It was the wettest day Dunedin had seen in a loooong time. After absolutely stunning weather the day before, the heavens opened, and the rain arrived in epic proportions. But there was NOTHING that was going to stop the plans that one boy had that day.
My heart was beating with a mix of excitement and nerves from the moment I woke up that morning. Some sweet kiwi ingenuity was necessary to keep our gear somewhat dry, and we put on our jackets and made our way through the botanic gardens. We searched for some sneaky trees, and each found our hiding places. And then we waited. And waited. And got a little sopping wet... annnnd looked like absolute stalkers hiding in the bushes with giant cameras. But that didn't matter. It was a big day for our awesome friends, and we felt hugely privileged to be a part of it!
My heart was beating with a mix of excitement and nerves from the moment I woke up that morning. Some sweet kiwi ingenuity was necessary to keep our gear somewhat dry, and we put on our jackets and made our way through the botanic gardens. We searched for some sneaky trees, and each found our hiding places. And then we waited. And waited. And got a little sopping wet... annnnd looked like absolute stalkers hiding in the bushes with giant cameras. But that didn't matter. It was a big day for our awesome friends, and we felt hugely privileged to be a part of it!
Is it ok to lie when there needs to be some serious convincing to get a girl out of her warm car, and get her walking through the gardens in the pooouring rain? I won't tell you the marvellous plan Ollie conjured... but after a few secret texts, and an exquisitely planned and timed phone call, Ollie managed to convince Chu that she needed to come with him. She was none the wiser about what was about to happen.
We first spotted their umbrella bobbing up and down as they walked through the pathways, and we could see Chu trying to tell Ollie over and over that he was going the wrong way! He's a pretty smooth talker though, and he got her right where he wanted her... on a beautiful bridge, nestled amongst the incredibly gorgeous colours of autumn! And then with spine-tingling romance and the all-necessary element of surprise, it all happened...
We first spotted their umbrella bobbing up and down as they walked through the pathways, and we could see Chu trying to tell Ollie over and over that he was going the wrong way! He's a pretty smooth talker though, and he got her right where he wanted her... on a beautiful bridge, nestled amongst the incredibly gorgeous colours of autumn! And then with spine-tingling romance and the all-necessary element of surprise, it all happened...
I think that's a yes!!!
Through the laughter and tears and all the hugely exciting emotions, we forgot about the rain briefly! It just got heavier and heavier though, and by then we were all pretty drenched... so we ran inside the tropical greenhouse for a couple quick celebratory photos!
Ahhhh so exciting!!!
Soooo happy for you Ollie and Chu - to capture something as incredible as a proposal was definitely a major privilege and a highlight... THANK YOU for inviting us into this incredibly beautiful and personal moment!! I'm SO glad you pulled it all off, and that we didn't accidentally sneeze or something to ruin the surprise!
We cannot WAIT to photograph your wedding next year - you are an amazing couple and we know your big day is going to be so awesome. Chu, you are going to be a gorgeous bride! Have fun planning!! :)
We cannot WAIT to photograph your wedding next year - you are an amazing couple and we know your big day is going to be so awesome. Chu, you are going to be a gorgeous bride! Have fun planning!! :)
