Words cannot begin to describe how magical this afternoon on a remote beach turned out to be. My friends originally spotted Sydnee and Owen from way across the shore while hunting for rocks. At first our only thought was that we needed to steer clear of their territory because they were clearly looking for agates too. Then came the sudden realization: wait, is he on one knee?!

What are the odds that the only other two people on an empty stretch of coast happened to be standing near two photographers who had been snapping photos of each other all afternoon? We gave them their privacy to soak in the moment. Once they started heading back up the trail, I ran over to congratulate them and offered to take a few portraits right then and there.

I am so grateful for their willingness to take a chance on an excited stranger with a camera. Getting to catch that immediate, joyful glimpse of their love was unforgettable. Their story is written in the stars, and I could not be happier to have played a small part in capturing the start of this next chapter for them. Take a look at some favorites from their spontaneous engagement gallery below!