Confession Time...
Confession…Pretty Woman is my favourite movie (no judgements please). The first scene in Pretty Woman is a party. A guest says “Great Party” to which Danny DiVito responds: “My wife went to a lot of trouble, she called the caterers”. That’s exactly what Matt did to make sure he delivered the most romantic proposal ever. He called the caterers, well Karita from Port Macquarie Picnics & Jodie from Kings Point Ranch. Karita jumped on the blower straight away... Then bam! In seconds more women were involved. Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography & Katie from Bungalow & Co. If you want something done right…ok I’ve decided not to go there.
I figured this was a sign she said yes. This was taken from the bushes about 50m away. Seconds before Matt had been on one knee.
Enter: The Cowboys (Well… Sort Of)
It turns out Matt had only seen a horse up close and personal a few times. But he knew his girl loved her horses so Teneale’s baby boys were always going to be a part of the proposal. Only problem is recently converted cowboy Matt had a few issues loading said stubborn horses onto the float. That’s where Jodie from Kings Point Ranch stepped up. Jodie wasn’t having this proposal fall flat on its arse, so she drove out and loaded the horses herself. With conviction! Nothing was stopping us! Girl power to the rescue!
Enter: The Caterers well Port Macquarie Picnics
Karita from Port Macquarie Picnics spent the days leading up to the big deed sourcing champagne, buying & prepping food, curating picnic props and organising the most stunning bunch of pink roses from Bungalow & Co (Matt wanted yellow, he was overruled, rightly so, this wasn’t a time for no yellow “friendship” roses!). Karita did this all whilst communicating with both me and Jodie from Kings Point Ranch to make sure the day was perfect in every way.
The platter Karita was so worried about on the bumpy ride through the paddocks.
Enter: The Photographer, AKA me...Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography
I like to be Girl Scout prepped for these big moments and I hadn’t heard from Matt until 3pm the day of the proposal. Having not yet met Matt, I could tell within 30 seconds into the call he was stressed. So somehow, he got me off the blower in less than 2 minutes – unheard of. I’d asked him what the sign was he was about to propose so I was ready, he was silent. I suggested he might get down on one knee “Yeah that’s a good idea”. So, our very extensive detailed plan was set in concrete. As I was hanging up, I let Matt know I could ride a horse so if it went pear-shaped I could ride a horse back. I’m certain that was comforting!!!
I love how in shock Teneale was. So beautiful to watch. How lucky am I!
So I Went Rogue… Obviously
After talking to a stressed Matt, I figured it was best to go rouge and just make a plan myself. Matt was going to be happy with whatever he fronted up to. I took it upon myself to pack my camera bag and add a few little props for some fun photos. Love heart sunnies, cheap champagne to spray and a handmade sign I’d made at circa 4pm...One piece of cardboard read “She Said…” and the other was reversable, one side saying “Yes” the other “No”. Because, why be dull when prepping props!
I love a good spray of champagne!
The Ferry, The Horses & The “KEEP DRIVING!” Moment
Karita and I carpooled for the ferry ride over to Kings Point Ranch. We arrived and our soon to be engaged couple was on horseback right where we had to drive past. FARK! In a panic I told Karita to keep driving! With conviction. Like we knew where we were going. We hid out in the car behind the main homestead and soon enough Jodie from Kings Point Ranch came flying over in a buggy to our rescue. Jodie was stressed (like all of us) and told us to “follow her”, she had a ‘riding lesson’ to get back to. Then, she drove like the speed of light through the undulating (ok bloody bumpy) paddocks to the gorgeous picnic spot on the river. Karita and I were bouncing around in her not so off-road car in stitches. Each bump Karita yelled “Oh no the grazing board”, “The grazing board”, “Oh jolly NO the grazing board”…meanwhile I laughed so hard I nearly peed myself.
What a ring!
Hiding in the Bushes Like Two Unhinged Sheila’s
Then we set up the most stunning picnic by the water, hid the car out of the way, placed my camera bag in the bushes and found a place for us to hide ‘completely’ camouflaged. Matt later told us he could see us, but Teneale was none the wiser. Before they arrived on horseback Karita and I were carrying on like pork chops in the bushes. We were having such a laugh and then Karita spotted them in the distance. Suddenly silence. Heart rates on fire! This was IT! We were ON!
We managed to stay hidden (from Teneale) the whole time (you don’t want her on your side in a war zone). My long lens, 70-200mm f2.8 worked a treat. I photographed the proposal from about 50 metres away. Teneale cried, and was genuinely in shock! It was so, so, so beautiful to watch! Nothing posed. Just genuine heart felt love. We all deserve a genuine shot at this kind of happiness!
Stealth hiding moves from Karita of the Port Macquarie Picnic's fame.
SHE SAID YES!
They hugged and kissed, again and again! Before there was any chance of too much friskiness I yelled “What did she say”…a shocked Teneale bent over doubled in laughter. It’s fair to say SHE SAID YES! And who wouldn’t with that level of perfection for a proposal, note, Matt called the caterers and so should you!
