It was a cold (for San Diego) December Evening, and I was meeting Grey who was about to propose to his girlfriend, Rachel, of 5 years. His plan was to take to take her to Balboa Park and see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, then propose to her outside the Old Globe Theater after the show. As I was driving to meet him and prepare the game plan of how he would propose and I would capture the moment, I realized I could call in some favors and take this to the next level.
I quickly contacted my dear friend Nicole, who is also one of my very first brides when I started my photography business. I told her about Grey’s plan to propose after the show and I wanted to see if she could help me…and she did! She put me in contact with another groom I had the pleasure of working with on his wedding day, Jeremy. Jeremy helped me come up with an amazing plan for Grey.
On that cold Monday, Grey walked up, shook my hand and we started talking about how he planned to propose outside. I then said to him, “If the sky were the limit, what would the perfect proposal be for you?” He paused in thought, so I pulled out all the stops; “what if you could propose on stage after the show ended?” A look of pure excitement came across his face, and I knew we were going to create an unforgettable surprise proposal with the help of the Grinch, the Globe, and good people.
Grey and Rachel met at college in North Carolina. He was from San Diego and she hailed from Denver. It was in history class when Grey caught Rachel’s eye, or more specifically, his sweatpants did, which were emblazoned with the word “DENVER.” After that they became friends, then a couple. After they graduated college in North Carolina, Grey and Rachel moved back to San Diego. Rachel studied for her RN in physical therapy. Upon graduating college in San Diego, Rachel decided it was finally time to move back to Denver to be closer to family. She had been back to Denver for a month and was coming to visit Grey for the holidays. While she was gone for that month, Grey planned every moment of proposing to her (including asking her father for his blessing), and preparing to make the big move to start his amazing new life with Rachel in Denver,
That Thursday had arrived and as soon as the show let out, I snuck into the theater to hide in the sound booth. Grey told Rachel he arranged a private stage tour after the show and they waited in the lobby for everyone to clear out. Once the theater was empty, Jeremy met up with Grey and Rachel to start their tour of the Old Globe. While they made their way on the stage, I slowly started making my way through the seats to get into place. Jeremy walked them over to the Grinch’s cage, stage right and then walked away. At that moment Grey tapped on Rachel’s shoulder, got onto one knee and proposed to her. She was so excited. She said yes, and threw her arms around him for loving hug and kiss! I wouldn’t say the Grinch’s heart grew another few sizes that evening...but I know mine did.
After their tour of the Old Globe, we had the opportunity to walk around Balboa Park and get some great evening photographs with Grey and Rachel and the holiday lights and festive atmosphere. It was such a fun experience and I am honored that I could capture their moment. I wish you all the best and an exciting journey to Denver, and the next stage of your lives!
I also want to give a special thanks to the Old Globe, Jeremy Nelson, Nicole Rios, and Mary for helping us make this happen. You are amazing people!
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