Santa Cruz Redwoods Proposal

Basil & Steph’s rainy proposal among the majestic Santa Cruz Redwoods was one of the most sacred moments I’ve had the honor of capturing.

When the weather showed that it would rain on their proposal day, Basil wasn’t phased at all. There tends to be two types of people- those who find rain to be an annoying inconvenience, and those who think it’s romantic. Knowing his soon to be fiancé falls in the later category, he excitedly told us that she loves how dreamy the redwoods feel in stormy weather, so the experience would feel so “Steph” :)

While Basil was headed to the mountains, Steph was walking to her sister’s house after grad school & found a note & a handpicked outfit waiting for her on the bed.

“To My Future Wife”

She immediately began to cry, knowing that this was the day she had been dreaming of since falling in love with Basil. Basil had planned for her best friends & sisters to help her get ready- which involved re-doing her eye makeup over and over again since she couldn’t stop the happy tears. Pretty soon, her family and friends piled into their SUV and drove the bride-to-be to the surprise proposal location, & yes- the happy tears were going strong for the entire ride.

When they arrived, her mom walked Steph to a spot where she would then turn the corner on her own & see Basil in the distance holding up a blue french horn - (less of an inside joke & more of a symbol that carries deep meaning in the rich history of their love).

Steph ran into Basil’s arms, and the two of them embraced as she continued to weep.

I had to deliberately remind myself to continue taking photos because all I wanted to do was stop and witness a moment more moving than the most beautiful movie scene imaginable.

He gently led her to the blanket decorated with her favorite flowers- red carnations. He held her hands, looked into her eyes & gifted her words that you and I will never hear, and ones that she will never forget.

He then got down on one knee- the posture that promises a lifetime of devotion, & revealed the most STUNNING vintage 3 stone ruby ring. Somewhere between the tears & kisses she said YES, and they embraced and laughed again and again.

They swayed to the soundtrack of raindrops kissing the trees, & soaked up the pure bliss of the moment.

Steph & Basil forever and ever and ever!!