As the saying goes, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go astray.” Rain has become a symbol of this: it’s a curveball that nature throws our way and it can dampen nearly any mood (literally) or break down any plan we might have had. But that makes it all the more special when something incredible is able to break through the rain.
That’s exactly what happened for this adorable couple’s engagement photo shoot. You might know that Florida tends to have truly epic rainstorms, and the rain that poured down on the day of these two’s engagement was no exception. Not only did the rain make the outdoor atmosphere of the Magic Kingdom a bit less welcoming, but it threw a wrench in the schedule for the day too.
And yet, in spite of everything, this groom-to-be stepped out from under the umbrella, got down on one very wet knee, and made this one of the best days his soon-to-be wife will have in her life. Clearly, it was a good call, because do you see her amazing smile? She couldn’t contain her excitement, and the rainstorm seemed to fade away purely from how bright and joyful she was.
This engagement photo session was actually special for a few other reasons too. First of all, it was planned as a gift for the couple by the groom-to-be’s mom. It was a pleasure to plan it with her, and I can already tell how excited she is to welcome her future daughter-in-law to the family! Second, we received a special extra treat: the ability to get this sweet couple’s daughter in their engagement photos. She might not grasp what’s going on, but in the years to come, I know that she’ll treasure this special day and I’m thrilled that she’ll have these engagement portraits to look back on.
If you’re planning on popping the question at Disney, let me help you chronicle the moment! Contact us here.
We LOVED Emily and Henry’s Magic Kingdom Proposal! They are the sweetest couple. Their families were there to make it even more special. I got this from Henry when we planned the proposal: “The proposed plan is as follows: My sister, Honey, will be taking photos around the park to help promote her new Disney jewelry products that she’s been marketing. As my girlfriend will be taking these photos (likely in front of the castle), my sister will at one point pull out a sign from her pocket/bag that will tell Emily to “turn around”, and at that moment I will be kneeling in behind of Emily with the ring (contained in a box-shaped like the My Adventure Book from the movie Up). At this point is where she will hopefully turn around and the moment can be captured! I’ll say a few words to her and await her answer. “
Read Emily’s story here: I guess we met in 6th grade (at least he knew me then) and we became friends in 7th grade. He’s basically the boy next door since we lived in the same neighborhood and we met on the school bus. I remember it clear as day. My friend and I were sitting together and then another boy came over on the bus and sat on the seat next to us. Henry followed him over and sat next to us as well but didn’t talk much. He was super shy and quiet, and I remember thinking he had huge hair! Us four became the new quartet and always did things together. But as high school started, it became just Henry and I. We became closer and closer by bonding over Manga, talking over AIM messenger, and biking around the neighborhood. The summer before 10th grade started, I definitely considered him my best friend, but I also started to like like him. However, knowing Henry, if anything was going to happen, I was going to have to make the first move. So, I did—I told him I liked him first! He said the same thing and I could say the rest was history, but it wasn’t that easy.
During the summer of 2010, we started dating each other. We didn’t make it public at first, but a lot of people easily caught on to this! Then, we went to separate colleges and even had 5 months apart by a 6-hour time difference when I studied abroad in Copenhagen. We had a lot of trying times together facing different personal and family challenges. However, through it all, we let each other grow and become our own person. I have never felt held back by Henry or tied down to him in a limiting way. I’ve only ever felt supported and unconditionally loved by him. We’ve been together for 11 years and we’ve grown as a couple and as our own independent selves. That is something I’ve always loved about us.
In August of 2020, Henry moved in with me to my apartment in Boston. This was another learning curve but was also a moment we’d both been waiting for for a while. Finally, we didn’t have to say “Goodbye” after a weekend visit together but just a “Goodnight.” After five months of living together we decided to look at engagement rings! The only problem is that I don’t like rings, but I wanted an engagement ring and I wanted something I would love. So naturally, I chose my own ring!
After we bought the ring in February of 2021, I tried to not ask questions or bug Henry too much about the proposal. I mean, I may have shown him dozens of Instagram reel of different proposal videos or watched Say Yes to the Dress in front of him many times. I may have also blatantly told him “You better propose by the end of 2021!” Little did I know he was actually planning the most perfect proposal for months in the happiest place on Earth—Disney World!
Disney holds special meaning to me, and Henry knows this. My parents had their first date and honeymoon there. I’ve been at least 15 times since I was a baby and I absolutely cherish the place. Back in March of 2021, we booked a trip to go there with his family for his sister’s birthday in August. I thought that’s all it was going to be, just a birthday trip. But then my mom got wind of our trip and also booked a trip for her, my dad, and brother to go there the same week as us. However, my mom is known for her spontaneity and I didn’t question it. I was actually kind of worried about both of our families being there and trying to make it clear it wasn’t a “joint” trip because I didn’t want to stress his sister out.
Fast forward to Monday, August 9th, our flight gets canceled, we’re running on three hours of sleep, it’s thundering and starting to lightly rain, and my family gets stuck on The People Mover. I guess these factors explain why Henry seemed to keep falling asleep everywhere we went: the hotel room, the bus to the Magic Kingdom, and under the canopy outside Casey’s Corner. Poor guy was freaking out! Meanwhile, I was just becoming more and more confused as everyone just stopped moving. Then his sister takes me to the Hub Grass and asks me to help her shoot some content for her Etsy shop. She explains to me that she’s going to hold up different signs for her shop and wants me to record it. As I’m recording, I remember giving my brother and mom a look saying, “What is going on?” But then once Honey reveals the sign that says, “Emily Turn Around,” everything froze. I was already crying as I turned around but when I saw Henry on one knee, that’s when the waterworks really started. That’s when I realized that this man planned everything for months and orchestrated the whole thing to have both of our families present for this special moment at one of my favorite places on Earth. I don’t really remember what he said, but I do remember feeling like my heart was going to explode from the love I felt. Then, he surprised me again with a photo shoot!? I was blown away! He honestly made me feel like a real-life Disney princess and I really can’t wait to live out my happily ever after with him. He says he waited 14 years for this proposal, and now we both can’t wait forever.
The phone call came first from Naim’s sister, asking for proposal information for her brother. They had an elaborate plan to take the New Jersey family to Disney’s Magic Kingdom for Naim to propose to his beautiful lady, Elina. The women in the family planned an all-girls trip to Walt Disney World for a few days. Elina had no idea that the rest of the family, including Naim, would be there too.
Courtney and I waited in front of Cinderella Castle for Naim’s sister to take photos. I asked them if they would like some pro photos, I could email them to her. “Sure!” Elina said. After a few shots, I asked Elina if she would also like photos of the whole family? She said, “No, it’s just us.” I said, “Well, what about all the people behind you?!”
At that point, the whole family walked up behind them, including Naim. Elina could not believe her eyes when she saw him there! Then a double surprise as she watched him get down on one knee and ask her to marry him! With lots of tears, Elina said YES! Such a fun couple and photoshoot! Congratulations Elina and Naim!
