I would need an in person scout to confirm my beliefs, and look at the options. We visited several spots in the park, but this one stood out. Of all the places we had scouted I had seen no one take a photo from this vantage point. We had our location and our time, then we just had to hope for good weather.

Then another issue appeared, and plans B, C, D, and E were created. A potential government shutdown could have closed the park, thankfully this was avoided, and plan A was ready.

Prior to leaving, my now wife and I talked about what we would want to do in the park. She suggested this exact hike to my amazement. It was perfect. A hike she both wanted to go on and thought that she had suggested. Little did she know this plan had been in the works for a few months. Every step was carefully orchestrated to lead to the perfect proposal moment.

Everything was timed to the minute, from our hike and lunch stop to sunset and the proposal. On the day, I hiked with a hidden bottle of champagne and some glasses in my hiking / photography gear. I also had prepped charcuterie boards for a picnic dinner, knowing nothing nearby would be open. As we approached the location I sent Chris a text via satellite giving him our updated timeline, to make sure he was ready and in position.

I guided her into the exact spot as the sun dipped behind the mountains, dropped to one knee, and proposed. It was magical (and of course I dropped the ring). We celebrated there on the lakeshore, and later, after almost running into two fighting moose on our hike back, we finally sat down to enjoy our picnic under the stars, with the Milky Way glowing overhead.

The photo Chris captured was everything I had planned for: a unique, breathtaking image and a memory we will cherish forever.

Later, I gave Tracey a framed print and showed her the above film. Now it’s a perfect way for us to relive the story and the magic of that day.