A Palace of Monserrate Proposal in Sintra, Portugal

Some love stories take you across town.

Some take you across the world.

About a year ago, Michael and I began quietly planning something extraordinary, a surprise proposal for Sai in the fairytale hills of Sintra, Portugal. What followed was one of the most beautiful, joy-filled, heart-bursting days I’ve ever had the honor of capturing.

From the very beginning, this proposal felt personal.

My husband Will and I have known Michael since before he even met Sai. We’ve seen his world before her and we’ve seen it after, and the difference is light. Sai is truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The night before my own wedding, when emotions were high and details were swirling, she jumped right in to help without hesitation. That’s just who she is, steady, generous, warm. The kind of presence that makes everything softer and brighter.

So when Michael reached out about flying me halfway across the world to photograph the moment he asked her to marry him… there was no question. Of course I would be there.

If you’ve ever been to Lisbon or Sintra, you know it feels like stepping into another world with its winding cobblestone streets, dramatic cliffs, lush greenery climbing over ancient stone walls. But on this particular day, the weather had its own plans.

It rained. And not just a drizzle.

We found ourselves in the heart of what felt like a Portuguese rainforest tucked into the mountains with mist rolling through the trees, raindrops clinging to every leaf, the air thick and alive. Instead of golden sunshine, we had moody skies and soft fog wrapping around us like a secret.

And honestly? It was perfect.

The rain made everything more intimate. Quieter. The world felt hushed, like it was holding its breath with us.

Michael carried a mix of nerves and certainty all week long. He had thought through every detail: the timing, the setting, the way he would position them so Sai could take in the view before turning around to find him on one knee, soaked but smiling.

And when it happened, time slowed.

Sai’s expression shifted from confusion to realization to pure joy in seconds. Hands to her face. Tears blending with rain. Laughter echoing through the trees. The kind of embrace that says, “This is my person. Forever.”

Rain in her hair. Mud on their shoes. Zero hesitation.

It was intimate and emotional and absolutely them.

Photographing proposals is always special. But this wasn’t just any couple. We’ve watched their relationship grow from the very beginning. We’ve seen the way Sai steadies Michael, the way he adores her, the way they choose each other in both big and small ways. Being invited into this moment wasn’t just a professional honor, it was deeply personal.

There’s something incredibly sacred about documenting the start of a new chapter. The shift from “one day” to “we’re doing this.” The beginning of forever.

As we wandered through the misty mountain paths afterward, taking portraits under umbrellas and laughing at how soaked we all were, there was this beautiful mix of celebration and quiet awe. They kept looking at each other and laughing, like they couldn’t quite believe it had just happened.

And honestly? I felt the same way.

People sometimes ask if I travel for proposals or weddings.

The answer is always yes, especially for love like this.

Love that doesn’t wait for perfect weather.

Love that embraces the storm.

Love that feels like home.

Michael and Sai, we love you both more than you know. It was the greatest joy to stand in those rain-soaked mountains and witness the beginning of your next chapter. Thank you for trusting me with such a sacred moment.

Congratulations, you two. 🤍

Here’s to forever.