May 4, 2019

"May the 4th Be With You" we joked, as we attempted to ease Patrick's nerves!  Months of planning had finally led to this day! It was almost eight years to the day, that he and Amber first visited this same Rose Garden, where they posed for their senior prom photos.  Having attended as friends, it would be another four years before they would begin to casually date, while pursuing their studies at two different universities - Patrick at Penn State, and Amber at West Chester.  And on this special day -  a return to where it all began eight years ago - simply disguised as a special photo shoot to welcome home their dear friend Emily, who just happened to be visiting from the west coast.  All of it a ruse, created by Patrick, with a little help from his friends, to spring a very special marriage proposal. 

Patrick meticulously planned every detail... the ring was beautifully designed to exceed Amber's hopeful expectations. Safely stored away for weeks, it was now within inches of his grasp, hidden away in my camera bag.  A dozen red and lilac colored roses symbolized their first encounter at the Rose Garden, while complementing Amber's floral dress, which Patrick (strongly) encouraged her to wear for the photoshoot.  The only thing left out of Patrick's control was the weather, which just twelve hours earlier included torrential downpours and localized flooding.  However, on this fine day, God smiled down and cleared away the skies just in time!  Yes, it was truly a beautiful day!

Emily's visit, while totally coincidental, provided the final detail needed for Patrick's plan.  We often talked about a special portrait session with the three of them together; However, when Emily left the area to pursue a new job, the idea was placed on hold.    Now back home, we not only had the chance to pursue the photoshoot, but fully engage Emily as a willing participant in Patrick's plan.

Soon it was time to make our way over to a beautiful little gazebo - the final destination for Patrick's proposal.  All we needed were a few more photo snaps to strategically position Amber for her surprise...

Wait...why are you standing and your Dad is still taking pictures??????

I think Amber's expressions tell the rest of this story!

Congratulations Patrick and Amber and best wishes for a truly wonderful life together!